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Related Concept Videos

Menopause01:28

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital01:23

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital

The genital stage is the final phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, beginning at puberty, around age 12. During this stage, sexual energy shifts from self-focused interests to external individuals, marking the development of mature adult sexuality. Freud saw this phase as a time of sexual reawakening, with desires directed toward others outside the family. A healthy transition into this stage, according to Freud, signifies the emergence of two key aspects of adult...
The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...

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A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
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A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice

Published on: April 7, 2014

Sexuality and the menopause.

Joan Pitkin1

  • 1Northwick Park; St Marks Hospital, N.W. London Hospitals, NHS Trust, Watford Road, HA1 3UJ, UK. Joan.Pitkin@nwlh.nhs.uk

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|December 9, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Female sexuality is influenced by menopause and complex factors. Research on sexual function and dysfunction is evolving, with new models and treatment evaluations challenging traditional views.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Human Sexuality Studies

Background:

  • Female sexuality is innate but influenced by menopausal transition and extrinsic factors.
  • Assessing hormone status is challenging due to ethnic variations and bio-assay limitations.
  • Prevalence data on female sexual dysfunction varies between study designs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide perspective on female sexuality, defining both function and dysfunction.
  • To review challenges in assessing hormone status and sexual response.
  • To examine current therapeutic options and research limitations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on female sexuality, hormone status, and sexual dysfunction.
  • Analysis of traditional and redefined models of human sexual response.
  • Evaluation of randomized controlled trials for pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

  • New models highlight complex interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic factors in sexual response.
  • Definitions of sexual dysfunction have been updated.
  • Limited high-quality randomized trials exist for treatments like sildenafil, tibolone, and hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Female sexuality is multifaceted, influenced by biological and psychosocial elements.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the efficacy and limitations of treatments for female sexual dysfunction.
  • Understanding evolving models of sexual response is crucial for defining function and dysfunction.