[Health and sexual behavior of employed women in the menopause phase]

87 women of a random sample test comprising 110 probands aged between 40 and 60 years, were interviewed by way of a semistandardized questionnaire as well as examined both clinically and gynaecologically. The value of sexuality for ageing women as well as the relation of sexuality and health had to be analyzed. Bad state of health, menopause and higher age result in decreasing libido and declining interest in renewed partner ship relations. The orgastic capacity neither was receding due to higher age nor to menopause. Lacking understanding about questions of the intimate sphere caused problems. Disturbed or lacking sexual partnership was accompanied by a negative joy of life, neuro-vegetative disturbances and climacteric symptoms. The parameters sexuality and health were interpreted as being mutually correlated.