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

Abstract

Menopause represents a significant transition in women's lives characterised by hormonal fluctuations that impact various aspects of health, including sexual function. This paper examines menopausal changes through the framework of the five sexual function domains: desire, arousal/lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. A literature review was done regarding evaluation and treatment for each domain of sexual function. A search on PubMed was done searching for terms "menopause" or "perimenopause" + "hypoactive sexual desire disorder," and "female arousal disorder," and "female orgasmic disorder" and "female sexual pain" or "dyspareunia." The literature demonstrates that while sexual function may decline for many women during menopause, this decline is multifactorial, involving not only hormonal and biological changes but also psychosocial factors, relationship dynamics and societal attitudes. Interventions ranging from hormone therapy, pharmacotherapy to psychosexual approaches have shown varying degrees of efficacy in addressing sexual concerns during menopause. Understanding the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors within each female sexual domain is essential for healthcare providers to effectively support women's sexual health during this life transition. Treatment is available for all domains of female sexual function in perimenopause and menopause and therefore, clinicians and researchers ought to continue work in this important aspect of women's health.