Sexual Function Through Menopause: A Review of Basic Evaluation and Treatment

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Women's Health
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Menopause involves hormonal shifts impacting women's overall health, particularly sexual function.
• Sexual function is assessed across five domains: desire, arousal/lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.
• This review focuses on understanding menopausal changes within these five sexual function domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a literature review on the evaluation and treatment of female sexual function during menopause.
• To examine interventions for each of the five domains of sexual function affected by menopause.

Main Methods:

• A PubMed literature search was performed using terms related to menopause/perimenopause and specific sexual dysfunctions.
• Keywords included 'hypoactive sexual desire disorder,' 'female arousal disorder,' 'female orgasmic disorder,' and 'female sexual pain' or 'dyspareunia.'

Main Results:

• Sexual function decline during menopause is multifactorial, influenced by biological, psychosocial, relationship, and societal factors.
• Various interventions, including hormone therapy, pharmacotherapy, and psychosexual approaches, show varied efficacy.
• Treatments exist for all domains of female sexual function during perimenopause and menopause.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers must understand the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors to support women's sexual health during menopause.
• Continued research and clinical efforts are crucial for addressing female sexual function in perimenopause and menopause.