Estradiol topical emulsion for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause

Abstract

A novel micellar, nanoparticle emulsion containing 17β-estradiol is currently available as a daily topical treatment for moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Applied daily to the lower extremities, the emulsion delivers 0.05 mg estradiol systemically and provides an 85% reduction in hot flash frequency versus baseline by 12 weeks of therapy. When specifically surveyed, most patients felt that this cosmetic-like delivery system was convenient and preferable to transdermal patches. Local skin reactions, all mild, were seen in 4%, and there was a low incidence of side effects that included breast pain, endometrial thickening and headache. Contraindications include those common to all estrogen-containing therapies. This formulation provides patients with a cosmetic-like treatment option that is effective and safe, delivers stable systemic estradiol levels, and may promote overall treatment compliance. © 2007 Future Medicine Ltd.