Partnership as a modulator of the effects of hormone replacement therapy in menopause

To evaluate the influence of partnership status on the perception of menopausal symptoms and quality of life in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The study included 60 menopausal women aged 40-85 years with significant climacteric symptoms. Participants were divided into two groups according to relationship status: women living in a stable partnership (n = 30) and women without a partner for at least one year (n = 30). Menopausal symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). All participants received combined HRT. Assessments were performed at baseline and after three months of therapy. Changes in symptom severity (ΔMRS) and quality of life (ΔMANSA) were analyzed, and Pearson correlation coefficients with corresponding p-values were used to assess relationships between variables.

HRT was associated with improvement in menopausal symptoms and quality of life in both groups. However, women living in a partnership showed a greater reduction in MRS scores and a greater increase in MANSA scores compared to women without a partner. After three months of HRT, statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) between hormonal levels (estradiol, FSH), menopausal symptoms, and quality of life were observed exclusively in partnered women.

HRT improves menopausal symptoms and quality of life; however, partnership status appears to play a moderating role. A stable partnership may facilitate the integration of psychobiological processes of hormonal changes and contribute to improved subjective adaptation to menopause.