The effects of hormone replacement therapy on uterine fibroids in postmenopausal women.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of two different modalities of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the size of uterine fibroids.

Design: Randomized clinical study.

Setting: The Menopause Center of a public hospital.

Patients: Postmenopausal women with small asymptomatic uterine fibroids were selected.

Interventions: One group was treated with 50 micrograms transdermal E2 plus 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) continuously, whereas the second group was given 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen plus 2.5 mg MPA continuously.

Main Outcome Measure: The size of the uterine fibroids was measured before and after the first year of HRT.

Results: At the end of the first year on HRT, the size of the uterine fibroids was re-evaluated sonographically and no significant difference was found with the oral group, whereas there was a significant increase in the transdermal group.

Conclusion: Hormone replacement therapy with 50 micrograms transdermal E2 plus 5 mg MPA increases the size of the uterine fibroids.