Hormonal Treatment Options for Women's Sexual Function

In early postmenopausal women, transdermal estradiol, but not oral estrogen, improved sexual function relative to placebo.

The menopausal transition can adversely affect sexual function. In a study of hormonal treatments during early menopause, investigators randomized 727 healthy women (mean age, 53; within 3 years of last menstrual period) to placebo, transdermal estradiol (tE₂; 0.050 mg released daily), or oral conjugated equine estrogen (oCEE; 0.45 mg daily). Sexual function was assessed over 4 years with the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI; higher scores indicate better function). Features such as arousal, lubrication, and pain reduction were quantified with subscores.

Women in the placebo group experienced declines from baseline in FSFI score as well as subscores for lubrication and pain reduction. Compared with placebo, tE₂ treatment was associated…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Hormonal Treatment Options for Women's Sexual Function

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Reviewing Author