ECE2011 Poster Presentations Pituitary (111 abstracts)
Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
Background: Estrogen replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for postmenopausal (PMP) flushing, but its use is often contraindicated. An effective and safe alternative is urgently needed.
Aim: To explore the effects of the LHRH receptor antagonist cetrorelix in women with severe PMP flushing who have a mean daily flush score >15.
Methods: Open-label treatment with cetrorelix 250 μg twice a day in nine women with severe PMP flushing, for a period of 46 weeks. The response to treatment was evaluated by monitoring serum gonadotropin levels, flush scores, and quality of life.
Results: At baseline, the mean daily flush score was 35.9±2.0 (range 2944). All subjects demonstrated a decrease in serum LH and FSH during treatment, but premenopausal levels of both gonadotropins were reached in only two subjects. The mean daily flush score decreased by 39.6±8.4% (P<0.005).
Conclusion: Severe PMP flushing can be reduced by LHRH receptor blockade. The data suggest that a longer treatment period is required to capture the maximal effect.