Influence of route of 17β-oestradiol administration and type of gestagen used on plasma glucose and insulin concentration in postmenopausal women

Aim: Comparison of the influence of transdermal and oral route of 17β-oestradiol administration and type of gestagen on plasma glucose and insulin concentration in postmenopausal women.
Materials and methods: 62 women were enrolled in the study. Group A – 25 women received transdermal 17β-oestradiol (Oesclim 50 – Fournier-Solvay) combined with 5 mg oral dydrogesterone daily (Duphaston – Solvay). Group B – 10 women received oral 17β-oestradiol combined with 10 mg of dydrogesterone daily administration (Femoston-Solvay). Group C – 17 women received transdermal 17β-oestradiol (Oesclim 50 – Fournier-Solvay) combined with 5 mg daily oral medroxyprogesterone (Gestomikron – Adamed). Group D – 10 women without treatment. Basic plasma FSH, oestradiol, glucose and insulin as well as glucose and insulin at the 60th minute of OGTT were measured initially and at the 6th and 12th month of the study.
Results: The mean plasma glucose level during OGTT was reduced after 12 months of replacement therapy in group A. Mean plasma fasting glucose was reduced also after 12 months of oral replacement therapy in group B. The mean plasma fasting and glucose stimulated insulin concentrations were higher after 12 months of replacement therapy in group C. No changes in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were observed in control group D.
Conclusion: Administration of hormone replacement therapy may influence the metabolism of glucose and insulin in postmenopausal women according to the type of gestagen applied.