Restless Legs Syndrome and Hormonal Replacement Therapy in Women at Menopausal Age (P05.010)

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in women at menopausal age. We also wanted to examine whether RLS during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing RLS in menopausal age. The third aim of the study was to search for relation between using hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and development of RLS. Background RLS is more prevalent in women and in older age. There is still not enough data on relation between menopause, hormonal replacement therapy and prevalence of RLS. Design/Methods: We have used RLS-Diagnostic Index (RLS- DI) and RLS Severity Scale (IRLSS). We have performed face-to-face interview with 73 consecutive patients visiting gynecological out-patient department due to menopausal symptoms. Results: The mean age of the examined group was 53.7years. We found RLS in 8 patients (23,3%). 91.8% of the patients had been pregnant and 13.7% of them suffered from symptoms of RLS during pregnancy. After the menopause RLS developed in 60.0% of the patients who suffered from RLS during pregnancy and in 7.0% of patients who had no symptoms of RLS in their pregnancies. 23.3% of the examined group was taking hormonal replacement therapy. The prevalence of RLS in the group with HRT was 23.5% and in the group without HRT – 23.2% ( there was no statistically significant difference). RLS severity score was higher in patients with HTZ: 25.75 vs. 15.0 Conclusions: We have found that development of RLS in the menopausal age is more probable in women who had RLS during their pregnancy. We have not found any relation between intake of HRT and prevalence of RLS but we have observed that RLS is more severe in patients taking HRT. Disclosure: Dr. Sieminski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Karwacka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nyka has nothing to disclose.