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Monophasic Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy and Sexuality in Postmenopausal Women

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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy on the sexuality and climacteric symptoms of postmenopausal women.

Patients and methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-centre study was carried out over a total of 12 consecutive months in 40 postmenopausal women with an intact uterus who had no contraindications to hormone therapy. Patients received 17β-estradiol 2mg in combination with norethisterone acetate 1mg (Cliane®) daily for 6 months or one placebo tablet daily for 6 months. The tablets were identical in appearance. After 6 months, the groups were crossed over and the patients were followed up for another 6 months. The groups were homogenous with respect to age, height, bodyweight, body mass index and race. For the statistical analysis, the group receiving hormone therapy was referred to as group A and the placebo group was designated group B, irrespective of the placebo/hormone therapy sequence.

Results: In group A there were fewer hot flashes (F = 22.85, p < 0.01) and an improvement in sexual interest (F = 5.55, p < 0.05). The sequence in which the medication was received resulted in a statistically significant difference with respect to dyspareunia (F = 9.65, p < 0.01) and satisfaction with the duration of penetration (F = 6.58, p < 0.05). In the intrapatient analysis of variation with respect to orgasmic capability and the presence of dialogue with partner regarding the couple’s sexual life, whether the placebo was taken prior to or following hormone therapy was significant (F = 17.12, p < 0.001 and F = 7.10, p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions: Monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy has a beneficial effect on sexuality and on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support for this study from Schering do Brasil Química e Farmacêutica Ltda is gratefully acknowledged.

The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Teaching Hospital, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pompéia, 519 - Vila Pompéia, 05023-000 São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    A. M. Fonseca, V. R. Bagnoli, S. R. L. Penteado, J. S. Paixão, A. L. Cavalcanti & J. A. Pinotti

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  1. A. M. Fonseca
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  2. V. R. Bagnoli
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  3. S. R. L. Penteado
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  4. J. S. Paixão
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  5. A. L. Cavalcanti
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  6. J. A. Pinotti
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Correspondence to A. M. Fonseca.

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Fonseca, A.M., Bagnoli, V.R., Penteado, S.R.L. et al. Monophasic Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy and Sexuality in Postmenopausal Women. Clin. Drug Investig. 27, 131–137 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200727020-00006

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-200727020-00006

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