HORMONES AND SEXUALITY - EFFECT OF ESTROGEN AND PROGESTOGEN

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (3) , 316-322
Abstract
This study was planned to determine the effects of estrogen and progestogen on female sexual behavior. Forty-nine women had undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy took part in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. Over 12 mo. each woman received 3 mo. each of ethinyl estradiol, 50 .mu.g/day; levonorgestrel, 250 .mu.g/day; combination of these 2 substances (Nordiol); and a placebo. Significant differences between medications were found in sexual desire, enjoyment and orgasmic frequency. The most beneficial effects occurred during medication with ethinyl estradiol. There were no differences observed in the effect of hormones or placebo on coital rate or on the analog rating scales scored daily. The validity of this scale in the present study is questionable.