Sexual expression and its determinants in the post-menopausal woman

Anatomic, hormonal, psychosocial and psychosexual variables of sexual expression were evaluated in 69 non-patient post-menopausal women. Subjects received a 2-h individually administered interview, a gynecologic examination with subjective scoring of vaginal atrophy, and serum determinations of estrone, estradiol, and androstenedione, testosterone, FSH and LH. Sexual repertoire of the 34 coitally active (coitus greater than 3 X monthly) was compared to the 29 coitally inactive (coitus less than 10 X yearly) subjects. The majority of subjects engaged in traditional sexual activities, with emphasis on physical affection and coitus. The active and inactive women were similar on all demographic variables except family income and weight/height ratio. The inactive women were slightly more obese and had lower incomes. Post-menopausal patterns of sexual activity correlated with post-menopausal sexual expression as did partner availability and function. The active women had a significantly higher LH level. No correlation was found between current or ideal sexual frequency and androgen or estrogen levels.