Sleep apnea and hormone replacement therapy: A pilot study and a literature review

Abstract

Background. Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a common condition and a risk factor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a gestagen (trimegeston) and estradiol hormone combination on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with SAS. Methods. Four postmenopausal and one perimenopausal women were studied by polysomnography before and after treatment with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Results. The subjects had a mean reduction of the severity of their sleep apnea by 75% measured by apnea/hypopnea index. Conclusions. HRT might be an alternative in the treatment of SAS.