Washington, Jan 24: Postmenopausal women`s loss
of sexual desire can affect their health and quality of life,
says a new study.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have
found that women with low levels of sexual desire, as a result
of menopause, are more likely to be depressed and suffer from
physical symptoms such as back pain and memory problems.
And, the study also found that women with hypoactive
sexual desire disorder (HSDD) have poorer health status and
worse health-related quality of life than women without the
disorder, the `Value in Health` journal reported.
According to the researchers, women with the disorder
have a degree of physical and mental impairment comparable to
chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis
and asthma.
"Our research shows that HSDD is a significant and
clinically relevant problem, and not a normal or inevitable
part of the ageing process. Women with the disorder experience
health burdens similar to individuals with serious chronic
conditions," lead researcher Andrea K Biddle said.
The researchers have based their findings on telephone
interviews with 1,189 postmenopausal women. Using quality of
life surveys, they asked the women about the levels of sexual
desire and feelings of physical and emotional well-being or
distress.
Results showed that women with the disorder were more
likely to be depressed and to express dissatisfaction with
their home lives and their sexual partners.
And, surgically menopausal women (women who underwent
menopause by having their ovaries removed) were slightly more
likely to have the disorder than women who underwent menopause
naturally.
Bureau Report
