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Historical perspective| Volume 3, ISSUE 2, P167-172, August 1981

Effect of megestrol acetate on flushing and bone metabolism in post-menopausal women

  • Yohanan Erlik
    Affiliations
    Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, U.S.A.
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  • David R. Meldrum
    Correspondence
    Address for reprint requests: David R. Meldrum, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 900024, U.S.A.
    Affiliations
    Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, U.S.A.
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  • Leo D. Lagasse
    Affiliations
    Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, U.S.A.
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  • Howard L. Judd
    Affiliations
    Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, U.S.A.
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DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-5122(81)90008-6
Effect of megestrol acetate on flushing and bone metabolism in post-menopausal women
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      Abstract

      To avoid the risks of oestrogen therapy in post-menopausal women, we have examined the effects of a progestin, megestrol acetate (MA), on hot flushes and bone metabolism. Ten normal post-menopausal women were studied before and after the oral administration of 20, 40 and 80 mg of MA daily for 4 wk at each dose level. Finger temperature and skin resistance were recorded for 8 h as objective indices of flushing and perspiration, respectively. The fasting ratios of urinary calcium: creatinine (Ca/Cr) and hydroxyproline: creatinine (OHPr/Cr) were used as indices of bone resorption. A reduction (P < 0.01) of flushing episodes was noted on all dose levels of MA, with 56, 11,6 and 1 flushes occurring on 0, 20, 40 and 80 mg of medication. A decrease (P < 0.05) of Ca/Cr was noted only with 80 mg of MA, whereas OHPr/Cr remained unchanged. We conclude that progestin therapy may provide an alternative mode of treatment for post-menopausal hot flushes. Definitive demonstration of an effect on post-menopausal bone resorption will require a long-term study of bone density.

      Keywords

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      Article info

      Publication history

      Accepted: April 15, 1981
      Received: March 11, 1981

      Footnotes

      ☆This study was supported by U.S.P.H.S. Grants CA-23093 and RR-00865.

      Identification

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-5122(81)90008-6

      Copyright

      © 1981 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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