[Hormone treatment of sex disorders in menopause--causal therapy or placebo?].

Clinical reports on successful hormonal treatment of climacteric or menopausal sexual dysfunctions are in contradiction with the lack of oestrous phenomena in humans as well as with the results of double-blind studies finding no objective proof for the alleged hormonal influence. A review of recent studies on the topic showed, that apart from a critical threshold, hormones exert no influence on sexual behaviour that would go beyond the alleviation of vasomotoric or genital menopausal symptoms or their consequences. However, psychosocial and relational factors play a major role in sexual dysfunctions generally and at this age of the "empty nest" and a doctor-patient relationship based on trust may well help in coping with them. Finally, a (new?) understanding of genital sexuality as a concise body-language or literally an incarnation of the relationship is advocated and may add a new dimension and quality to a couple's sex life.