Sexual Function and Mood Disorders Among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Changes in sex hormones during menopause may have detrimental effects on a woman's sexual function and cause mood disorders. The treatment of both conditions is a challenge in gynecology.

Aim: To review the published literature on sexual function and mood disorders among peri- and postmenopausal women.

Methods: The review is based on the methodological framework of scoping reviews. We searched electronic databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (WoS). Publications that reported data about the relationship between sexual function and mood disorders among menopausal women were included in the review. The search was not subject to any limitation in terms of time or method.

Outcomes: The main outcome measures used for the review were sexual dysfunction and mood disorders.

Results: We found 106 total records. After a full-text screening we included 19 studies from 1986 to 2020 based on various methodologies; the majority of the studies¹⁶ were cross-sectional. Investigations that addressed the symptoms of mood disorders and some domains of sexual function showed a close relationship between sexual dysfunction and mood disorders among menopausal women.

Clinical implications: In clinical practice, it would be appropriate to screen women for at least one mood disorder or sexual dysfunction. If a woman suffers from either, it will be necessary to assess for a further disorder as well.

Strengths & limitations: The review was based on a detailed search of the published literature concerning mood disorders and sexual dysfunction among menopausal women compared to women of reproductive age. Despite the clinical importance of the subject, the number of studies eligible for inclusion in the review are rather small. Further investigation of the topic is clearly warranted.

Conclusions: While the association between sexual dysfunction and mood disorders appears to be bidirectional, future studies will have to investigate the specific mechanisms by which sexual dysfunction could lead to mood disorders (or vice versa). Future studies should specifically address sexual dysfunctions and attitudes of partners, BMI, family support, sleep, and multiparity. Azam Rahmani, Elahe Afsharnia, Julia Fedotova, Shirin Shahbazi, Arezoo Fallahi, Leila Allahqoli, Reza GhaneipoklGheshlagh, Sarah Abboud, Ibrahim Alkatout. Sexual Function and Mood Disorders Among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Scoping Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:1098-1115.

Keywords: Depression; Menopause; Mood Disorder; Sexual Health; Systematic Review.