Sexual Dysfunction in Perimenopause

Abstract

After completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the types of female sexual disorders, summarize a plan of treatment for the different female sexual disorders, and outline special conditions during the perimenopause which might affect sexual function.

Grey matter differences associated with age and sex hormone levels between premenopausal and perimenopausal women: A voxel‐based morphometry study

“…Seok et al reported a haemodynamic response of the pallidum and putamen during an event‐related functional MRI, and confirmed that these two regions were related to the physiology of sexual behaviour and reward‐related aspects of sexuality. A study by Novi et al confirmed that perimenopause presented a unique changes in sexual function and that perimenopausal women suffered from sex hormonal fluctuation‐induced decline in sexual function and desire. Therefore, the grey matter volume reduction of these two areas may affect sexual function and sexual desire for perimenopausal women.…”

Testosterone Supplementation for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women

“…2 Furthermore, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is believed to affect over 50% of women. 3 Female sexual dysfunction is a loss of desire for sexual activity that, in turn, causes significant distress and possible strain on interpersonal relationships. Diminished sexual arousal, dyspareunia, and difficulty achieving orgasm are also characteristics of FSD.…”

“…Low libido has been a complaint routinely voiced by menopausal women, and current reports cite that 16 million women older than 50 years experience low sexual desire . Furthermore, female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is believed to affect over 50% of women . Female sexual dysfunction is a loss of desire for sexual activity that, in turn, causes significant distress and possible strain on interpersonal relationships.…”

Factors Affecting Sexual Activity in Midlife Women: Results from the Midlife Health Study

“…S exual dysfunction is a common problem as women age and is a serious concern for perimenopausal women. [1][2][3][4] A survey of perimenopausal women in Europe found that 79% of participants agreed that it was very important to have a satisfying sex life. 5 One primary reason for increased reporting of sexual dysfunction during menopause is the decrease in estrogen levels during the menopausal transition as deficiencies in estrogen can lead to dry and painful sex.…”

“…5 One primary reason for increased reporting of sexual dysfunction during menopause is the decrease in estrogen levels during the menopausal transition as deficiencies in estrogen can lead to dry and painful sex. 1 However, other factors also play a role as sexual function is known to be multifactorial and complex. 1,6 Most studies examining sexual activity in menopausal women have been cross sectional 4,5,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] and have been unable to capture the dynamics of changes during the meno-pausal transition.…”