Methodological review and meta-analysis of sexuality and menopause research

A selection of empirical studies from 1972-1992 that assessed sexuality and the peri/post menopausal women were collected and reviewed. Using a blind procedure, two Ph. D. experimental psychologists rated methodology sections of all studies. For comparison, variables that were related to peri/postmenopausal sexuality were converted to a standard effect size and correlation. Significantly higher effects sizes were found in studies that were rated as having an adequate measure of hormone status or adequate hormone manipulation, included appropriate controls, and had less confounding variables. Larger effect sizes tended to be found for studies that had an adequate measure of sexuality. Ratings of representativeness of the population, number of subjects, age of the subjects, adequacy of the menopause measure or statistical analysis were not related to effect sizes. Multiple regression analysis showed that overall ratings accounted for 31% of the variance of effect sizes. For studies in which an effect size could be calculated a mean D of 0.67 +/- 1.23 (SD) was found indicating that hormones, both exogenous and endogenous, have some importance to peri/postmenopausal sexuality. Difficulties encountered in attempting a meta-analysis in this area and the meaning of the findings are discussed, as is the importance of such an analysis to the area of sexuality and menopause research.