Short-term effects of transdermal estradiol in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: There is increasing recognition that, in men, some biological actions attributed to testosterone (TS) are mediated by estradiol (E2). This study used two low doses of daily transdermal E2 gel to assess the effects on circulating E2 concentrations in men with prostate cancer with suppressed endogenous E2 production arising from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Secondarily, we aimed to assess short-term biological effects of E2 add-back without increasing circulating TS. Design: 28-day randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: 37 participants were randomised to either 0.9 or 1.8mg of 0.1% E2 gel per day or matched placebo gel. Fasting morning serum hormones, quality of life ..