Menopausal Hormone Dip Tied to Sexual Dysfunction
(NY, Reuters Health, 4/9/07)

Dr. Clarisa R. Gracia and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania assessed hormone levels in the blood of 311 women annually for 3 years and also queried them about “their health, menstrual cycles and sex lives.” The investigators found that postmenopausal subjects were more likely than premenopausal women to report sexual dysfunction, including lack of interest, pain or difficulty attaining orgasm. The researcher determined that women with low levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, tended to report sexual problems more often than those with high levels. In addition, women with anxiety symptoms, with no regular sex partner or with children under18 in their household were also more likely to experience sexual dysfunction.

(Obstetrics & Gynecology, April 2007)