Effect of different preparations of hormone therapy on sexual dysfunction in naturally postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective To compare the effect of different formulations of continuous combined hormone therapy on sexual performance in naturally postmenopausal women.

Material and methods A total of 158 postmenopausal women were enrolled and prospectively randomized to the single-blind study. Fifty-four women received tibolone 2.5 mg, 53 received 2 mg estradiol and 2 mg dienogest (E2/dienogest), and 51 did not receive any menopausal therapy. The patients were monitored after 6 months. Attitudes of sexuality were evaluated by using the Rosen's female sexual function index.

Results Compared with E2/dienogest and the control group, tibolone treatment was associated with more improvement of sexual performance, including sexual desire, sexual arousal and satisfaction. Both of the hormone therapies decreased frequencies of vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

Conclusions Tibolone has more positive effects on the sexual dysfunction of postmenopausal women and may be an alternative to the E2/dienogest preparation in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

Key words:

• HORMONE THERAPY
• SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
• POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN