Why sexologist and sex therapist should know about hrt

Abstract

There is no area of medicine that does not require knowledge of hormone therapy (HT). Recent research shows that the benefits of HT extend far beyond the management of vasomotor symptoms, with significant implications in fields such as Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Immunology, and more. Objective: To review the broad therapeutic applications of hormone therapy across various medical specialties, emphasizing its preventive and therapeutic roles in menopause and andropause. The aim is to promote interdisciplinary awareness crucial for the comprehensive management of these conditions in clinical practice in sexuality and sex therapy. Methods: A comprehensive review of scientific literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, focusing on peer-reviewed studies evaluating the benefits of HT in multiple medical disciplines. Results: Significant benefits of HT were identified. These include prevention and treatment of vulvovaginal obliteration, recurrent urinary tract infections leading to sepsis, clitoral atrophy, and urethral caruncles (GSM). HT positively manages situations like hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, dyspareunia, premature ejaculation, and the recently described sexual inactivity syndrome of menopause. Additional findings showed improvements in mood disorders, cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. A cluster of symptoms including myalgia, sarcopenia, arthralgia, balance disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis was also observed to improve, and is now referred to as the "menopausal musculoskeletal syndrome". Conclusions: The wide-ranging benefits of hormone therapy must be recognized across all medical specialties. Promoting interdisciplinary awareness is essential to improve the comprehensive management of menopause and andropause in clinical practice in sexuality and sex therapy. Disclosure: No