predicative value of trace elements in screening breast cancer patients at risk of developing ovarian masses

This study included 190 patients, they were divided into 3 groups: Group A [100 breast cancer non-smoking postmenopausal women], group B [50 non-smoking postmenopausal women with benign breast disease] and group C [40 healthy non-smoking postmenopausal women as control group]. All patients' age range between 45 - 65 years with mean age 55.4 +/- 11.82 years]. All patients were submitted to full history taking, clinical and pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasonography. The operative biopsy from breast cancer and benign breast disease groups were submitted to histopathological examination. Follow up was carried out in the group of malignancy postoperatively and during the subsequent therapy with tamoxifen. CA125 was estimated by microparticle enzyme immunoassay [ABBOT, Diagnostic USA]. Cu and Zn were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique [AAS]

happy menopause, a local estrogen progesterone therapy

The estradiole/progestagen transdermal therapeutic system [TTS-0.05 mg.] is a cutaneous device which delivers estradiole into the systemic circulation via the stratum corneum at a constant rate for up to 4 days. physiological levels of estradiole [the major estrogen secreted by the ovaries in premenopausal women] can therefore be maintained in postmenopaual women with daily doses because first pass hepatic metabolism is avoided. We studied the beneficial effects of transdermal estradiole/ progestagen on the plasma gonadotrophin, lipids, maturation of vaginal epithelium, endometrium and menopausal symptoms [hot flushes, sleep disturbances mood]. All these were found to be comparable to studies on oral estrogen, while the undesirable effects of oral estrogen on hepatic metabolism are avoided. As with oral estrogen treatment, concomitant sequential local progestagen was recommended for patients with intact uterus, in order to reduce endometrial stimulation. Transdermal estrogen/ progestagen replacement treatment was well tolerated by patients, with local irritation at the site of application, being the most common adverse effect. Through this study we may state that transdermal estradiole offers a near physiological estrogen replacement in menopausal women in a convenient low dose form which may avoid some of the complications of higher dose oral therapy