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Effect of hormone replacement therapy on salivary flow rate, buffer effect and pH on perimenopausal and
1Department of Cariology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
The effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on salivary gland functions were examined in a longitudinal study. The flow rate, buffer effect and pH of paraffin-stimulated whole saliva were analysed in 8 perimenopausal and 19 postmenopausal women. The saliva samples were collected 1-2 days before as well as 3 and 5 months after the start of HRT. Salivary flow rates were higher (p <0.033) in the perimenopausal than in the postmenopausal group. The flow rates increased significantly (p <0.001) during HRT in both groups. Similarly, buffer effect and pH showed significant (p = 0.004 and p = 0.009, respectively) time-related changes without any differences between the groups. It appears that HRT improves both the quantity and the quality of salivary gland function in peri- and postmenopausal women.