Citations

Abstract Objective: To evaluate associations between sleep and female sexual function. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause and Sexuality (DREAMS) was performed using questionnaires in women presenting for menopause or sexual health consult at Mayo Clinic from December, 2016 to September, 2019. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed sexual function and sleep parameters, respectively. Associations between sleep quality (PSQI score ≥ 5 poor sleep quality), sleep durations (< 5 h, 5-6 h, 6-7 h, > 7 h) and female sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55 and FSDS-R ≥ 11) were evaluated utilizing a multivariable logistic model adjusting for multiple factors. A secondary analysis evaluated sleep quality by sexual activity and also included sexually inactive women. Results: A total of 3,433 women were included (mean age 53). Sexually active women (N = 2,487; 72.4%) were included in the primary analysis; 75% had poor sleep quality, and 54% met criteria for female sexual dysfunction. On multivariable analysis, women with poor sleep quality were 1.48 times more likely to report female sexual dysfunction (95% CI 1.21-1.80, P < 0.001). Of women who reported sleeping < 5 hours nightly, 63.3% had female sexual dysfunction, and their Female Sexual Function Index total and domain scores were significantly lower than women sleeping > 7 hours nightly (P = 0.004); however, this was not statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Sexually active women were more likely to report good sleep quality compared with sexually inactive women (25.3% vs 20.5%, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality, but not sleep duration, was associated with greater odds of female sexual dysfunction. Good sleep quality was linked to sexual activity. In addition to its myriad effects on health, poor sleep quality is associated with female sexual dysfunction. Video Summary: http://links.lww.com/MENO/A714.

Abstract Objective: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and menopausal symptoms, specifically vasomotor symptoms, have both been associated with cardiovascular disease risk in women. However, data are sparse on the association between these two female-specific cardiovascular risk factors. This study was conducted to investigate the association between a history of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of women aged 40 to 65 years seen for specialty consultation in women's health clinics at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN and Scottsdale, AZ, between May, 2015 and September, 2019. A self-reported history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy served as the independent variable, and menopause symptoms as assessed by the Menopause Rating Scale were the primary outcome measure. Results: Of 2,684 women included in the analysis, 180 had a self-reported history of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The total menopausal symptom scores as well as somatic and psychological domain scores were higher in women with a history of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy compared to women without a history of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or to women without a pregnancy. On multivariable analysis, women with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy using hormone therapy had significantly higher total menopause symptom scores than women with no such history. Conclusions: In this large cross-sectional study, a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was associated with more bothersome menopausal symptoms. Additional study is needed to determine the strength of this association, underlying mechanisms of the association, and clinical implications for cardiovascular risk prediction in women.

Abstract Background Obesity and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are prevalent conditions, and both are associated with significant adverse effects on health and well-being. Aim To investigate the association between body mass index and FSD, as well as potential moderators. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed by analyzing medical records of 6,688 women seeking consultation for menopause-related or sexual health–related concerns at women’s health clinics at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, and Scottsdale, AZ, between May 1, 2015, and September 15, 2019. Outcomes Female sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index, and sexual distress was assessed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Results Being overweight or obese was associated with a lack of sexual activity. Among sexually active women, those who were overweight or obese had lower Female Sexual Function Index total scores and sexual function domain scores (indicating worse sexual function), including sexual arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, and pain, and higher levels of sexual distress than those with normal weight. However, on multivariable analysis, these associations were found to be mediated by other factors, including age, level of education, reproductive stage, medication use, and mood disturbances, which are known to impact body weight and sexual function in women. Clinical Implications Overweight and obesity were associated with sexual inactivity and greater odds of having FSD, which should prompt proactive assessment of sexual function. Strengths and Limitations The strengths of this study include the large cohort size and assessment of sexual problems in addition to sexual distress, a key component of the definition of sexual dysfunction. This study also took into account multiple potential moderating factors. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which precludes determination of causality as well as lack of diversity in the cohort, potentially limiting generalizability of results. In addition, sexual function was not assessed in women reporting no recent sexual activity, which may confound results. Conclusion Overweight/obesity and FSD are highly prevalent conditions, which appear to be indirectly associated. These results highlight the need to identify and address FSD in all overweight and obese women, with particular attention to potential contributing factors.

Abstract Objective: Weight gain and vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are common complaints in midlife women going through the menopause transition. A selective serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptor agonist, lorcaserin, which was previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss, has unreported observational evidence suggesting improvement in VMS with its use. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of lorcaserin for weight loss and management of VMS in overweight midlife women. Methods: This was a 24-week open label pilot study of 20 overweight midlife women, aged 45-60 years, who were experiencing severe VMS. Participants received lorcaserin at the standard dose of 10 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of observation off the drug. The primary outcomes were changes in weight and subjectively reported VMS. Results: At the end of 12 weeks, mean change in weight was −2.4 kg (90% CI, −3.2 to −1.7, P < 0.001). However, the participants returned to the baseline weight at 24 weeks. Participants also reported significant subjective improvement in VMS, with a mean ± SD change in self-reported hot flash frequency from baseline to week 12 of −5.4 ± 3.9 (decrease of 1.4 standard deviations). There was a rapid increase in the frequency of VMS within 2 weeks of discontinuation of lorcaserin with a tendency to approach the baseline frequency of VMS. Conclusions: In addition to its weight loss-inducing effect, 5-HT2C receptor modulation may have an additional beneficial effect on VMS in midlife women. A treatment option that targets both weight and VMS in midlife women is attractive. Video Summary: http://links.lww.com/MENO/A622.

Androgens are believed to have an important biologic role in women, particularly in regulation of libido and sexual arousal, although much about their function on other systems in women is unknown. Testosterone, the primary ovarian androgen, has been used to treat carefully selected postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). However, testosterone use in women has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of uncertainties regarding the effectiveness and long-term safety of this strategy. An intravaginal form of the adrenal androgen, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been approved by the FDA to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the role of androgens and their clinical use in women. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed for publications describing the role and clinical use of androgens in women. We used the search terms “HSDD,” “DHEA in women,” “testosterone in women,” and “androgens in women,” and reviewed most references from all relevant articles. Most randomized placebo-controlled trials show an improvement in sexual function with low-dose testosterone therapy in select postmenopausal women with HSDD. Although this strategy appears to be safe in the short term and no major safety concerns have emerged thus far, long-term effects on cardiovascular risk and breast cancer incidence are not known. A trial of low-dose testosterone therapy may be considered for carefully selected postmenopausal women with HSDD, as long as other contributors to sexual dysfunction have been adequately addressed. However, patients need careful counseling regarding the lack of long-term safety data, and close clinical and laboratory monitoring of these women is recommended to avoid supraphysiologic dosing.

The Clinical Update series is intended to help busy providers stay up to date with important and potentially practice changing articles that have been published on topics pertinent to the care of women. The rates of obesity and the resultant morbidities are rising worldwide, making it a high-priority health issue for the medical community. Moreover, the pathophysiology and management of obesity and visceral fat accumulation in women has important nuances, distinct from those in men. It is important to consider the effect of unique female-specific influences such as reproductive stage and pregnancy. Therefore, we have chosen to review six high-impact recent studies relating to obesity and its management in women. These include guidelines for management of obesity in pregnancy, risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer in overweight/obese women, the association of vascular fat and decline in physical function in midlife women, the predictors for weight gain in premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer, dietary patterns and obesity in postmenopausal women, and finally, normal weight obesity and mortality risk in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Objective: Statins are a class of drugs that competitively bind to the active site of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, thereby inhibiting the initial steps in cholesterol synthesis. Originally approved for use in lowering serum cholesterol, a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, statins have subsequently been noted to have myriad extrahepatic effects, including potential effects on cognition, diabetes, breast cancer, bone, and muscle. This narrative review assesses the current state of the science regarding the risks and benefits of statin therapy in women to identify areas where additional research is needed. Methods: Basic and clinical studies were identified by searching PubMed with particular attention to inclusion of female animals, women, randomized controlled trials, and sex-specific analyses. Results: Statin therapy is generally recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. None of the current clinical guidelines, however, offer sex-specific recommendations for women due to lack of understanding of sex differences and underlying mechanisms of disease processes. In addition, conclusions regarding efficacy of treatments do not consider lipid solubility for the drug, dosing, duration of treatment, interactions with estrogen, or comorbidities. Pleiotropic effects of statins are often derived from secondary analysis of studies with cardiovascular events as primary outcomes. Conclusions: Many of the trials that have established the efficacy and safety of statins were conducted predominantly or entirely in men, with results extrapolated to women. Additional research is needed to guide clinical recommendations specific to women. Video Summary: http://links.lww.com/MENO/A462.