Research article

The effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy on social activity, partner relationship, and sexual life – experience from the EPHT trial

Elina Hemminki¹ , Piret Veerus² , Heti Pisarev³ , Sirpa-Liisa Hovi⁴ , Päivi Topo⁵ and Helle Karro⁶

¹  Health Services and Policy Research, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland

²  Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Institute for Health Development (TAI), Hiiu 42, 11619 Tallinn, Estonia

³  Department of Public Health, Tartu University, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia

⁴  Finnish Office for Health Technology Assessment (Finohta), National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland

⁵  Health Services and Policy Research, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland

⁶  Department of obstetrics and gynecology, University of Tartu, Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu, Estonia

author email corresponding author email

BMC Women's Health 2009, 9:16doi:10.1186/1472-6874-9-16

Published:	8 June 2009

Abstract

Background

With the exception of sexual functioning and weight, social and behavioural effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) have not been reported from trials. This paper reports such results from the EPHT-trial in Estonia.

Methods

A randomized trial, with a blind and non-blind sub-trial in Estonia. From 1999–2001, 1778 women were recruited. The mean follow-up was 3.6 years. Women's experiences were asked in the first and final study year by mailed questionnaires (74 and 81% response rates). Comparisons of the groups were made by cross-tabulation and logistic regression, adjusting for age.

Results

There were no differences between the HT and non-HT groups in regard to being employed, the extent of social involvement or marital status or opinions on aging. There was no difference in the frequency of free-time exercise, or overweight. Some of the indicators suggested less sexual inactivity, but the differences were small.

Conclusion

In a trial setting, postmenopausal hormone therapy did not influence work or social involvement or health behaviour.

Trial registration

ISRCTN35338757