Sleep apnea and hormone replacement therapy: a pilot study and a literature review.
BACKGROUND
Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a common condition and a risk factor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a gestagen (trimegeston) and estradiol hormone combination on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with SAS.


METHODS
Four postmenopausal and one perimenopausal women were studied by polysomnography before and after treatment with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).


RESULTS
The subjects had a mean reduction of the severity of their sleep apnea by 75% measured by apnea/hypopnea index.


CONCLUSIONS
HRT might be an alternative in the treatment of SAS.
Wesström
Jan
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Falu Hospital, and Centre for Clinical Research Dalarna Falun, Sweden. jan.wesström@ltdalarna.se
Ulfberg
Jan
J
Nilsson
Staffan
S
D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017286:Polysomnography; D017698:Postmenopause; D011397:Promegestone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*
C050319:trimegestone; D004958:Estradiol; D011397:Promegestone