A comparison of the effects of sequential transdermal versus continuous orally administered hormone replacement therapies on plasma total homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Objective: The objective was to determine the effects of transdermal and oral hormone replacement therapies on plasma total homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women.

Material And Methods: One hundred and ten postmenopausal patients were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomized into three groups: in Group A (n = 31) oral continuous combined therapy and in Group B (n = 30) transdermal sequential hormone replacement therapy were given for 6 months. A placebo was administered orally to the control group (Group C, n = 30). Serum homocysteine levels were studied prior to and after 6 months of treatment in all groups.

Results: There were no statistical significant differences in mean serum homocysteine levels among the groups prior to the study. The mean homocysteine levels after 6 months in Groups A-C were also similar.

Conclusions: Serum homocysteine levels alter with neither oral continuous nor sequential transdermal hormone replacement therapy.