Sex problems with renal failure — WomenHormone replacement therapy should be considered by post menopausal women with kidney failure, and also by younger women who do not have periods, or have very irregular periods. Research has shown that women with kidney failure do not often receive hormone replacement. The reasons for this are not clear.
Women should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of treatment in their own case with their own kidney doctors and nurses.
Will someone on hormone replacement therapy feel better? There has been very little research on this in kidney failure, but one study did report an increase in well being and sex drive.
Much more research has been performed on the benefits of hormone replacement therapy on bones and fats (cholesterol) in the blood. These are important because bone disease and hardening of the arteries develop at a much faster rate in women with kidney failure than in the general population, so prevention may be important. It is clear that most women treated with hormone replacement therapy will have an improvement in the cholesterol levels and their bones. However, the studies have not yet shown whether women develop fewer heart attacks or have fewer bone problems (such as fractures).
Hormone replacement therapy causes menstrual bleeding to occur. There are also side effects of hormone replacement therapy that may occur in anyone, such as high blood pressure.
Also, some research has suggested that the dose of hormone replacement therapy needed by women may be affected by kidney failure or dialysis.
One trial reported in 2002 has suggested that hormone replacement treatment increases the risk of breast cancer, stroke and heart attack. Further research will be necessary before these findings can be confirmed, and it is clear that whether or not to start hormone replacement treatment is not an easy decision.
NKF Controlled Document No. 206, Sex problems with renal failure — Women — 5. Should women with kidney disease have hormone replacement treatment?, written 15 December 2002. Last reviewed 6 June 2011.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
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Page created: 15 December 2002
Last updated: 27 February 2011
6. Sex and dialysis treatment