Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction Among Postmenopausal Women with and Without Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the co-occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes, central obesity, high levels of triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein, and hypertension. Its prevalence is higher in menopausal women. We, and others, have recently shown that female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects menopausal women. Whether the presence of MetS may be linked to a higher risk of FSD in menopausal women is unknown. Aims The aims of our study were: (i) to evaluate the prevalence of FSD in women with MetS (based on National Cholesterol Education program-Adult Treatment Panel III 2009 criteria) in comparison with healthy controls and (ii) to evaluate the influence of singular components of MetS on female sexual function. Methods The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and The Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire were administered to 103 postmenopausal women with MetS and 105 healthy postmenopausal controls (HC). Female sexuality was defined as dysfunctional when FSFI score was <23 and FSDS was >15. Main Outcome Measures FSFI and FSDS were completed by women with and without MetS. Results The prevalence of women with sexual dysfunction was higher in MetS women than HC (39/103 [37.9%] vs. 20/105 [19%], P = 0.003). The prevalence of both pathological scores in every FSFI domain and FSDS score was higher in MetS women than HC. The logistic regression, considering age and the length of relationship as a common starting point, shows that higher levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of presenting FSD (odds ratio = 2.007 95% confidence interval [1.033–3.901]) in the whole population. Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that prevalence of FSD is higher in women with MetS in comparison with healthy controls. Higher levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of presenting FSD.

Metabolic syndrome and sexual function in postmenopausal women

“…(10) who evaluated the occurrence of FSD in postmenopausal women using the FSFI questionnaire. These authors found a prevalence of FSD of 68% in patients with MS, compared with 41% in those without MS. Based on that, we estimated in our study a sample size of 200 women.…”

“…Decreases in FSFI total scores were proportional to an increase in the number of MS components (9). Another study in postmenopausal women also found an association between MS and low sexual function scores (10). In contrast, Kim and cols., while studying middleaged women, found no association between MS and most of the components of sexual function (11).…”

Factores asociados a disfunción sexual en mujeres atendidas en un hospital nivel III-Chiclayo-Perú

“…Los factores asociados a la disfunción sexual han sido estudiados por varios autores, registrando el síndrome metabólico como un factor de riesgo independiente (16)(17)(18), la edad, el grado de instrucción, la salud física (19,20) y mental en la mujer (21), aunque otros autores refieren además el estado civil casado, hábito de fumar (22), así como tener más de 14 años de matrimonio, más de 2 hijos, el grado de instrucción, el tener una pareja mayor de 42 años (23) y el uso de terapia antidepresiva (24).…”

Early menarche and high parity contribute to better sexual-quality of life in perimenopausal women

“…9 Another metabolic syndrome that was suggested to increase the prevalence of FSD is the high levels of triglycerides. 10 Smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activitiies are three among examples of habits and life style that allegedly influence prevalence of FSD in menopausal women. Smoke for example may cause early onset of menopause and high incidence of osteoporosis.…”