Drospirenone/E2 reduces BP in postmenopausal women with hypertension

Hormonal therapy with drospirenone plus estradiol (E₂) lowers blood pressure and spares potassium in postmenopausal women on hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). So say results of a small randomized, placebo-controlled trial presented at the 17th annual NAMS meeting.

Thirty-six women taking 25 mg/d of HCTZ for stage 1 hypertension were included in the crossover study, conducted by investigators from the University of Miami and Berlex Laboratories. The participants were randomized to 3 mg drospirenone/E₂ or placebo for 4 weeks and then crossed over for another 4 weeks.

Drospirenone/E₂ reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 7.2 mm Hg and 4.5 mm Hg, respectively, and potassium was 0.2 mEq/L higher than with placebo. The only significant adverse effects of the hormonal therapy were vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness.