Sexual medicine reviews · 2026
A scoping review of the biopsychosocial factors influencing sexual desire in menopause.
СтатьяScoping ReviewНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
Metcalfe Kate B, Meston Cindy M
Аннотация
INTRODUCTION: Declining sexual desire is one of the most common and distressing symptoms of menopause and has significant implications on sexual satisfaction and overall well-being. Though declining ovarian function and sex hormone levels characteristic of menopause may contribute to low desire, some menopausal women report stable or even increased desire since the onset of menopause, suggesting that biological, psychological, and social factors are also relevant.
OBJECTIVES: This scoping review synthesized existing research examining these biopsychosocial factors associated with desire in menopause.
METHODS: Following best practices for scoping reviews, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO in July 2025, for articles examining sexual desire in menopause. Quantitative studies were included if they examined peri- or postmenopausal women, measured sexual desire as a distinct construct, and examined desire in relation to a biological, psychological, or social construct. A total of 818 articles were reviewed, with 31 meeting inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and thematically synthesized across the three biopsychosocial domains.
RESULTS: Biological factors most relevant to sexual desire include other domains of sexual dysfunction, as well as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, particularly pain with intercourse and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms of menopause, namely sleep disruptions and poor general health are also associated with declines in desire. Psychological factors, especially anxiety and depression, strongly predicted decreased desire. Although less researched, poor body image and negative attitudes about sex appear to impact desire. Social factors such as relationship dissatisfaction and relationship length tend to correlate with declines in desire.
CONCLUSIONS: Sexual desire in menopause reflects a complex interplay of biological, hormonal, and social influences that extend beyond declining ovarian function and hormones. A biopsychosocial framework is essential for advancing research and holistic care to support menopausal women with low desire.
OBJECTIVES: This scoping review synthesized existing research examining these biopsychosocial factors associated with desire in menopause.
METHODS: Following best practices for scoping reviews, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO in July 2025, for articles examining sexual desire in menopause. Quantitative studies were included if they examined peri- or postmenopausal women, measured sexual desire as a distinct construct, and examined desire in relation to a biological, psychological, or social construct. A total of 818 articles were reviewed, with 31 meeting inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and thematically synthesized across the three biopsychosocial domains.
RESULTS: Biological factors most relevant to sexual desire include other domains of sexual dysfunction, as well as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, particularly pain with intercourse and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms of menopause, namely sleep disruptions and poor general health are also associated with declines in desire. Psychological factors, especially anxiety and depression, strongly predicted decreased desire. Although less researched, poor body image and negative attitudes about sex appear to impact desire. Social factors such as relationship dissatisfaction and relationship length tend to correlate with declines in desire.
CONCLUSIONS: Sexual desire in menopause reflects a complex interplay of biological, hormonal, and social influences that extend beyond declining ovarian function and hormones. A biopsychosocial framework is essential for advancing research and holistic care to support menopausal women with low desire.