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.