Are changes in sexual functioning during midlife due to aging or menopause?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether changes in women's sexual functioning during midlife are due to aging or menopause.


METHODS
Prospective, observational study.


METHODS
Population-based sample assessed in own homes.


METHODS
Four hundred thirty-eight Australian-born women aged 45-55 years and still menstruating at baseline. One hundred ninety-seven were studied for effects of the natural menopausal transition. Control group A (n = 44) remained premenopausal or early perimenopausal for 7 years. Control group B (n = 42) remained postmenopausal over 5 years.


METHODS
Nil; questionnaires and blood sampling annually.


METHODS
Shortened version of the Personal Experiences Questionnaire.


RESULTS
By the late perimenopause, there was a significant decline in the factors we had derived of sexual responsivity and total score, and there was an increase in the partner's problems factor. By the postmenopausal phase, there was a further decline in the factors sexual responsivity, frequency of sexual activities, libido, and in the total score, and a significant increase in vaginal dyspareunia and partner's problems. Sexual responsivity significantly declined in both control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual responsivity is adversely affected by both aging and the menopausal transition. Other domains of female sexual functioning were significantly adversely affected when the women became postmenopausal. The relationship with the partner and his ability to perform sexually is adversely affected by the menopausal transition.
Dennerstein
L
L
Office for Gender and Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ldenn@unimelb.edu.au
Dudley
E
E
Burger
H
H
D001315:Australia; D003075:Coitus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007989:Libido; D008393:Marriage; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged / Q000502:physiology*; D009948:Orgasm; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D017697:Premenopause / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D018454:Spouses; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors