Sexual desire. Menopause and its psychological impact

Many women present with sexual dysfunction at the menopause. A number of researchers have considered the physiological changes that impact on sexual function in the menopausal woman, however, less is written about the impact of psychological function at the menopause.

This article describes the importance of psychosocial factors such as mood, past sexual behaviours, body image, sociocultural, partner and midlife issues in the treatment and the understanding of the menopausal woman who presents with sexual dysfunction. Questions that may be asked of patients and possible treatment options will also be discussed.

Research has concluded the multivariate nature of human sexuality. It is important that in the treatment and understanding of the menopausal woman who presents with sexual dysfunction, that both physiological and psychosocial factors are considered.