The effect of ultralow-dose transdermal estradiol on sexual function in postmenopausal women

Objective This study was undertaken to examine the effect of ultralow-dose transdermal estradiol on sexual function in postmenopausal women. Study Design Analysis of data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a 0.014 mg/day transdermal estradiol patch in 417 women aged 60 to 80 years. Sexual function was assessed by self-administered questionnaires at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 months. A linear effects model was used to assess treatment effects using data from all on-study assessments. Results Women randomly assigned to estradiol had a 4.3 point greater improvement in the vaginal pain/dryness domain relative to placebo (95% CI=0.3-8.4, P = .04). No significant differences in frequency of sexual activity or other sexual function domains (desire, satisfaction, problems, or orgasm) were observed between treatment groups ( P ≥ .10 for all). Conclusions Ultralow-dose estradiol resulted in modest improvement in sexual function related to vaginal pain and dryness, but not in other domains of sexual function.