Are changes in sexual functioning during midlife due to aging or menopause?

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether changes in women's sexual functioning during midlife are due to aging or menopause. Design: Prospective, observational study.Setting: Population-based sample assessed in own homes. Patient(s): Four hundred thirty-eight Australian-born women aged 45-55 years and still menstruating at baseline. One hundred ninety-seven were studied for effects of the natural menopausal transition. Control group A (n = 44) remained premenopausal or early perimenopausal for 7 years. Control group B (n = 42) remained postmenopausal over 5 years. Intervention(s): Nil; questionnaires and blood sampling annually. Main Outcome Measure(s): Shortened version of the Personal Experiences Q..