17ß estradiol / norethisterone acetate and estradiol valerate / norgestrel therapies in patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding: The effects on estrogen and progesterone receptor levels and clinical response

To compare estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels before and after estradiol valerate/norgestrel or 17ß estradiol/norethisterone acetate therapy in dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and to examine the clinical response to these therapies. The study was performed with 60 patients diagnosed with DUB. Patients were divided into two groups. One was given 17ß estradiol / norethisterone acetate (group A) and the other estradiol valerate / norgestrel (group B). Pre- and post-treatment clinical parameters and ER and PR levels were measured. Changes in ER levels following treatment were significant in both groups, while the change in PR levels was significant in the group B (p<0.05). Compared to the pre-treatment levels, an increase in hemoglobin-hematocrit values, decreased endometrial thickness and prolongation of menstrual cycle were observed in both groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, pre- and post-treatment bleeding was significantly shorter in group A (p<0.05). Clinical responses obtained with hormonal preparates in the treatment of DUB are associated with decreases in ER and PR levels. A correlation can be established between determination of receptor level at the begining of treatment and clinical response.