Aim: The evaluation of the influence of continuous transdermal estradiol supplementation combined with oral medroxyprogesterone on the somatotropic axis in postmenopausal women.
Material and methods: 25 women completed the study Group A--13 women received transdermal 17beta-estradiol (Oesclim 50 - Fournier-Solvay) combined with oral 5 mg daily medroxyprogesterone (Gestomikron - Adamed). Group B--12 women without treatment. Basic plasma FSH, estradiol, glucose, insulin, SHBG, hGH, total and free IGF-I, IGFBP-1 as well as IGFBP-3 were measured initially and at the 12th and 24th week of the study.
Results: The mean plasma FSH level was reduced and mean plasma estradiol level was increased in group A during estradiol supplementation. Mean plasma level of free IGF-I and free to total IGF-I ratio were increased in group A during 24 weeks of hormone therapy. In the control group (group B) there was the significant increase in mean plasma IGFBP-3 level. Other parameters showed no significant changes in the control group.
Conclusion: The administration of transdermal 17beta-estradiol combined with oral medroxyprogesterone increases the IGF-I bioavailability. However this influence do not exceed the physiologial level of IGF-I bioavailability.