Evaluation of Factors Affecting Sexual Desire During Menopausal Transition and Post Menopause

One of the most common problems of women especially during transient menopause and post menopause is reduction in sexual desire which affects their social and psychological health. The present study attempted to evaluate the impact of some personal and social factors, common age-related complaints, and follicular stimulating hormone and estradiol on sexual desire. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 females, aged 45-60 years old, without any history of psychological illness, and not receiving any hormone therapy including estrogen-progesterone. They filled three questionnaires; menopausal rating scale (MRS), symptom checklist 90 and their sexual interests and demographic characteristics. The data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square tests and logistic regression (using SPSS 18). A deceasing sexual desire was observed in 34.7% of the cases. A statistically significant relationship was found between reduced sexual desire and physical complaints and mood changes including anxiety and depression. Women who were widowed or divorced exhibited a significantly higher reduction in sexual desire. There was a significant correlation between sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. However, no significant relationship was observed between sexual desire and hot flashes, dyspareunia and level of estradiol and FSH. Mental and physical health of women and their sexual satisfaction play a more effective role in predicting sexual desire, regardless of age and hormonal changes during this period.

One of the most common problems of women especially during transient menopause and post menopause is reduction in sexual desire which affects their social and psychological health. The present study attempted to evaluate the impact of some personal and social factors, common age-related complaints, and follicular stimulating hormone and estradiol on sexual desire. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 females, aged 45-60 years old, without any history of psychological illness, and not receiving any hormone therapy including estrogen-progesterone. They filled three questionnaires; menopausal rating scale (MRS), symptom checklist 90 and their sexual interests and demographic characteristics. The data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square tests and logistic regression (using SPSS 18). A deceasing sexual desire was observed in 34.7% of the cases. A statistically significant relationship was found between reduced sexual desire and physical complaints and mood changes including anxiety and depression. Women who were widowed or divorced exhibited a significantly higher reduction in sexual desire. There was a significant correlation between sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. However, no significant relationship was observed between sexual desire and hot flashes, dyspareunia and level of estradiol and FSH. Mental and physical health of women and their sexual satisfaction play a more effective role in predicting sexual desire, regardless of age and hormonal changes during this period.