HT treatment with estrogens alone or in combination with progestogens was associated with a small to moderate improvement in sexual function , particularly in pain , when used in women with menopausal symptoms or in early postmenopause ( within five years of amenorrhoea ) , but not in unselected postmenopausal women .
The current evidence does not suggest an important effect of tibolone or of SERMs alone or combined with estrogens on sexual function .
BACKGROUND The perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods are associated with many symptoms , including sexual complaints .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of hormone therapy ( HT ) on  sexual function in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women .
Monophasic Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy and Sexuality in Postmenopausal Women
Abstract Objective : This study aim ed to evaluate the effects of monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy on the sexuality and climacteric symptoms of postmenopausal women . Patients and methods : A prospect i ve , r and omised , double-blind , crossover , placebo-controlled , single-centre study was carried out over a total of 12 consecutive months in 40 postmenopausal women with an intact uterus who had no contraindications to hormone therapy . Patients received 17β-estradiol 2 mg in combination with norethisterone acetate 1 mg ( Cliane ® ) daily for 6 months or one placebo tablet daily for 6 months . The tablets were identical in appearance . After 6 months , the groups were crossed over and the patients were followed up for another 6 months . The groups were homogenous with respect to age , height , bodyweight , body mass index and race . For the statistical analysis , the group receiving hormone therapy was referred to as group A and the placebo group was design ated group B , irrespective of the placebo/hormone therapy sequence . Results : In group A there were fewer hot flashes ( F = 22.85 , p < 0.01 ) and an improvement in sexual interest ( F = 5.55 , p < 0.05 ) . The sequence in which the medication was received result ed in a statistically significant difference with respect to dyspareunia ( F = 9.65 , p < 0.01 ) and satisfaction with the duration of penetration ( F = 6.58 , p < 0.05 ) . In the intrapatient analysis of variation with respect to orgasmic capability and the presence of dialogue with partner regarding the couple ’s sexual life , whether the placebo was taken prior to or following hormone therapy was significant ( F = 17.12 , p < 0.001 and F = 7.10 , p < 0.05 , respectively ) . Conclusions : Monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy has a beneficial effect on sexuality and on hot flashes in postmenopausal women
HT treatment with estrogens alone or in combination with progestogens was associated with a small to moderate improvement in sexual function , particularly in pain , when used in women with menopausal symptoms or in early postmenopause ( within five years of amenorrhoea ) , but not in unselected postmenopausal women .
The current evidence does not suggest an important effect of tibolone or of SERMs alone or combined with estrogens on sexual function .
BACKGROUND The perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods are associated with many symptoms , including sexual complaints .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of hormone therapy ( HT ) on  sexual function in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women .