Upon reaching menopause (usually after 45 years), women go through many hormonal changes that affect their sexual relationships, going through pain during intercourse, lack of desire and arousal … Now, a recent study claims that Past relationships and emotional health may have a much greater influence (more than hormones) on sexual function in menopausal women.
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan School of Medicine analyzed data from 3,302 women between the ages of 42 and 52 who participated in the SWAN health study across the United States, in order to delve into the hormonal levels and their relationship with sexual function.
The study was followed for 10 years and during the same the levels of a series of reproductive hormones such as testosterone were evaluated. The results of the analysis revealed that women who had high levels of testosterone or DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone) experienced sexual desire more frequently and masturbated more frequently than those with low levels of these hormones. However, for the experts, the most remarkable finding was to discover that the hormonal levels had a weak influence on the sexual function of the woman . Thus, having few stages of sadness and feeling satisfied with her current intimate relationship were the most relevant factors for a better sexual function.
“While levels of testosterone and other reproductive hormones were linked to feelings of desire and the frequency of masturbation, our large-scale study suggests that psychosocial factors influence many aspects of sexual function . Emotional well-being and the quality of your intimate relationship are tremendously important to sexual health, ”says John F. Randolph, study leader.
The study has been published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism .
