Evaluation of Factors Affecting Sexual Desire During Menopausal Transition and Post Menopause

Background: one of the most common problems of women especially during transient menopause and post menopause is reduction in sexual desire which affects their social and psychological health.objectives: the present study attempted to evaluate the impact of some personal and social factors, common age-related complaints, and follicular stimulating hormone and estradiol on sexual desire. patients and methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 females, aged 45-60 years old, without any history of psychological illness, and not receiving any hormone therapy including estrogen-progesterone. they filled three questionnaires; menopausal rating scale (mrs), symptom checklist 90 and their sexual interests and demographic characteristics. the data were analyzed using pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression (using spss 18). results: a deceasing sexual desire was observed in 34.7% of the cases. a statistically significant relationship was found between reduced sexual desire and physical complaints and mood changes including anxiety and depression. women who were widowed or divorced exhibited a significantly higher reduction in sexual desire. there was a significant correlation between sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. however, no significant relationship was observed between sexual desire and hot flashes, dyspareunia and level of estradiol and fsh. conclusions: mental and physical health of women and their sexual satisfaction play a more effective role in predicting sexual desire, regardless of age and hormonal changes during this period.