Endocrine aspects of women's sexual function

Abstract

Introduction: Endocrine changes during aging as well as endocrine disorders may either directly or indirectly modulate female sexual function by altering sex hormones, or by impacting on vascular, neurogenic, or psychologic factors.

Aim: To review information on the impact of the hormonal changes associated with aging or those caused by endocrine disorders on female sexual function and current information on the risks and benefits of hormonal treatments.

Methods: Committee members outlined topics and reviewed the published literature on endocrine aspects of female sexual function over a 2-year period. Presentation of the recommendations were presented at the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine Paris, France 2009 and revised accordingly.

Main outcome measures: Quality of data published in the literature and recommendations were based on the GRADES system.

Results: Recommendations and guidelines concerning the role of sex hormones and endocrine disorders in female sexual function were derived.

Conclusions: Hormones are only one component of the many factors that contribute to normal sexual function in women. Further research is needed as to the impact of hormones and endocrine disorders on female sexual dysfunction and the benefits and risks of hormonal therapies.