Efficacy and safety of low, standard, and high dosages of an estradiol transdermal system (Esclim) compared with placebo on vasomotor symptoms in highly symptomatic menopausal patients. The Esclim Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3 dosages of Esclim, delivering 0.025 mg, 0.050 mg, or 0.100 mg 17beta-estradiol per 24 hours, in the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial, 196 highly symptomatic menopausal women received 12 weeks of continuous unopposed treatment with 1 of the 3 dosages of Esclim or a matching placebo patch.

RESULTS: The reduction in frequency of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms was statistically significant compared with placebo (P <.05) from week 2 onward in the Esclim 50 and 100 groups and from week 3 onward in the Esclim 25 group. Symptom severity was also reduced. Estrogen-related adverse events, particularly metrorrhagia and endometrial hyperplasia, were less frequent in the Esclim 25 group than in the higher-dosage groups.

CONCLUSION: All 3 dosages of Esclim were effective in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms. The efficacy and safety of Esclim 25 indicate a good risk-benefit ratio.