Research
Galazios George1, Kalamara Eleni2, Galaziou Aspasia2, Tsikouras Panagiotis1, Liberis Vasileios1, Kolios George2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece
2Laboratory of Pharmacology, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece
Correspondence: Galazios George, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Dragana, GR – 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece, E – mail: ggalaz@med.duth.gr
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate the beneficial effects of drospirenone/estradiol combination in postmenopausal women, concerning the improvement of quality of life. Materials and Methods: Sixty one women took part in a non-comparative follow – up study after consent. They were up to one year menopausal, presented climasteric symptoms, had intact uterus and no contraindications. A drospirenone (2mg) and estradiol (1mg) combination (hormone replacement therapy, HRT) was given to all of them. Women had a follow up at 3 and 6 months after
inclusion. The main outcome of the study was quality of life, assessed by means of women’s health questionnaire (WHQ). WHQ’s factors were compared through different time points using non – parametric Friedman’s test for paired samples. Categorical data were compared using McNemar’s test. Results: Response rate for the WHQ was 100% at baseline and 3 months and 97% at the 6 months visit. According to patients and physicians, tolerability and therapeutic success of HRT was excellent for all (n=61) and almost all (n=60) women, respectively. Most common symptoms were headache, breast tenderness and vertigo in either mild or moderate form. All symptoms were reduced at the 2nd and disappeared completely at the 3rd visit. All WHQ factors scores, but not attractiveness, showed a statistically significant reduction (better QoL) between baseline and 3 and 6 months after. Anxiety symptoms and vasomotor symptoms scores were constant and equal to zero after 6 months. Conclusions: The intake of the HRT containing drospirenone/ estradiol combination is associated with a significant improvement of general quality of life.
Keywords: menopause, drospirenone/estradiol, hormone replacement therapy, quality of life
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