Effect on sexual life - a comparison between tibolone and continuous combined conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate

• Published in: Gynecological endocrinology Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 209 - 212
• Main Authors: Uygur, Dilek, Ye ildaglar, Narter, Erkaya, Salim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01-04-2005; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: conjugated equine estrogens; Estrogen Receptor Modulators - pharmacology; Estrogen Receptor Modulators - therapeutic use; Estrogen Replacement Therapy - methods; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) - pharmacology; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) - therapeutic use; Female; Humans; medroxyprogesterone acetate; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate - pharmacology; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate - therapeutic use; Menopause; Middle Aged; Norpregnenes - pharmacology; Norpregnenes - therapeutic use; Postmenopause; Prospective Studies; Sexual Behavior - drug effects; Sexual Behavior - psychology; sexual life; tibolone
• ISSN: 0951-3590; 1473-0766
• DOI: 10.1080/09513590400027240

Objectives To compare the effects of tibolone 2.5 mg with those of continuous combined conjugated equine estrogens 0.625 mg/day and medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg/day (CEE/MPA) on sexual life in postmenopausal women.
Methods Eighty women were randomized to treatment with either tibolone or continuous combined CEE/MPA. Subjects were asked about sexual desire, sexual excitement, sexual arousal, orgasm capacity, vaginal lubrication during sexual activity and dyspareunia before and after the treatment.
Results After 6 months of treatment, a total of 72 women completed the study. When tibolone was compared with continuous combined CEE/MPA, significantly higher scores were found for the items assessing sexual desire, sexual excitement, intercourse frequency and vaginal dryness (p < 0.05).
Conclusion This study indicates that both tibolone and continuous combined CEE/MPA treatment were associated with significant improvements in sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, tibolone treatment improved sexual function to a greater extent than continuous combined CEE/MPA.