Spinal reflex profiles in early postmenopausal women.

Abstract

Background: Estrogen receptors have been located in the human spinal cord and the dorsal root ganglia. The location of these receptors may allow them to participate in motoneuron regulation. Estrogen has the capability to exhibit a strong influence on cells of the nervous system.

Objective: To determine whether differences exist in spinal reflex profiles between early postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy and those who are not.

Methods: Spinal reflex profiles (maximum H-reflex/maximum M-wave) provide insight into the connectiveness of the sensory and motor components of the reflex loop. The maximum H-reflex/maximum M-wave ratios were assessed in 40 early postmenopausal women divided into two groups--hormone replacement therapy and no hormone replacement therapy.

Results: Our results indicate that no group differences in spinal reflex profiles existed between women in this study who were taking hormone replacement therapy and those who were not taking hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion: These results lead to the conclusion that a woman's choice regarding hormone replacement therapy did not affect the connections of the components of the spinal reflex loop in the women in this study.