Role of hormone replacement therapy in relieving oral dryness symptoms in postmenopausal women: a case control study

Abstract

Background To evaluate the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy in relieving oral symptoms in postmenopausal women presenting with genitourinary symptoms along with oral dryness. Methods A case–control study was conducted after selecting 60 postmenopausal women. Oral dryness status of all the patients was evaluated with the help of questionnaire related to oral dryness. These subjects were divided into case group and control group on the basis of response to questionnaire of oral dryness. Unstimulated saliva samples were obtained and analyzed for estimation of salivary estradiol levels by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay technique. After analyzing the result of salivary estradiol levels, case group was subjected to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The patients were followed up for their response towards oral dryness as well as salivary estradiol levels after the therapy. Results The mean salivary estradiol level before HRT was significantly more among control group as compared to case group (p value < 0.001). Most of the patients complained of dry mouth (26 out of 30); reduced amount of saliva in the mouth (25 out of 30); dry mouth at night (28 out of 30); dry mouth during the day (25 out of 30) before HRT. These complains were significantly reduced after the therapy. The mean salivary estradiol in the case group levels increased significantly after HRT (p value < 0.001). Conclusion The salivary estradiol levels were reduced in post menopausal women with the complain of xerostomia as compared to those without the complain of xerostomia. Further these levels can be recovered with the help of hormone replacement therapy.

Effect of Echinochrome A on Submandibular Gland Dysfunction in Ovariectomized Rats

“…Estrogen replacement therapy effectively alleviates menopausal symptoms such as xerostomia and hot flashes [4,31]. While the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy is undeniable, there are safety concerns.…”

Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 4: oral disorders

“…13,15 A recent case-control study Table 1 Effects of sex steroids in the mouth 3,26 and on immune system regulation. [26][27][28][29] conducted by Wang et al 16 found a reduction in dry mouth symptoms following HRT, but no improvements in burning sensations or waking up thirsty at night. However, the study had a small sample size and carried the possibility of bias through subjective questionnaire responses.…”

“…The cause of xerostomia is multifactorial, and currently no topical therapy has proven to be most effective in reducing the symptoms of dry mouth 13,15 . A recent case–control study conducted by Wang et al 16 . found a reduction in dry mouth symptoms following HRT, but no improvements in burning sensations or waking up thirsty at night.…”

Hormonal Changes and Oral Health During Menopause: Review Article

“…Since damp surroundings are also necessary for the colonization and proliferation of bacteria in mouth areas, inadequate saliva can disrupt microbial stabilization to the advantage of diseases like Streptococcus mutants and Candida albicans (Contaldo et al,2020). Variations in the levels of steroid hormones have an effect on intestinal calcium absorption into the body, the menopausal period's decreasing estrogen levels lower intestinal calcium absorption (Wang et al,2021). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is now available in a wide variety of compositions, methods of administration and drops, appears must be the most efficient therapy for menopausal signs.…”