Influence of obesity and hormone disturbances on sexuality of women in the menopause

Abstract

Obesity has influence on different aspects of sexuality in the postmenopausal women. Our results suggest the need of awareness toward obesity and its impact on sexuality in the menopause.

The Relationship between Sexual Function and Body Mass Index in Postmenopausal Women

“…The present study showed that sexual function is negatively correlated with BMI among postmenopausal women. These results are in consistent with finding of some studies in postmenopausal women [27][28][29]. In a study of 350 Egyptian postmenopausal women, the correlation between BMI and quality of life was determined.…”

“…In this study, the sexual domain had the greatest impact on quality of life [27]. Also, in Simoncig Netjasov., et al study on 73 menopausal women in Serbia found that obesity affects different aspects of sexuality in the postmenopausal women [28]. In their study investigating predictors of sexual function in midlife Chinese women, Zhou., et al evaluated 3485 middle-aged women and found that BMI is a predictor of low sexual desire [29].…”

“…While other studies reported no relationship between obesity or BMI and sexual dysfunction[12,15,[23][24][25][26].There are also conflicting studies regarding the relationship between BMI and sexual function in menopause. Some studies have shown this relationship in different domains of sexual function[27][28][29] and other studies have not found a significant relationship between them[30,31].Given the inconsistent results of these studies, the association between sexual dysfunction and BMI remains unclear. On the other hand, with the increase in BMI in the world, overweight and obese people comprise a large percentage of the population, especially women.…”

Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction in Obese Women

“…Sexual dysfunction is defined as the presence of changes in one or more response phases of sexual intercourse and/or associated pain, resulting in impairment of the experience of pleasure and performance. [1][2][3] In female sexual dysfunction, the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and stages of the life cycle such as menarche, pregnancy, lactation, menopause and senility modify and are modified by sexual activity. 1,2,4 Changes in sexual quality of life are associated with eating disorders, increased body mass index (BMI) and consequently obesity.…”

Management of Weight Gain in Midlife Women: Hormone Therapy and Beyond

“…15 Weight gain in the climacteric years can also compromise a woman's emotional and psychosocial well-being, leading to partner relationship issues and sexual dysfunction. [16][17][18] Weight management in midlife women is crucial for the reasons already stated. Providers caring for women need to be proactive in screening for obesity and offering counseling for weight management even if not specifically sought by the patient.…”