Drospirenone/Estradiol

To compare the clinical and metabolic effects of drospirenone-estradiol (Angeliq) versus tibolone (Livial) in postmenopausal women.

Twenty-seven postmenopausal women of group 1 took Angeliq (1 dose every two days) while another group 2 (n = 26) received tibolone (2.5 mg every two days) as hormone replacement therapy for 12 weeks. A retrospective analysis was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety and risk factors of cardiovascular metabolism. The clinical data were collected before and after treatment, including personal interview, medical examination and ultrasound imaging of pelvic, breast and carotid artery.

No statistically significant inter-group differences existed in age or body mass index. Before treatment, the level of E2 was (12 ± 10) ng/L, triglyceride (TG) (2.0 ± 1.1) mmol/L, lipoprotein-a (LPa) (47 ± 43) mmol/L in group 1 versus (23 ± 12) ng/L, (1.3 ± 0.7) mmol/L and (28 ± 14) mmol/L in group 2. After 12-week treatment, (30 ± 18) ng/L, (1.6 ± 1.1) mmol/L and (37 ± 36) mmol/L in group 1 versus (23 ± 9) ng/L, (1.1 ± 0.6) mmol/L and (18 ± 12) mmol/L in group 2. A greater incidence of vaginal bleeding and thicker endometrium were found in group 1.

Angeliq can relieve menopausal symptoms. And its functions of regulating lipid metabolism and protecting cardiovascular system are better than those of Livial. However, its wider acceptability is limited by vaginal bleeding, thicker endometrium and breast pain.

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