Relationship between sexual hormones, quality of life and postmenopausal sexual function

To assess the relationship between sexual hormones, sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 36 postmenopausal women between the ages of 45 and 65 in follow-up at a climacteric outpatient clinic. Mood, quality of life, sexual function and hormonal profile were assessed.

With regard to sexual hormones and sexual function, a relationship was found between orgasm and luteinizing hormone (r=0.37), orgasm and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (r=0.39), SHBG and less pain (r=0.44), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and desire (r=-0.45), as well as between prolactin and lubrication (r=0.33). Sexual hormones and quality of life were related as follows: progesterone and limitations due to physical aspects (r=0.35), SHBG and social aspects (r=0.35), cortisol and pain (r=0.46), DHEA and social aspects (r=-0.40). Finally, the following relationships were found between sexual function and quality of life: sexual desire and vitality, social aspects, state of general health and mental health (r=0.46, r=0.51, r=0.35, and r=0.38, respectively). Arousal, orgasm and satisfaction with sexual life showed a relationship with less physical pain (r=0.40, r=0.42, and r=0.43, respectively). Satisfaction with sexual life was correlated with vitality (r=0.33).

Different correlations than expected were found in this study regarding the effect of some hormones on sexual function and some aspects of the quality of life of postmenopausal women.