Researchers Look at Sex After Menopause

10/25/2002

From: David Maclean, M.D. of Pfizer, 860-732-6007

GROTON, Conn., Oct. 25 -- Today's woman lives an average of 84 years and experiences menopause at age 52, which means she lives 40 percent of her life after menopause (30 or more years).

Most of us are familiar with some of the problems that occur during or after menopause -- hot flashes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are caused by falling levels of the female sex hormones, primarily estrogen, just before and continuing after the menopause, and may affect a woman's sense of vitality.

A "less visible" and often overlooked problem associated with menopause and aging is a decline in sexual satisfaction. Studies show that 25 to 40 percent of women have some concerns or regret about their sexual lives after menopause.

Traditionally, the treatment of choice for many postmenopausal women was Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). However, now many women have growing concerns about the long-term effects of this treatment. Furthermore, while hormone replacement does help alleviate many of the physical symptoms of menopause, it may not effectively address concerns of lessened sexual desire or satisfaction. Currently, research studies of investigational medications that are not hormone replacement therapy, are underway for women who have gone through menopause. These studies will determine whether there are beneficial effects on women's sexual satisfaction or desire.

U.S. researchers are seeking postmenopausal women to take part in an international clinical research study to test the effects of such an investigational medication on postmenopausal women's sexual health and satisfaction.

Researchers involved in the multi-center, double blind, placebo-controlled study, are seeking the participation of postmenopausal women. The trial will take place over 14 months with volunteers required to visit the research sites seven times for medical evaluation.

Postmenopausal women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are in generally good health and not currently taking Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, are encouraged to inquire about participating by calling toll free 1-866-466-5420 or logging on to http://www.beyondmenopause.com.