Effect of transdermal oestradiol on the haemostatic balance of menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of transdermal oestrogen replacement therapy on the haemostatic balance of menopausal women.

DESIGN

Open, parallel group, prospective study.

SETTING

Three hospital-based menopause clinics.

SUBJECTS

Fifty-two postmenopausal women receiving transdermal hormone replacement therapy (Estrapak 50) for 6 months. Comparison group of 48 untreated postmenopausal women studied in parallel.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in platelet number, plasma concentrations of coagulation factors and their natural inhibitors, fibrinolytic activity, and rheological parameters.

RESULTS

Estrapak 50 had no significant thrombophilic effect on any of the outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

The haemostatic balance and thus the risk of thrombosis would not appear to be upset by this dose of transdermal oestrogen.