Subgroup analysesSubgroup analyses by dose of BHT suggested that higher doses of BHT may be associated with more effectiveness but also higher risk of adverse effects .
There was low to moderate quality evidence that BHT in various forms and doses is more effective than placebo for treating moderate to severe menopausal hot flushes .
There was some evidence to suggest that higher doses of BHT are associated with greater effectiveness but also with higher risk of adverse effects .
No data are yet available about the safety of BHT with regard to long-term outcomes such as heart attack , stroke and breast cancer .
BACKGROUND Various hormone therapies ( HT ) are available to treat  menopausal vasomotor symptoms .
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the human body , and several types are well-tested and available on prescription .
Many women have opted for bioidentical hormone therapy ( BHT ) on the assumption that it is safer than other forms of HT .
We evaluated the evidence .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness and safety of bioidentical hormones compared to placebo or non-bioidentical hormones for the relief of vasomotor symptoms .
Efficacy and tolerability of a new estradiol delivering matrix patch (Estraderm MX) in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy and tolerability of a new matrix patch delivering estradiol ( E2 Matrix ) at doses of 0.05 and 0.10 mg per day ( Estraderm MX 50 , 100 ) in the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal symptoms . METHODS A total of 254 postmenopausal women were r and omized to receive treatment with E2 Matrix 0.10 mg ( N = 86 ) , E2 Matrix 0.05 mg ( N = 82 ) , or placebo ( N = 86 ) in a double-blind , double-dummy fashion for a period of 12 weeks continuously . Patches were applied twice weekly to the buttocks with each patient wearing two patches at all times . The primary efficacy criterion was the difference from baseline of the mean number of moderate to severe hot flushes per 24 h during the last 2 weeks of treatment . Other efficacy variables included reduction in hot flushes at 4 and 8 weeks , reduction in daytime flushing and night sweats , and Kupperman Index at 4 , 8 , and 12 weeks . RESULTS E2 Matrix 0.10 and 0.05 mg were both significantly superior to placebo in reducing hot flushes per 24 h after 4 , 8 , and 12 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.001 ) . Also , for all other efficacy parameters studied , both dosage strengths of E2 Matrix were statistically significantly superior to placebo at all time points ( P < 0.001 ) . Local tolerability was good in both groups . A slight increase in estrogen related adverse effects ( breast tenderness , leukorrhoea ) was seen with the 0.10 mg patch . Adhesion of patches and compliance were good . Overall systemic tolerability was good in both treated groups . However , a 4.8 % overall incidence of endometrial hyperplasia was observed in patients with an intact uterus . CONCLUSIONS This new matrix patch offers an effective and well tolerated dosage form for delivery of 0.05 and 0.1 mg estradiol per day . It may be particularly suitable for those women who experience local sensitivity to alcohol-containing systems . In light of the observed hyperplasia after treatment in five patients , estrogen therapy should as yet be supplemented monthly with a progestogen in women with an intact uterus
Subgroup analysesSubgroup analyses by dose of BHT suggested that higher doses of BHT may be associated with more effectiveness but also higher risk of adverse effects .
There was low to moderate quality evidence that BHT in various forms and doses is more effective than placebo for treating moderate to severe menopausal hot flushes .
There was some evidence to suggest that higher doses of BHT are associated with greater effectiveness but also with higher risk of adverse effects .
No data are yet available about the safety of BHT with regard to long-term outcomes such as heart attack , stroke and breast cancer .
BACKGROUND Various hormone therapies ( HT ) are available to treat  menopausal vasomotor symptoms .
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those produced by the human body , and several types are well-tested and available on prescription .
Many women have opted for bioidentical hormone therapy ( BHT ) on the assumption that it is safer than other forms of HT .
We evaluated the evidence .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness and safety of bioidentical hormones compared to placebo or non-bioidentical hormones for the relief of vasomotor symptoms .