Sex and sleep better for older women on HRT: study

[Spicygirl82]

SYDNEY (AFP) - Older women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have improved sexual function, less insomnia and fewer hot flushes, a study released Friday has found.

The research, which studied 2,130 post-menopausal women from Australia, New Zealand and Britain, found that using the combined oestrogen and progestogen hormone therapy could improve some quality of life measures.
The results come amid debate about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for post-menopausal women which has also been linked to a higher risk of stroke, blood clots and breast cancer.

Most women in the study were in their mid-60s, having hit menopause on average 13 years earlier, and most participants did not have symptoms of the change of life.

"Our results show that hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness and joint pains were less common in women on HRT in this age group," said Professor Alastair MacLennan, the leader of the Australian arm of the independent study.

"Sexuality was also improved," he added.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080822...uQ6W2nOBbrSLYF

Very interesting but not particularly surprising in my opinion.

[Brandye]

You can be absolutely certain that at the first sign of a hot-flash, I put myself on combined HRT. May never quit.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Brandye

You can be absolutely certain that at the first sign of a hot-flash, I put myself on combined HRT. May never quit.

It's well worth it if you can take it. I know studies have shown pro/con long term use; however, the quality of life appears to be much better. I would not have stopped either unless directed to. Sleep patterns, hot flashes and over all feeling well while hormones are changing seem to outweigh not taking it. Starting early seems to be the best bet at the first signs; as you know I swore by it helping.

[lnt1103]

I'm not even 30 yet so I have a bit on this one, but I would also be concerned as a Type 1 diabetic that the hormones would be risky. Risks of blood clot, etc in diabetics is the very reason that by doctor's orders I'm on an IUD instead of BCPs. Thoughts on that angle from the pros?

[goof'schik]

I had a total hysterectomy at 32, so 15 years ago. Because I was so young they left my tubes and ovaries. I don't take any meds for hormone replacement, with all my other health issues this priority is not high. I do find that when I do have sex on a regular basis I don't get the night sweats I do compared to when I don't. Thank God because I don't get night sweats at Goof's.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by lnt1103

I'm not even 30 yet so I have a bit on this one, but I would also be concerned as a Type 1 diabetic that the hormones would be risky. Risks of blood clot, etc in diabetics is the very reason that by doctor's orders I'm on an IUD instead of BCPs. Thoughts on that angle from the pros?

There are risks and discussion of HRT use needs to be addressed based on each individuals medical history. I had no contraindication re: stroke, etc. The heart benefits are good. Much different than many women at about 40 y/o; Premature Ovarian Failure sends you into sudden menopause early on in life. No great sex, exercize, etc. helps with the symptoms & the sad part is I did not even care. The HRT made a life change for me; felt initially I had been hit against a brick wall & the physical symptoms subsided within about 4 months of being on Estrogen/Progestin/Testosterone mixture.

If you cannot take the BCP for the reasons you have given, you would not be a candidate for HRT now. What the future holds? Not certain since new meds are always being developed. Another non-candidate is; a family history of Estrogen sensitive breast tumors. However, I really feel a serious discussion is in order with a woman's Gyn as to the risks & benefits when the time is nearing.

If one still has their ovaries, despite a hysterectomy, the symptoms of Menopause are a gradual onset. Some practitioners debate the necessity of Progestin in those who have a hysterectomy. I personally believe if you normally have the hormones throughout your life you should attempt to keep them as you get older.

Some women have more difficulty with menopause v. the next woman. I recall years ago, going through one period of time where the hot flashes were awful & then they just let up with no apparent cause and did not return until I was 40. Sex drive has always been high, I never had any +/- physical changes due to increased sex. Only time it hit a all time low, meaning not looking at the good looking guy in front of me [while I am single], I knew something was really wrong. Went to the Gyn to find I had no traceable estrogen in any lab work. Estrogen is the precursor for testosterone; keeps your libido good!

I believe women should really discuss this with their physician's & there are a great amount of benefits to be had--always with any medication there is a risk. But the choice is does the benefit outweigh the risks? Even with health issues, I would look at it if the hot flashes, etc. began. I look at the health benefits as well, not just maintaining a good libido.