The effect of menopausal status and sequential mestranol and norethisterone on serum biochemical profiles

A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study into the effect of sequential mestranol and norethisterone on climacteric symptoms and biochemical parameters

A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study into the effect of graded sequential mestranol and norethisterone on climacteric symptoms was performed. The study group consisted of 23 post-menopausal women who had previously undergone hysterectomy. Active therapy resulted in a significant reduction in hot flushes and night sweats. There was a slight improvement in insomnia, lack of energy and confidence but the other symptoms were not significantly altered. A small placebo effect was noted but this was only significant 1 mth after active treatment had been discontinued in the group of women receiving placebo second. Active treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in serum sodium, calcium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol, and increase in serum triglycerides, but no alteration in the other biochemical parameters, weight or blood pressure.

A randomized double-blind cross-over trial into the effect of norethisterone on climacteric symptoms and biochemical profiles

A randomized double-blind cross-over study into the effect of northisterone on climacteric symptoms was performed on 23 postmenopausal women. Active therapy resulted in a significant reduction in the number and severity of hot flushes and night sweats. There was also a slight improvement in memory, insomnia and lack of energy but the other climacteric symptoms were not consistently altered. Side effects were minimal. There was a significant reduction in serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. There was a variable effect on serum creatinine and urea but there was no significant alteration in the other biochemical profiles, liver-function tests, weight or blood pressure.