Pilot Study: Absorption and Efficacy of Multiple Hormones Delivered in a Single Cream Applied to the Mucous Membranes of the Labia and Vagina

Vol. 66, No. 2, 2008

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Original Article

Pilot Study: Absorption and Efficacy of Multiple Hormones Delivered in a Single Cream Applied to the Mucous Membranes of the Labia and Vagina
Rebecca L. Glaser^a, David T. Zava^b, Doug Wurtzbacher^c

^aMillennium Wellness Center, Dayton, Ohio,
^bZRT Laboratory, Beaverton, Oreg., and
^cMedicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Dayton, Ohio, USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Gynecol Obstet Invest 2008;66:111-118 (DOI: 10.1159/000128599)

Key Words

Gonadal steroid hormones
Absorption
Vaginal creams
Estradiol
Estriol
Testosterone
Progesterone

Abstract

Background/Aims: There is a lack of evidence in the literature supporting vaginal application of a combination hormone-containing cream for local and systemic symptom relief. This pilot study examined the extent of absorption of a single cream containing estriol, estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. Methods: A combination cream was administered to 12 postmenopausal women in two differing doses over two independent time periods. Following 28 days (arm 1) and an additional 14 days (arm 2), measurement of hormones in saliva and blood and measurements of symptom relief, patient tolerability, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were obtained. Results: The dosage and time of evaluation for study arm 1 was not ideal for providing documented increases in hormone levels. HRQoL measurements supported measured improvement in this arm. The second arm did document absorption of the various hormones when given vaginally. Conclusion: This study is the first documenting systemic absorption of multiple hormones by both saliva and blood as well as improvement of HRQoL. This therapy was generally well-tolerated with only 2 patients experiencing minor irritation, not necessitating discontinuation. Additional studies in larger numbers of patients will provide better knowledge for clinicians wanting to provide similar therapy at the lowest effective dose.

Author Contacts

Rebecca L. Glaser, MD, FACS
Millennium Wellness Center
7740 Washington Village Drive, Suite 110
Dayton, OH 45459 (USA)
Tel. +1 937 436 9821, Fax +1 937 436 9827, E-Mail rglaser@woh.rr.com

Article Information

Received: August 28, 2006
Accepted after revision: January 14, 2008
Published online: April 29, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 7, Number of References : 61

Medline Abstract (ID 18446040)

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