INTRODUCTION: Menopausal hormone therapy slows bone turnover and reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures. The objective of this post hoc analysis was to evaluate bone turnover markers (BTM) in the phase 3 REPLENISH trial, which evaluated vasomotor symptoms (VMS) with an oral estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4) in postmenopausal women with a uterus. METHODS: Eligible women for this analysis had ≥50 moderate to severe VMS/week, <5 years since last menstrual period, and BTM measurements at baseline, and months 6 and 12. Percent changes for 3 BTM (bone specific alkaline phosphatase [BSAP], C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX-1], and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen [PINP]) assessed by immunoassay methods were evaluated from baseline to months 6 and 12 for the 1/100, 0.5/100 and placebo groups. RESULTS: A total of 157 women (40-61 years, 69% white) were analyzed (56 for each 1/100 and 0.5/100; 45 for placebo). Mean baseline values ranged from 14.0-14.3 U/L for BSAP, 0.34-0.39 ng/mL for CTX-1, and 76.9-79.3 ng/mL for PINP. Mean differences in percent change from baseline versus placebo significantly decreased with both E2/P4 doses for all 3 BTM at months 6 and 12. Mean differences from placebo for E2/P4 at months 6/12 ranged from -8.1% to -17.8% for BSAP (all, P≤0.02), -30% to -41% for CTX-1 (all, P≤0.001), and -14% to -29% for PINP (all, P≤0.007). CONCLUSION: REPLENISH data provide support for a potential skeletal benefit of E2/P4 when used for the treatment of moderate to severe VMS.

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinically meaningful effect of oral TX-001HR (17β-estradiol [E2]/progesterone [P4]) capsules on hot flushes severity (vasomotor symptoms [VMS] severity scale) using the patient-reported Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Methods: REPLENISH (NCT01942668) was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial that evaluated TX-001HR in postmenopausal women (40-65 y) with a uterus. Those with frequent moderate to severe hot flushes (≥7/d or ≥50/wk) were randomized in a VMS substudy to daily E2/P4 (1/100, 0.5/100, 0.5/50, or 0.25/50 mg/mg), or placebo. Patients rated VMS severity from 1 (mild) to 3 (severe) and symptom improvements with the CGI. CGI results were an anchor in a nonparametric discriminant analysis to define clinically important differences (CIDs) and minimal CID in VMS severity at weeks 4 and 12. Results: In the VMS substudy (n = 726), determined CID and minimal CID severity thresholds were reductions of 0.525 and 0.350 points at week 4, respectively, and 0.775 and 0.225 points at week 12. Significantly more women taking the two highest E2/P4 doses (1/100 and 0.5/100) versus placebo met CID severity thresholds at weeks 4 (40% and 44% vs 17%; P < 0.05) and 12 (56% and 48% vs 29%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: REPLENISH trial data demonstrated that E2/P4 1/100 and 0.5/100 provided clinically meaningful improvements in hot flushes severity in postmenopausal women. In conjunction with previously demonstrated clinically meaningful VMS frequency improvements, these data support oral E2/P4 1/100 and 0.5/100 for postmenopausal women with a uterus seeking treatment for moderate to severe VMS.

Abstract Menopausal hormone therapy slows bone turnover and reduces the risk of osteoporotic fractures. The objective of this post hoc analysis was to evaluate bone turnover markers (BTM) in the phase 3 REPLENISH trial, which evaluated vasomotor symptoms (VMS) with an oral estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4) in postmenopausal women with a uterus. Eligible women for this analysis had ≥50 moderate to severe VMS/week, <5 years since last menstrual period, and BTM measurements at baseline, and months 6 and 12. Percent changes for 3 BTM (bone specific alkaline phosphatase [BSAP], C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX-1], and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen [PINP]) assessed by immunoassay methods were evaluated from baseline to months 6 and 12 for the 1/100, 0.5/100 and placebo groups. A total of 157 women (40–61 years, 69% White) were analyzed (56 for each 1/100 and 0.5/100; 45 for placebo). Mean baseline values ranged from 14.0–14.3 U/L for BSAP, 0.34–0.39 ng/mL for CTX-1, and 76.9–79.3 ng/mL for PINP. Mean differences in percent change from baseline versus placebo significantly decreased with both E2/P4 doses for all 3 BTM at months 6 and 12. Mean differences from placebo for E2/P4 at months 6/12 ranged from -8.1% to -17.8% for BSAP (all, P≤0.02), -30% to -41% for CTX-1 (all, P≤0.001), and -14% to -29% for PINP (all, P≤0.007). REPLENISH data provide support for a potential skeletal benefit of E2/P4 when used for the treatment of moderate to severe VMS.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of female sex hormones on the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 patients using national claims data. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment data of 5,061 adult patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 in South Korea from January 20 to April 8, 2020. To evaluate the effect of hormone therapy on clinical outcomes among women, subgroup analyses using age-matched case-control data were performed. Results: Coronavirus disease 2019 was most prevalent in women in the 20-39 years age group (1,250 [44.14%]). Men were more likely to receive oxygen therapy (144 [6.46%] vs 131 [4.63%], P = 0.004), be admitted to the intensive care unit (60 [2.69%] vs 53 [1.87%], P = 0.049), and have a longer length of stay after admission to the intensive care unit (19.70 +/- 11.80 vs 14.75 +/- 9.23, P = 0.016). However, there was no significant difference in the mortality rate (men vs women: 42 [1.88%] vs 42 [1.48%], P = 0.267). In the multivariable Cox analysis, older age and underlying comorbidities, but not sex, were independent risk factors for mortality. Hormone therapy was not significantly associated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions: This study, using nationwide data, suggests that female sex hormones are not associated with the morbidity and clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 in South Korea.

Abstract Objective: To examine responder rates and vasomotor symptom-free days with oral 17β-estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4; TX-001HR) versus placebo in the REPLENISH trial. Methods: REPLENISH (NCT01942668) was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, evaluating single, oral, softgel E2/P4 capsules in postmenopausal women (40-65 y) with a uterus and vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Women with moderate to severe hot flushes (≥7/d or ≥50/wk) were randomized (VMS substudy) to daily E2/P4 (mg/mg) of 1/100, 0.5/100, 0.5/50, 0.25/50, or placebo. Proportions of women with ≥50% or ≥75% reductions in moderate to severe VMS (responders), and those with no severe VMS as well as the weekly number of days without moderate to severe VMS with TX-001HR versus placebo were determined. Mixed model repeated measures was used to analyze data and Fisher exact test was employed to compare E2/P4 versus placebo. Results: Seven hundred twenty-six women were eligible for the VMS efficacy analysis (E2/P4 1/100 [n = 141], 0.5/100 [n = 149], 0.5/50 [n = 147], 0.25/50 [n = 154], or placebo [n = 135]). Significantly more women treated with all E2/P4 doses versus placebo were ≥50% responders and ≥75% responders at weeks 4 and 12 (P < 0.05) and also had significantly more days per week without moderate to severe VMS at week 12 (1.9-3.0 d for E2/P4 versus 1.3 d for placebo; P < 0.05). The proportion of women without severe hot flushes at week 12 was 43% to 56% for all E2/P4 doses versus 26% for placebo (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Women treated with E2/P4 had a greater response to treatment with more VMS-free days than with placebo. The E2/P4 1/100 dose (Bijuva [E2 and P4] capsules) represents an oral treatment option for postmenopausal women with moderate to severe VMS and a uterus.

Abstract Hormonal therapies effectively reduce the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in menopausal women; however, whether the effect is clinically meaningful to women is typically not determined. Oral estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4; mg/mg) 1/100 and 0.5/100 significantly improved moderate to severe VMS versus placebo at weeks 4 and 12. The objective of these analyses was to determine the clinical importance (meaningfulness) of E2/P4 treatment versus placebo in menopausal women. REPLENISH, a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, evaluated the safety and efficacy of E2/P4 oral capsules in symptomatic, postmenopausal women with a uterus. Clinically meaningful reductions in weekly VMS frequency were determined using 3 patient-reported outcomes as anchors (VMS severity score, clinical global impression [CGI], and question 1 from the vasomotor domain of the menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire). The proportion of women who had a clinically important response with 0.5/100 was compared with placebo using the Fisher’s exact test. Spearman correlations were also performed across the 3 anchors. Clinically meaningful reductions in weekly VMS frequency ranged from 32 to 43 at week 4, and from 32 to 48 at week 12. Significantly more responders were observed with 0.5/100 than with placebo for all 3 anchors at both weeks 4 (all, P<0.05) and 12 (all, P≤0.002). All 3 anchors were correlated, supporting their acceptability as appropriate anchors. Treatment with E2/P4 0.5/100 provided consistent clinically meaningful improvements in the weekly frequency of moderate to severe VMS in menopausal women, similar to what has been observed with the CGI-anchor for E2/P4 1/100.

Objectives: To critically evaluate published systemic estradiol levels during use of low-dose vaginal estrogens considering detection method and estrogen dose; describe challenges with accurately measuring estradiol; and determine the normal estradiol level range in postmenopausal women. Methods: PubMed was searched for studies reporting systemic estradiol levels with lower-dose vaginal estrogens (<= 25 mu g estradiol or 0.3 mg conjugated equine estrogens). Estradiol levels at baseline and during treatment, area under the curve, and maximum estradiol concentrations were summarized by dose within assay type. A proposed range of systemic estradiol in normal, untreated, postmenopausal women was estimated by conservatively pooling means and standard deviations from published studies. Results: Mean basal estradiol levels were 3.1 to 4.9 pg/mL using liquid or gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC or GC/MS/MS) with a range of undetectable to 10.5 pg/mL using radioimmunoassay. Systemic estradiol levels with vaginal estrogens reflected their doses as measured with LC or GC/MS/MS in different studies: 7.1 to 9.1 pg/mL and 16.7 to 22.7 pg/mL with a 25-mu g softgel capsule insert and a tablet insert, respectively; 4.6 to 7.4 pg/mL and 6.6 to 14.8 pg/mL with a 10-mu g softgel capsule and a tablet insert, respectively; and 3.6 to 3.9 pg/mL with a 4-mu g softgel capsule insert. A mean systemic estradiol concentration ranging from undetectable to 10.7 pg/mL is proposed as an estimate for basal estradiol levels in normal, untreated, postmenopausal women. Systemic estradiol absorption may be influenced by the placement of estradiol higher (as with an applicator) versus lower (as without an applicator) in the vagina, as estradiol transport to the uterus would be more likely further away than closer to the introitus. Conclusion: Serum estradiol concentrations were generally lower when measured with more specific and sensitive assays. Estradiol absorption was dose-dependent, and may be influenced by dose, formulation, and positioning in the vagina. Very low systemic estradiol absorption with low/ultralow-dose vaginal estrogens may potentially decrease any adverse events that may be associated with higher doses of vaginal estrogens used for treating moderate to severe VVA due to less estradiol exposure.

Objective: To characterize the impact of TX-001HR on the relationship between vasomotor symptom (VMS) improvement and quality of life and sleep. Methods: REPLENISH (NCT01942668) was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, which evaluated four daily doses of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone (E2/P4) combined in a single, oral, softgel capsule in postmenopausal women (40-65 years) with a uterus and moderate to severe VMS (>= 7/day or >= 50/week). In post hoc analyses, growth models were used to examine relationships between linear changes in VMS frequency and severity over 12 weeks and changes from baseline in the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL; total score and VMS domain) and the Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep (total score, sleep problems indices I and II) questionnaire outcomes at 12 weeks with treatment compared with placebo. Results: Outcomes with all four E2/P4 doses were combined (n = 591) and compared with placebo (n = 135). In all 5 growth models, the effects of TX-001HR on MENQOL total score and vasomotor domain were significantly associated with changes in VMS frequency and severity observed over 12 weeks (all, P< 0.001). Treatmentmediated effects on MENQOL via VMS frequency and severity models were significant. Similar results were found with Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep total score and sleep problems indices. Conclusions: TX-001HR improvements in quality of life and sleep outcomes are associated with and may be mediated through improvements in VMS frequency and severity.

OBJECTIVEThe softgel 17β-estradiol (E2) vaginal inserts (4 and 10 μg; Imvexxy; TherapeuticsMD, Boca Raton, FL) are FDA approved for treating moderate to severe dyspareunia associated with postmenopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA). The objective here was to determine responder rates at week 2 and whether week-2 findings predicted week-12 responders in the REJOICE trial.METHODSPostmenopausal women received E2 vaginal inserts 4, 10, or 25 μg, or placebo for 12 weeks. Proportion of responders (having ≥2 of the following: vaginal superficial cells >5%, vaginal pH <5.0, or dyspareunia improvement of ≥1 category) were calculated. Odds ratios (ORs) for positive response at week 12 given a positive response at week 2 were determined in the efficacy evaluable (EE) population.RESULTSThe responder rate (in EE population [n = 695]) was 74% to 82% with E2 inserts versus 24% with placebo at week 2, and 72% to 80% versus 33% at week 12. Positive treatment responses were 9- to 14-fold higher with vaginal E2 than with placebo at week 2, and 5- to 8-fold higher at week 12. Response at week 2 predicted response at week 12 in the total population (OR 13.1; 95% CI, 8.8-19.7) and with active treatment only (OR 7.9; 95% CI, 4.7-13.2).CONCLUSIONSA high percentage of postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia responded with the E2 softgel vaginal insert at week 2, and a positive response at week 2 predicted a positive response at week 12.

To assess the return to menses and/or fertility in a subset of women who used a contraceptive vaginal system (CVS; approved by the FDA in August 2018) releasing a daily mean of segesterone acetate (SA) 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol (EE) 0.013 mg for up to 13 cycles. Two multicenter, single-arm, open-label, pivotal, phase 3 studies of the SA/EE CVS; one US-only study (15 US sites) and one international study (5 in the US; 3 in Europe, 3 in Latin America, 1 in Australia). Women used the same SA/EE CVS on a 21/7-day in/out regimen for up to 13 cycles. Those who wished to become pregnant or use non-hormonal contraceptives after completing the 13 cycles could participate in a 6-month follow up for return to fertility. Women were instructed to perform a urine pregnancy test within 2-3 weeks following their last visit and then monthly if they experienced pregnancy symptoms and/or did not have a bleeding episode. Women were contacted every 2 months for pregnancy, menses, and contraceptive use information. Women who were pregnant returned to the clinic for pregnancy confirmation and a prenatal care referral. Bleeding <18 days after last CVS use was considered withdrawal bleeding, not menses. We report proportion of subjects who had return to fertility, defined as pregnancy within 6 months after final CVS use or menses occurring >18 days after last CVS use. Of 212 women in the return-to-fertility population of the US study, 163 (76.9%) were able to be contacted and 16 women were excluded for hormonal contraceptive use leaving 147 women (69.3%) for analysis. All 147 (100%) women reported menses occurring >18 days after last CVS use (135 women; 91.8%) or pregnancy (12 women; 8.2%). Women reported 6 pregnancies at 2 months, 3 at 4 months, and 3 at ≥6 months. In the international study, of 158 women in the return-to-fertility follow up, 154 (97.5%) were able to be contacted and 11 women were excluded for hormonal contraceptive use leaving 143 women (90.5%) for analysis. All 143 (100%) women reported menses as defined above (131 women; 91.6%) or pregnancy (12 women; 8.4%). Seven pregnancies were reported at 2 months, 5 at 4 months, and 1 at 6 months. All women who desired pregnancy or used non-hormonal contraceptives became pregnant or had a return of menses in the 6 months after the last use of the SA/EE CVS, suggesting that the CVS does not delay or adversely affect return to fertility.

Vaginal bleeding associated with hormone therapy (HT) is the most common reason for treatment discontinuation. Cumulative amenorrhea rates (no bleeding or spotting for 13 cycles) ranging from 23% to 49% with current HT options1-3 are relatively lower than the 56% to 73% observed in the REPLENISH trial.4 The REPLENISH trial (NCT01942668) was a 12-month, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial that evaluated TX-001HR (bioidentical 17β-estradiol and progesterone [E2/P4] combined in a single, oral softgel capsule; 1 mg E2/100 mg P4 FDA approved as BIJUVATM; TherapeuticsMD, Boca Raton, FL) vs placebo in 1835 menopausal women (40−65 y; intact uterus) for the treatment of menopausal, moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Overall, the proportion of women with no bleeding was high (74%-90%) with up to 1 year of TX-001HR. The objective of this analysis was to determine predictors of vaginal bleeding. Univariate analyses were used to assess the impact of age, race, BMI, smoking, time since last menstrual period (LMP), age at LMP, tubal ligation, parity, baseline E2 concentration, and baseline frequency and severity of VMS (mild=1 to severe=3) on the incidence of vaginal bleeding at any time during the study (cumulative incidence at cycle 13) and for bleeding that occurred in the first 3 months of the study (cumulative incidence at cycle 3). Predictors of vaginal bleeding with HT (at cycle 13) were age, time since LMP, E2 concentration, and severity of VMS. The likelihood of bleeding was reduced by 42% for every 5-year increase in age (P<0.0001) and by 39% for every 5-year increase in the time since LMP (P<0.0001). Incidence of bleeding significantly decreased by 54% with baseline E2 levels <10 pg/mL (P=0.0001), 59% with E2 levels <5 pg/mL (P<0.0001), and 47% for E2 levels 5 to <10 pg/mL (P=0.0040), when compared with E2 levels ≥10 pg/mL. There was 33% less bleeding reported for women with less severe VMS (<2.5 points). No statistically significant differences in reports of bleeding were noted for race, BMI, smoking, age at LMP, tubal ligation, parity, or baseline frequency of moderate to severe VMS. Similar predictors were noted for bleeding at cycle 3, except for baseline VMS severity, which was no longer a significant predictor. Cumulative amenorrhea was relatively high in TX-001HR users. Vaginal bleeding in women treated with TX-001HR increased in women who were younger, experienced their LMP more recently, and had higher baseline E2 concentrations. Even though the rate/amount of bleeding was relatively low overall,4 these data may help clinicians inform women who may be more likely to experience vaginal bleeding while taking combined E2/P4 for menopausal symptoms. 1. Prempro tablets PI. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. 2. Activella tablets PI. Novo Nordisk FemCare AG. 3. Angeliq Tablets PI. Berlex. 4. Lobo RA, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132:161-170.

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the in vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetics and local tolerability of a novel, segmented ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) intravaginal ring (IVR) delivering progesterone (P) in drug-naïve ovariectomized female Dorset crossbred sheep. Following preparation and assessment of in vitro release of P, animals were randomized into one of six treatment groups: group 1 Crinone® 8% gel (90 mg); group 2 Prometrium® 200-mg capsules; group 3 placebo IVR; group 4 progesterone (P) IVR 4 mg/day; group 5 P IVR 8 mg/day; or group 6 P IVR 12 mg/day. Crinone 8% gel and Prometrium capsules were administered once daily for 28 days. IVRs were inserted vaginally on day 1 and remained in place through day 14; a new ring was administered on day 15 and was removed at day 28. Animals underwent daily examinations to confirm ring placement, and vaginal irritation was scored from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). Blood samples were taken at scheduled times for pharmacokinetic analysis. Postmortem examinations performed on all IVR groups included vaginal irritation, macroscopic, and microscopic evaluations, including irritation scoring and histopathology. Intravaginal rings were retained over 28 days in all animals. Clinical observations showed no significant abnormal findings in any group. Pharmacokinetic analysis in animals showed sustained release of P over from days 0 through 14 of ring use. Irritation scores and microscopic assessments were consistent with the IVRs being well tolerated. These results will guide future human clinical studies to ultimately develop an IVR for use in women for the prevention of preterm birth.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this analysis was to determine whether baseline characteristics can predict the frequency and severity of hot flushes (HF) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: REPLENISH was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of TX-001HR (17β-estradiol/progesterone oral capsule) in 767 postmenopausal women, who had ≥50 moderate to severe HF/week at baseline. Post hoc associations of baseline characteristics (age, race, BMI, smoking, time since last menstrual period [LMP], age at LMP, tubal ligation, parity, estradiol levels, and menopause-specific quality of life [MENQOL] total and vasomotor domain scores) with frequency and severity of hot flushes were evaluated. RESULTS: Baseline predictors for having ≥50 moderate to severe HF/week were BMI (P=.0299), MENQOL total score (P<.0001), and MENQOL Vasomotor domain score (P<.0001). For every unit increase in BMI, the odds of having ≥50 moderate to severe HF decreased by 12.6% while a one-point increase in MENQOL total and vasomotor scores increased the odds by 20.9% and 110.9%, respectively. Baseline predictors for HF severity were current smoking (P=.0042), and MENQOL overall (P<.0001) and vasomotor (P<.0001) scores. Multiple regression analyses showed that the MENQOL vasomotor score was the best predictor of severity (R2=0.1876; P<.0001), followed by MENQOL total score + smoking (R 2 =0.0325; P<.0001). Other baseline characteristics evaluated were not predictors of HF frequency and/or severity. CONCLUSION: In REPLENISH, baseline BMI, smoking, and MENQOL total and vasomotor scores were predictors for moderate to severe HF frequency and/or severity. These characteristics could potentially be used to predict women's HF frequency and severity at menopause.

OBJECTIVE:In the REPLENISH trial, women receiving TX-001HR-an oral, softgel capsule, combining 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (E2 mg/P4 mg 1/100, 0.5/100), had significantly improved vasomotor symptoms, while having their endometrium protected from hyperplasia. The objective here was to describe P4 levels sufficient to counteract the potential endometrial effects of 1 or 0.5 mg oral E2 with TX-001HR. METHODS:In REPLENISH (phase 3; NCT01942668), serum P4, E2, and estrone (E1) levels were characterized in postmenopausal women treated with TX-001HR (E2 mg/P4 mg: 1/100, 0.5/100, [0.5/50, 0.25/50 and placebo not reported here]) at baseline, week 12, and month 12 for P4, and at baseline, weeks 4 and 12, and months 6, 9, and 12 for E2 and E1. In a phase 1 study, pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed after 7 daily doses of oral E2 mg/P4 mg (1/100 and 0.5/100). RESULTS:In REPLENISH (n = 1,835), mean P4 levels were 0.39 to 0.55 ng/mL with 100-mg P4 doses; E2 levels were 42.3 to 45.6 pg/mL and 23.0 to 27.4 pg/mL for the 1-mg and 0.5-mg E2 doses, respectively; E1 levels were 214 to 242 pg/mL and 114 to 129 pg/mL for the 1-mg and 0.5-mg E2 doses. In the phase 1 study (n = 40; day 7), mean Cavg for P4 was 0.66 ng/mL with 100-mg P4 doses; E2 was 38.1 pg/mL and 29.2 pg/mL for 1 mg and 0.5 mg E2, respectively; and E1 was 211 and 106 pg/mL for 1 mg and 0.5 mg E2. All three analytes reached steady state within 7 days; accumulation ratios were 1.36 to 1.94. CONCLUSIONS:P4 levels observed with TX-001HR were similar in the phase 1 and 3 studies, and were associated with no endometrial hyperplasia with either E2 daily dose over 1 year in the REPLENISH phase 3 study, which showed significant improvements in menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: In the REPLENISH trial, women with ≥50 moderate to severe hot flushes (HF)/week (VMS substudy [efficacy population; consistent with FDA guidance]) treated with TX-001HR (17β-estradiol [E2]/progesterone [P4]) had significant improvements in HF frequency and severity compared with placebo at weeks 4 and 12. This post hoc analysis evaluated HFs with TX-001HR in women with <50 moderate to severe HF/week. METHODS: REPLENISH (NCT01942668) was a phase 3, randomized-controlled trial of postmenopausal women (40–65 years; intact uterus). Women not in the VMS substudy (with <50 moderate to severe HF/week) were randomized 1:1:1:1 to daily E2/P4 (mg/mg) of 1/100 (n=275), 0.5/100 (n=273), 0.5/50 (n=274), 0.25/50 (n=269). Changes and percent changes from baseline in frequency and severity of HF at weeks 4 and 12 were determined. RESULTS: The mean number was 24.4–27.6 HF/week and mean severity score was 2.28–2.36 (ie, moderate to severe) at baseline. Women treated with E2/P4 doses had improvements from baseline in frequency of 11.8–16.2 HFs at week 4 and 16.6–19.5 HFs at week 12, corresponding to percent changes of 48%–66% and 67%–80%, respectively. Improvements from baseline in severity were 0.64–0.88 points at week 4 and 0.97–1.37 points at week 12, corresponding to percent changes of 28%–38% and 43%–60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of improvements in frequency and severity observed with TX-001HR in women with <50 HF/week was similar to the significant improvements observed in women with ≥50 HF/week for frequency (67%–75%) and severity (30%–44%) at week 12. The benefits of TX-001HR may extend to women who have less frequent HF.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate improvement of dyspareunia and associated vaginal dryness with a 17 beta-estradiol softgel vaginal insert (TX-004HR; TherapeuticsMD, Boca Raton, FL, USA) in women with postmenopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA). Methods: Postmenopausal women with VVA and moderate to severe dyspareunia received TX-004HR (4, 10, or 25 mu g) or placebo in the 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 REJOICE trial. Post hoc analyses examined improvement levels in dyspareunia and concurrent vaginal dryness with TX-004HR and assessed the effects of patient characteristics on vaginal dryness treatment. Results: Significantly more women treated with TX-004HR (all doses) than placebo had complete resolution or substantial improvement in dyspareunia or vaginal dryness (concurrent with dyspareunia) by 12 weeks, observed as early as week 2 with most doses. TX-004HR significantly improved both dyspareunia and vaginal dryness at least one level versus placebo by week 12 in women with both symptoms. Subgroup analyses showed TX-004HR improved vaginal dryness associated with dyspareunia regardless of age, body mass index, uterine status, prior pregnancy, and vaginal birth number. Conclusion: TX-004HR provided clinically meaningful improvements in dyspareunia and vaginal dryness associated with dyspareunia in postmenopausal women with VVA. Clinicians may be able to use this information when discussing patients' expectations regarding symptom improvement with the estradiol vaginal insert.

Abstract Difficulty sleeping is a common complaint of postmenopausal women. In the REPLENISH trial, the oral 17β-estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4) softgel capsule (TX-001HR; 1 mg E2/100 mg P4 FDA approved as BIJUVATM; TherapeuticsMD, Boca Raton, FL), was shown to reduce moderate to severe hot flush frequency and severity and improve quality of life outcomes in menopausal women with a uterus, while protecting the endometrium. In this analysis, the effect of the E2/P4 capsules on “difficulty sleeping” in postmenopausal women experiencing hot flushes, was assessed by the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire and also analyzed by age. The phase 3 REPLENISH trial (NCT01942668), evaluated 4 daily doses of E2/P4 capsules in postmenopausal women (40-65 years, intact uterus) with vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Women with moderate to severe hot flushes (≥7/day or ≥50/week) were randomized to E2/P4 (mg/mg) 1/100, 0.5/100, 0.5/50, 0.25/50, or placebo (VMS substudy); women with fewer/less severe VMS were randomized to active E2/P4 doses only for endometrial safety. MENQOL was administered at baseline, week 12, and months 6 and 12. The “difficulty sleeping” item was rated using a 7-item Likert scale ranging from “Not at all bothered” (analysis score of 2) to “Extremely bothered” (analysis score of 8) if difficulty sleeping was experienced, if not experienced, the score for the analysis was set to 1. Changes from baseline to week 12, and months 6 and 12 in all women (MITT population) were analyzed by ANCOVA between each E2/P4 groups vs placebo and stratified by age (pre-specified FDA subgroup; <55 and 55+). Treatment groups in the MITT population (n=1833) were E2/P4 1/100 (n=416), 0.5/100 (n=422), 0.5/50 (n=421), 0.25/50 (n=423) or placebo (n=151). The MITT population had a mean age of 55 years; in the <55-year group (n=927) mean age was 51.2 years and in the ≥55-year group (n=906) mean age was 58.1 years. Mean baseline scores for the “difficulty sleeping” item ranged from 5.1 to 5.8 points. In the MITT population, difficulty sleeping significantly improved from baseline with the three highest E2/P4 doses (1/100, 0.5/100, 0.5/50) compared with placebo at all timepoints (all, P<0.05), except for 0.5/50 at month 6. In women <55 years, the sleep difficulty item significantly improved from baseline at all timepoints with two E2/P4 doses (1/100 and 0.5/50) vs placebo. In women 55+ years, significant improvements from baseline were observed at week 12 with three E2/P4 doses (1/100, 0.5/100, 0.5/50) vs placebo. In REPLENISH, women treated with E2/P4 capsules containing 1 or 0.5 mg E2 demonstrated significant and sustained improvements in the MENQOL difficulty sleeping assessment, especially those <55 years. These data warrant further evaluation.