Affiliations: [a] Süleyman Demirel University, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Isparta, Turkey | [b] Ankara Research and Education Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between estrogen deficiency and hand functions with the evaluation of the depression state at the same time. Randomized selected 35 postmenopausal women (n=35, mean age; 46.6 ± 2.8 years), 30 premenopausal controls (n=30, mean age; 45.4 ± 2.7 years) were included in this study. The hand grip strength (JAMAR), the pinch strength and manual dexterity (Purdue peg-board test) were evaluated as hand functions by the same investigator. The DASH score (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and the Beck Depression score were determined in each patient. The hand grip strength and manual dexterity were better in premenopausal women than postmenopausal ones. The lower level of estrogen was associated with decreased manual dexterity, increased disability and increased depression. There was no association between estrogen defiency and hand grip strength but we found a correlation between depression score and hand grip strength. Depression has been decreased hand grip/pinch strength and dexterity. We need prospective long term trials about the effect of estrogens on the hand functions and depression.
