HRT: the woman's perspective.
Questionnaire studies in Europe show that women's concerns at the menopause are more related to their self-image and sexual identity than to medical consequences such as osteoporosis or coronary heart disease. Women long for help with menopausal problems, yet are concerned about the potential side effects of HRT and often perceive the information they receive from their doctors to be inadequate. Adverse effects of menopausal estrogen deprivation on sexual and psychological function occur via two main mechanisms. Firstly, the physical changes that occur at the menopause affect body image, sexual function and women's relationships with their partners. Lack of estrogens worsens the effects of ageing on the female body and psyche. Secondly, there are changes in neuroendocrine and psychological function (e.g. effects on mood, memory and sleep patterns), affecting ego and self-perception. Estrogen replacement in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) improves both sexual and psychological self-image and function.
Graziottin
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Studio Ginecologico Graziottin, Turin, Italy.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept