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The aim of the study was to investigate gene expression profiles of post-menopausal women receiving Premarin estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), compared to controls, and to examine any correlations between the bacterial vaginosis (BV) status of the subjects. Based upon an expected finding of a 50–60% difference between gene expression of host antimicrobials with alpha=0.05 (2-sided), beta=0.20 the calculation of 7 subjects per group, led to a sample size of 10 subjects receiving Premarin estrogen replacement therapy and 10 healthy, age-matched controls. Vaginal samples were collected at a single timepoint and processed for RNA recovery and Affymetrix array analysis, as well as Nugent scoring and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to identify bacteria. Lactobacillus iners was the most commonly detected species in the normal flora and this was confirmed with L. iners-specific PCR method …