Decreased libido in postmenopausal women

As baby boomers age, the health issues of postmenopausal women have gained increasing media attention. Sexual well-being is an important health component for these women. The estimated rate of female sexual dysfunction in the United States is an astounding 25% to 63% with the most prevalent age group being postmenopausal women. Decreased libido is a major complaint of postmenopausal women, and many seek medical consultation for this problem. Unfortunately, current female sexuality research for this population is clearly deficient. Additionally, medical providers tasked with managing postmenopausal sexual dysfunction often lack training, experience, and the confidence necessary to handle sexuality concerns. Nurse practitioners, as superior counselors, are in a prime role to address this issue. The purpose of this report is to focus on the multifaceted problem of decreased libido in postmenopausal women, with management strategies to assist practitioners in managing and addressing this problem in the clinical setting. The report will investigate several physical, hormonal, and psychosocial factors impacting decreased libido in these women. Current and past research into this area will be analyzed to better define the current professional consensus on managing decreased libido in postmenopausal women.