Comparison of regimens containing oral micronized progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate on quality of life in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional survey

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine quality of life (QOL) related to physiological, somatic, and vasomotor effects of changing progestogen treatment from medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to micronized progesterone in postmenopausal women. Eligible women (n = 176) were currently using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing micronized progesterone for 1-6 months and had previously received HRT containing MPA. QOL was assessed via telephone interview using the Greene Climacteric Scale and the Women's Health Questionnaire. When compared with the MPA-containing regimen, women using micronized progesterone-containing HRT experienced significant improvement in vasomotor symptoms, somatic complaints, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Women reported improved perceptions of their patterns of vaginal bleeding and control of menopausal symptoms while on the micronized progesterone-containing regimen. Approximately 80% of women reported overall satisfaction with the micronized progesterone-containing regimen. A micronized progesterone-containing HRT regimen offers the potential for improved QOL as measured by improvement of menopause-associated symptoms.