Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women 

Angkana          Pongpatiroj                     MD

Manit                 Sripramote                      MD

Grit                    Wanitwanathong           MD

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Objective: To evaluate effects of hormone replacement therapy on the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Study design: Longitudinal descriptive study.

Setting: The menopausal clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Subjects: Postmenopausal women attending the menopausal clinic from June, 1999 to May, 2000.

Methods: Quality of life of postmenopausal woman were measured by questionnaire before receiving hormone replacement therapy. Quality of life postmenopausal women who completely received 3 months hormone replacement therapy were re-measured. The scale contains four domains: vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains.  For analysis, the item scores were converted to the score ranging from 1 to 8; score 1 rated as the subject did not experience the problems and score 8 rated as extremely bothered.  The mean quality of life scores of pre and post hormone replacement therapy were compared by statistical analysis paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed ranks test).

Main outcome measures: Quality of life measured by the menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL questionnaire) that translated to Thai.  Quality of life scores comprise four domains: vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains.

Results: The 36 of 45 cases were completely received 3 months hormone replacement therapy and answered the questionnaires.  Improvement of quality of life scores in all domains was observed in postmenopausal women who completely received 3 months hormone replacement therapy,  In the vasomotor domain, scores improved from 3.57 to 1.56, psychosocial domain scores improved from 3.49 to 2.38, physical domain scores improved from 3.81 to 2.54 and sexual domain scores improved from 4.35 to 2.38.  There were statistically significant differences in all domains (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion: Improvement of quality of life in all domains measured by questionnaire was observed in postmenopausal women who completely received 3 months hormone replacement therapy.

Key words: hormone replacement therapy, quality of life, postmenopausal women

Vajira Med J 2001 ; 45 : 1 - 11