Evaluation of gustatory function in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the gustatory function in postmenopausal women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Whole mouth taste test and spatial taste test were administered to 20 postmenopausal women (Group 1) and 20 age-matched male subjects (Group 2). Further investigations were carried out for subjective assessment of taste alteration and nutritional differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal periods.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in sucrose perception and in palatal sensitivity in postmenopausal women (p<0.05). Only 7(35%) of the female patients noticed alteration in taste perception during the postmenopausal period. Alteration in dietary habits after menopause was reported by 9 (45%) patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that taste perception of the tongue does not change, but that there is a disorder in palatal perception in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, there is tendency to preference of sweeter foods during menopause.