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Sexual Health in Menopause

2019; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute; Volume: 55; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3390/medicina55090559

1648-9144

Irene Scavello, Elisa Maseroli, Vincenza Di Stasi, Linda Vignozzi,

Estrogen and related hormone effects

Sexual function worsens with advancing menopause status. The most frequently reported symptoms include low sexual desire (40–55%), poor lubrication (25–30%) and dyspareunia (12–45%), one of the complications of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Declining levels of sex steroids (estrogens and androgens) play a major role in the impairment of sexual response; however, psychological and relational changes related with aging and an increase in metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities should also be taken into account. Although first-line therapeutic strategies for menopause-related sexual dysfunction aim at addressing modifiable factors, many hormonal and non-hormonal, local and systemic treatment options are currently available. Treatment should be individualized, taking into account the severity of symptoms, potential adverse effects and personal preferences.