[Sexuality of older women. The effect of menopause, other physical and social and partner related factors].

Research on female sexuality in middle and old age (50-90 years) is reviewed. The descriptive results of the studies published up to now are summarized according to the dimensions of sexual activity (e.g. intercourse, tenderness, masturbation) and interest. The influence of various factors on female sexuality in middle and old age is critically discussed, namely health/body (health; general changes in sexual reactions; menopause), society (population structure; "double standard of aging"; historical-biographical influences) and couple relationship. Altogether, female sexuality is highly variable. The most prevalent psychosexual problems of older women are not the classic medical complaints (e.g. dyspareunia, insufficient lubrication) but a lack of tenderness and of sexual contact. The effect of the hormonal changes of the menopause is smaller than the effect of psychological, society- and partner-related factors. The so-called "Hormone replacement therapy" does not have significant effects on most sexual dimensions.