The effect of transdermal estradiol on the conjunctiva in postmenopausal women

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hormonal replacement therapy on the conjunctiva in postmenopausal women. Study design: A prospective clinical study in the setting of a tertiary-care university hospital. Eleven postmenopausal women received hormonal replacement therapy (transdermal estradiol or transdermal estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate) for 4 months. Serum estradiol levels as well as vaginal and conjunctival maturation value (a cytological parameter) were measured before and after the treatment. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-Rank test. Results: A significant increase of serum estradiol levels ( P < 0.01) and of vaginal maturation value ( P < 0.01) were found. Cytological maturation changes in conjunctival epithelium were also observed. These changes, although mild, were statistically significant ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: These data support the view that the hormonal replacement therapy induces cytological maturation changes in conjunctival epithelium in postmenopausal women.