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Are changes in sexual functioning during midlife due to aging or menopause?
L Dennerstein1, E Dudley, H Burger
1Office for Gender and Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ldenn@unimelb.edu.au
Fertility and Sterility
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Female sexual functioning declines with aging and menopause. Both aging and the menopausal transition negatively impact sexual responsivity, with further declines and issues like vaginal pain occurring postmenopause.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Aging Research
Background:
- Midlife women experience changes in sexual function.
- Distinguishing between aging and menopause effects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined effects of aging and menopause on female sexual functioning.
- To analyze changes in sexual responsivity, libido, and sexual activity frequency.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study of 438 Australian women aged 45-55.
- Annual questionnaires and blood sampling over several years.
- Inclusion of premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal groups for comparison.
Main Results:
- Sexual responsivity and overall sexual functioning scores declined significantly during late perimenopause and postmenopause.
- Libido, frequency of sexual activity, and sexual responsivity decreased postmenopause.
- Vaginal dyspareunia and partner-related sexual problems increased significantly in the postmenopausal phase.
Conclusions:
- Both aging and the menopausal transition negatively impact female sexual responsivity.
- Postmenopause is associated with further adverse effects on multiple domains of sexual function.
- The menopausal transition can negatively affect partner sexual function and relationship dynamics.