SWAN data shows that black women have a lower drop in sexual function, whereas the drop in Japanese women is twice that of white women.
A new study using data from the Study of Women's Health (SWAN), however, provides a more detailed timetable of sexual decline over the menopause transition. The study is being published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Sexual function data was gathered from nearly 1,400 women who were in either the natural menopause or hysterectomy groups of the SWAN study. No decline in sexual function was documented until 20 months before the final menstrual period. From this time until one year after the final period, sexual function scores decreased by 0.35 annually and continued to decline more than one year afterward but at a slower rate.
Low-Dose Estrogen Therapy is Very Effective on Vasomotor Symptoms During Menopause
Data from the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) compared the efficacy of two forms of hormone therapy on menopause symptoms.
Data from the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) compared the efficacy of two forms of hormone therapy on menopause symptoms.
‘Low-dose vaginal estrogen, which has minimal risks for most women, is an effective and safe treatment for painful intercourse as is a non-estrogen therapy called ospemifene.’
The decline was smaller in black women and larger in Japanese than in white women. Women who had a hysterectomy before the final menstrual period did not show a decline in sexual function before surgery but did experience a decline afterward. In total, sexual decline persisted for five years after the final menstrual cycle. Although menopause is often accompanied by such related symptoms as vaginal dryness, depression, and anxiety, these factors did not explain the effect of menopause or surgery on sexual function. The problem of declining sexual function is a serious one, because more than 75% of the middle-aged women in the study reported that sex was moderately to extremely important.
"This study highlights the need for healthcare providers to have open conversations with their patients about their sexual issues, because there are many options for women to help maintain or improve their sexual lives as they transition to and beyond menopause," says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director. "Low-dose vaginal estrogen, for example, which has minimal risks for most women, is an effective and safe treatment for painful intercourse as is a non-estrogen therapy called ospemifene."
Male Menopause Linked to Obesity, Diabetes
As men age, testosterone levels fall - a process described as late-onset hypogonadsim and could even be linked to obesity and diabetes.
As men age, testosterone levels fall - a process described as late-onset hypogonadsim and could even be linked to obesity and diabetes.
Brain Changes After Menopause may Lead to Lack of Physical Activity Among Women
Activation of brain receptors in the brain's pleasure center may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity in postmenopausal women.
Activation of brain receptors in the brain's pleasure center may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity in postmenopausal women.
Early and Late Menopause can Increase Diabetes Risk
Women who had their menopause before age 46 were 25% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, compared to women who had their menopause between ages 46 and 55.
Women who had their menopause before age 46 were 25% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, compared to women who had their menopause between ages 46 and 55.
