Which symptom is NOT improved by hormone therapy during menopause?

Hormone therapy during menopause is effective in alleviating various symptoms associated with the decrease in estrogen levels. Common symptoms that typically improve with hormone therapy include hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, as these are directly related to hormonal fluctuations.

Hot flashes are reduced because hormone therapy helps stabilize hormone levels, thereby minimizing the frequency and intensity of these vasomotor symptoms. Mood swings may also improve, as estrogen plays a role in mood regulation; by providing hormonal support, hormone therapy can help create a more stable emotional environment. Vaginal dryness is addressed as estrogen therapy helps to restore the moisture and elasticity of vaginal tissues, leading to improved comfort and sexual health.

The symptom that is not consistently improved by hormone therapy is sex drive. While some women report an increase in libido with hormone therapy, many factors influence sexual desire, including psychological, relational, and physical aspects. Therefore, hormone therapy alone may not be sufficient to enhance sex drive for all women, making it the symptom that does not uniformly show improvement following such treatment.