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


CONCLUSIONS
In a trial setting, postmenopausal hormone therapy did not influence work or social involvement or health behaviour.
Hemminki
Elina
E
Health Services and Policy Research, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), PO Box 30, Helsinki 00271, Finland. elina.hemminki@thl.fi
Veerus
Piret
P
Pisarev
Heti
H
Hovi
Sirpa-Liisa
SL
Topo
Päivi
P
Karro
Helle
H
D004651:Employment; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome