Double-blind placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of pro-juven progesterone cream on atherosclerosis and bone density.

OBJECTIVE To establish whether treatment for three years with pro-juven progesterone cream affects progression of atherosclerotic plaques or bone density in postmenopausal women. Design Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Sample One hundred and thirty-one healthy postmenopausal women aged between 50 and 75 years with at least one asymptomatic arterial plaque visible on ultrasound of the carotid or femoral bifurcation. METHODS Women were randomly allocated to receive pro-juven progesterone cream, 20 mg twice daily, or placebo, for three years. Main outcome measure Rate of change of plaque thickness, intima-media thickness and bone density of lumbar spine and femoral neck. RESULTS There was no difference between the groups. CONCLUSION Pro-juven progesterone cream 20 mg twice daily did not affect progression of asymptomatic atherosclerosis or deterioration in bone density over three years.