Continuous hormone replacement therapy with estradiol valerate and chlormadinone acetate in adjustable dosages. A preliminary study.

A group of 62 peri- and postmenopausal women suffering from vasomotor disturbances and a variety of other symptoms were treated with estradiol valerate and chlormadinone acetate continuously using an adjustable dosage regimen. They obtained complete relief from vasomotor symptoms. The continuation rate was 81% after 1 year. In 18 patients the dose had to be adjusted because of breakthrough bleeding (n = 12), mastodynia (n = 3), and for the prevention of bone loss. In 11/12 patients breakthrough bleeding could be stopped by adjusting the dosage. This regimen seems to offer a more flexible approach to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the postmenopause than presently available combined preparations for continuous use.