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Old 08-27-2010, 02:21 PM   #1
R.B.
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,843
"Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis"

I came across this particularly informative blog on a site called HysterSisters, whilst doing some reading on the role of parts of the brain (the hypothalamus) in the determination of sexual responses, and felt it was worth copying below in case the site or link changes. From the comments of some members of the board over the years, the impact of hormonal changes arising from treatment on, desire, sense of identity and relationships, is a subject that is often not discussed at the time treatment options and their effects are being considered.


http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_230798.htm

With thanks to the Hystersisters board


Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis
Trish Morse
(Ph.D. in literature, University of Chicago, editor of biological science journals)

This is a report from the front lines of research where just the first shots have been fired. They had to hold a conference in 2000 to pin down the terms they might use to begin discussing female sexual dysfunction. (47) So, they really don't know for certain how to help. So, what follows is really a sketchy map of possibilities, not well-worn paths out of this particular thicket.

So far, what the medical researchers know is based on inference, animal studies, and observation of women (including their own reports). With men, they can measure erections. With women, they don't have a standard test for what works or not. They haven't even done controlled studies of testosterone use in women, let alone of the alternatives.(3) So, take the suggestions in this article with a large grain of salt!

In surgical menopause there seem to be two sources of difficulty: lack of hormones, especially testosterone, and problems with the blood supply and nerves in the pelvis. From a biologist's point of view, sexual desire is different from sexual arousal, so some things that help blood flow will help sexual response, but won't do anything for sexual desire. (13)

Problems with Arousal

The first phase of sexual response starts in the brain with the neurotransmitters. They send a message down the nerves that relaxes the blood vessels that lead to the pelvis and start swelling the vagina, begin vaginal lubrication, and send blood to swell the clitoris. So one of the approaches to helping response is to help blood flow. Clogged blood vessels obviously cause problems, decreasing sensation and arousal, so ways can be found to increase blood flow. Nerve damage to the area is something to discuss with your doctor.

Loss of Libido

Sexual response is to some extent a matter of plumbing, but libido is a complex interaction of many problems, many of which are subjective. It's well-known that depression, anxiety, and chronic stress interfere with both sexual desire and sexual response.(13) And then there's the question of whether the problem is with a particular partner, where anger or fear of rejection shut down a response, or whether masturbation and general sexual thoughts and fantasies are affected too. (16) Of course, acute and chronic health problems, alcohol, drugs, strokes, arthritis, renal disease, diabetes, and others have direct effects on neurotransmitters, energy, blood circulation, and one's sense of being attractive (7, 16, 29). Virtually any illness can affect sexual desire but so can a lot the drugs that deal with illnesses and conditions. Drugs that fight high blood pressure, antipsychotic drugs, antineoplastic drugs, SSRI antidepressants, tranquilizers, diuretics, and antihistamines can all stop libido cold, as can anti-inflammatories and some ulcer medications.(7, 16, 36) And the drugs and surgery involved in cardiac bypass operations, organ transplant, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy will cause problems.(16) Most of all, the mind is the largest sex organ&emdash;so loss of self-esteem and other emotional problems can take a heavy toll.

Menopause

Dropping hormones cause serious changes in sexual response: decreased incidence of skin flush, decreased muscular tension, decreased breast response (nipple erection and swelling), delay in reaction time of clitoris, delay or absence of lubrication, decreased vaginal expansion in length, and decreased congestion in outer third of vagina.(7) It takes longer to get to a climax too: the excitement phase is longer (blood flow and engorgement reduced, lubrication delayed and reduced), (8) the plateau phase is longer (vasocongestion of breasts decreased), and orgasmic capacity is reduced (lower number and intensity of vaginal contractions).(7) In addition, without estrogen, there is a tendency to have a compromised vaginal pH making intercourse difficult. (8) Postmenopausal women reported a 61.5% decrease in sexual desire.(8)

Surgical Menopause

Surgical menopause, the sudden removal of the ovaries, without HRT may make the situation much worse. For some women, the uterus does play a role in orgasm. A study of couples having sex inside an MRI imager (!) showed that the uterus does rise on the brink of orgasm.(17) Keeping the cervix might help.

According to a study done at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, on average, after ovaries are removed, a woman will produce about 65% less estrogen, 75% less progesterone, and up to 80% less androgen than before.(31) Oopherectomy causes a 50% drop in androgen production, (14) and 22% to 66% of women report some kind of problem with sexual function.(15) Ovarian production of testosterone continues a long time after natural menopause. While the other androgens reach the low end of the levels of natural menopause, it was testosterone that plummeted. In another study, women without ovaries who had blood levels of testosterone at 10 nanograms per milliliter or less lost libido and the ability to orgasm. Women who maintained a level of 30 ng/mL or higher kept libido and the ability to orgasm.(3) So those might be some levels to shoot for.

The best study of sexual function of women in surgical menopause (4, 5, 6), one where they tested women before surgery and then afterward, put women with TAH/BSO's into four groups. There was also a control group of women who kept ovaries. Each group got different injections of hormones: estrogen alone, testosterone alone, estrogen and testosterone, and no hormones in a placebo. The estrogen alone group and the placebo group had a significant decrease in frequency of sexual fantasy and arousal. The controls (hysterectomy, kept ovaries) had no change or improvement. Both the testosterone and the estrogen and testosterone groups experienced a significant increase in desire and response or at least the same levels.(13, 16) They also found that testosterone plays a big role in a sense of well-being.(13)

The Lack of Testosterone

They finally have a name for this--female androgen deficiency syndrome--but they are still arguing over exactly what the symptoms and consequences are.(48) So no one can actually diagnose a condition they can't yet define. It's not known exactly how testosterone is used by women's bodies or what forms of androgen (as with estrogen, there are various kinds) are needed for what results.(48) They especially don't know what effect long-term use of testosterone has on breast, liver, and cardiovascular health.(48)

The researchers are only guessing, but they're pretty sure that women need testosterone to have either sexual desire or sexual arousal.(8) Some researchers are defining the signs of testosterone deficiency as global loss of desire, lack of fantasy and dreams, decreased clitoral sensitivity to stimulation, decreased arousal and capacity for orgasm, diminished sexual energy and sense of well-being, loss of muscle tone, and dry brittle scalp hair or dry skin.(8) The problem is that most of these are subjective and can't be measured except by questionnaires. As of 2000, there were 10 studies that found a clear benefit to replacing testosterone for these problems.(8)

But we know that testosterone improves libido in women who have had their ovaries removed, with or without estrogen replacement. Estrogen replacement alone and progestin replacement alone had no effect on libido. (15, 49) Testosterone alone also helps with atrophic vagninitis.(1)There is no evidence yet that it helps premenopausal women,(16) though it's interesting that androgen levels peak at ovulation, creating desire.(13) Menopausal women who take testosterone report that it increased the sense of stimulation, increased the sensitivity of the labia and clitoris, helped nitric oxide create blood flow to the clitoris and vagina, and increased the intensity of orgasm.(13) Some of the results for older women, however, aren't as clear.(43) It could be that other health conditions cause problems for them.

Most forms of testosterone replacement were designed for men. Since the levels aren't really known, an adjustable dose would probably be a good idea (since the doctors are really guessing, and the side effects can be hard to shake off). Testosterone comes in a transdermal patch (for men), injection, transdermal pellets, pills, or cream.(29) A new form AndroGel, a clear colorless gel, actually warns that "AndroGel is not indicated for use in women, has not been evaluated in women, and must not be used in women."(49) Sounds as though they're worried about their legal liability, which shows how concerned they are about the unknowns of testosterone replacement. If testosterone is used at too high a level over a period of time, then the side effects can be lingering or permanent. The side effects are hirsutism (male pattern hairiness), facial oiliness, acne, deepening voice, hostility, weight gain, male pattern baldness, elevated liver functions, and lower HDL. It also plays a role in a rare cancer. epedicellular carcinoma.(16) WebMD has suggested that a low-dose, 2% testosterone cream compounded by a pharmacist might be the best to try since it's gentle and adjustable.(1)

One thing does seem clear from what studies there are, if a woman had little sexual desire before menopause, then testosterone will probably not create much improvement. There may be other issues and physical problems behind the lack of libido.(16)

Estrogen

While estrogen that isn't balanced can cause problems with sexual desire and response (perhaps mainly by tying up what testosterone there is with sex hormone binding globulin [3,15, 8]), it does play a role in making sex enjoyable. Estrogen keeps vaginal pH lower, increases the number of lactobacillus (good bacteria), decreases the number of bad beasts in the vagina, and increases blood flow (helps dilate blood vessels), so it helps vaginal health and response.(8) When blood levels of estrogen drop below 50 picograms per milliliter, women report vaginal dryness and pain with sex.(8) It's possible that the type of estrogen may make a big difference with libido, too. Conjugated equine estrogen (Premarin) had no effect on the low sexual desire reported in a group of surgically and naturally menopausal women, (9, 10) while surgically menopausal women who used ethynl estradiol experienced an improvement in sexual desire and response (11).

Estrogen also has a benefit because it primes the central nervous system to make the skin sensitive and the other sense organs more aware.(13) Low estrogen changes the sense of smell, which might lower the response to pheromones (the chemical messengers that communicate attraction between people).(13) Low estrogen dries out the mouth, which again might interfere with picking up the pheromones in the air.(13) And lack of estrogen interferes with the sweat glands to send out your own pheromones.(13)

Atrophic Vaginitis

The health of the vagina is very estrogen dependent.(7) So, when estrogen replacement isn't possible, there are a number of things that can help. Calendula, comfrey, or St. John's Wort creams may decrease the burning, itching, used, once or twice a week externally.(1) Naturopaths recommend olive oil, wheat germ oil, or sesame oil. A square quilted cotton makeup pad is soaked in one of these oils, squeezed out, and inserted in the vagina overnight once a week.(1) Vaginal itching can be eased with an oatmeal bath--cooked oatmeal placed in a strainer and held under the tap as the tub fills. One can also buy a natural colloidal oatmeal product.(1) Yogurt helps maintain vaginal pH.(1) Chasteberry as a tea might help but it dampens libido, so probably isn't a good choice.(1) Zinc and evening primrose oil might also help.(1) There are a few things that can make it worse. Antihistamines, decongestants, and any drug the dries out membranes can make it worse, and petroleum based products can lead to infections.(1) Tamoxifen also seems to be a problem.(2) And testosterone alone, without estrogen, might help.

Progesterone

Other than balancing estrogen so that oxytocin will be high and sex hormone binding globulin lower, progesterone doesn't play much of a role apparently&emdash;except that it's needed in the brain to help with dopamine (one of the feel good chemicals that might be necessary for libido).(18) High progesterone may actually inhibit testosterone.(13) So as usual, balance is the key.

Other Pieces of the Puzzle

Prolactin is a major piece of the sexual puzzle. High prolactin decreases sexual desire.(13, 37) The pituitary gland makes prolactin when estrogen is high and progesterone drops (and the body thinks it's breastfeeding time). It's actually released after orgasm to give the body a rest.(37) Some of the other causes of high prolactin are anesthesia (especially surgical), elavil, throazine, tagamet, estrogens, fluphenazine, haloperido, reglan, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, codeine, and morphine.(33) Alcohol also may increase prolactin or decrease testosterone or both.(38) Two things that battle prolactin are vitamin B6 and zinc.(38) Ginseng might also lower prolactin.(38) And maca might help balance the pituitary hormones. Usually, high prolactin causes a lot of breast tenderness, so there are clues that this might be part of the problem.

Oxytocin is also a pituitary hormone. It may increase sexual desire, but it definitely creates the desire to bond with another person and to have sexual contact, and it gives that sense of satisfaction after sex.(13) It may also sensitize the skin.(13) Massage increases oxytocin levels.(55)

Dopamine is released when mammals are stimulated, triggering a reward message in the brain. When it rises, it apparently can trigger a search for the target of desire. Testosterone increases dopamine by regulating nitric oxide synthase (so boosting NO synthase is a good thing in the absence of testosterone replacement).(35) Serotonin (boosted by estrogen) inhibits dopamine.(37) so getting estrogen in balance with progestesrone helps too.

Choline is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It's essential for memory, muscle control, and cardiovascular health. Even moreso, it transfers the sexual arousal messages to the genital arteries,(19) leading to engorgement in the vagina, and lubrication. It also helps release nitric oxide, which is necessary for clitoral swelling.(19)

THINGS THAT CAN HELP

Now we're in the dicey section. The following substances either can help with different pieces of the puzzle or they get listed a lot and I provide the not very convincing "maybe." None of them help with the whole picture. The ovarian hormones do that. But each can help in its own way, so pick and choose&emdash;and as I said before, use caution. Most of these have not been studied that well.

Adrenal Glands

Not something to take, but something to boost, the adrenal glands can produce quite a bit of androstenedione, which is a precursor of testosterone (estrogen and progesterone too). This way you provide your own replacement. The best help for the adrenal glands is to decrease stress (try something like yoga or meditation), avoid toxins (including caffeine and nicotine), get enough sleep, get proper nutrition, and get enough folic acid. (40) Manganese helps the adrenal glands (about 5-10 mg),(40) as does vitamin B1 (thiamin).(40) Dr. Linda Page, a naturapath who has specialized in libido, recommends an adrenal tonic of siberian ginseng, licorice, sarsaparilla, and extra vitamin C.(39)

Arginine

Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO),which is how viagra works, by relaxing blood vessels. (19, 20) NO is produced in clitoral tissue, part of the increase in blood flow. (19) NO is also made in the brain where it helps with pheromone recognition.(19) However, the only real scientific studies, small and unpublished, which aren't very good, don't show a lot of effect.(28, 22) It may have an indirect effect since it makes other herbs in combination more effective apparently. It may also be the case that it works only in people who have a deficiency. Arginine is generally good stuff. It releases growth hormone (good for muscle mass, weight loss, and memory).(19) It helps with wound healing, secretion of hormones in general, interstitial cystitis, and hot flashes.(19, 26, 41) It may also lower blood pressure.(41) Nitric oxide is also needed to make dopamine, so arginine would help sexual libido too (as well as depression [34]). It's found in dairy products, meat, chocolate, and whole soy protein, as well as whole wheat, brown rice, chicken soup, and raisins.(29)

Aromatherapy

Dr. Linda Page recommends sandalwood and yang-ylang to develop the mood.(32)

B Vitamins

B1 helps with adrenal health.(40)

B3 increases the blood flow to the skin and mucus membranes.(39)

B6 fights against the effects of too much prolactin and helps zinc also battle prolactin.(38, 39) It also monitors the balance between estrogen and progesterone.

Folic acid also helps with adrenal health.(40)

Bee Pollen

Dr. Linda Page recommends bee pollen for the B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It especially provides lecithin, which provides choline, which is part of nerve transmission.(39)

Chocolate

There are 300 compounds in chocolate, and a number of them relate to sexual desire and response--including magnesium, polyphenols, arginine, and mood-boosting xantines. The most important one is phenylethylamine (PEA), which lifts mood, releases dopamine, and creates a sense of sexual euphoria and desire.(36)

Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca)

There's been almost no scientific study of damiana, but Dr. Andrew Weil recommends it for women having libido problems. The one tiny study I could find showed that it goosed up a few sexually sluggish rats.(28) It's been available as a food flavoring in the U.S. since 1874. The ancient Mayans used it for "giddiness" and as an aphrodisiac.(29) It contains arbutin, which is a urinary antiseptic,(27) and it might be a bit of an antidepressant. The FDA lists it as "generally recognized as safe" so it should be safe to try. The most encouraging theory is that it stimulates testosterone production in women.(29) According to herbalists, it can induce erotic fantasies, vaginal lubrication, and erect nipples.(36) Dr. Collins suggests 500 mg, 1 to 3 times a day.(40)

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone is an androgen made in the adrenal glands. If the adrenal glands are healthy, they can make enough on their own. It's a precursor for testosterone and estrogen. There can be male pattern side effects,(22) liver damage, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, (23) and cholesterol problems, so take it with a doctor, who can prescribe a regulated form.(1) While long-term effects aren't known (12), 67% of men and 82% of women said it improved their sense of well-being in a short study.(12) Libido seems to take a while to respond to it.(12) Another small study with no real controls or placebo said there was a strong increase in sexual thoughts and satisfaction when taking DHEA and an increase in well-being.(19) Another study found it was helpful in women over 70 but not in ordinary women (would surgical menopause be at similar levels?).(22) On the up side, it might help with osteoporosis, lupus, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.(23) The Natural Pharmacist recommends 50 to 200 mg a day or a 10% cream, but also repeated the recommendation that it should be taken with a doctor.(23)

Diet

Dr. Linda Page has a website with what she claims is the diet to increase libido after menopause.(39) What she recommends are lots of fruits and vegetables, seafood, and sea greens (sea palm crunhies, nori, wakame, dulse, or kombu.), which all boost metabolism and are loaded with essential fatty acids that help the skin, keep the vagina lubricated, and help balance hormones. She particularly recommends broccoli and cantaloupe to help the adrenal glands, a fresh green salad every day, and miso soup. She says to avoid high fat, salty, sugary, and trans-fatty acid foods. She also recommends oysters, turkey, mushrooms, wheat germ, seeds, and sprouts because they all have high levels of zinc, which lets pheromones sink in.(39)

Dong quai

Dong quai is sometimes touted as a sexual enhancer but apparently it's main role is to relax the muscles of uterus, so not likely to help women with hysterectomies.(36)

Exercise

Exercise improves blood flow, which is necessary for arousal. People who exercise have higher levels of desire and an enhanced ability to achieve orgasm.

Gingko biloba

Gingko might help in several ways. One of them is with the release of nitric oxide and the increase in blood flow during arousal. (19) Even more there's an interesting preliminary finding that gingko will help with the loss of libido caused by taking SSRIs (might help with the estrogen boost to serotonin too).(22, 24) One small study of women and men taking an SSRI who'd lost their sexual desire and response found that both responsed, but 91% of the women improved while only 76% of the men did.(19) It helped with desire, lubrication, orgasm, and resolution.(19) They've also gotten a lot of reports that geriatric patients taking it for memory had better six.(19) It is a blood thinner so don't take it with warfarin, heparin, aspirin, garlic, policosanol, and vitamin E at high doses.(22) It has lots of other benefits for women in surgical menopause too. It helped with memory loss, bloating, tinnitus, and vertigo. It's helped with macular degeneration too.(24) It might be a protector of nerve cells, not just a blood thinner.(25) Dr. Collins says women should use it if they have low estrogen or low testosterone and recommends 40 to 80 mg a day.(40)

Ginseng

Ginseng might lower prolactin levels.(38) Dr. Page&emdash;siberian ginseng because it helps with adrenal glands. Ginseng also provides more nitric oxide than arginine, so it might help blood flow, though again, this is more of a cardiovascular problem than a hormonal problem. (28) Korean red ginseng was in one study for men. Asian and Siberian ginseng don't seem to have been studies at all for libido.

Kava kava

Kava kava might help indirectly if tension is a problem.(29)

Lose Weight

I know! I know. But overweight is known to reduce libido and a 20 pound loss increases it.(29) Dr. Larrian Gillespie theorizes that as body fat reduces, the amount of sex hormone binding globulin drops, and there's more free testosterone.(29)

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is a staple food plant of the Andean Indians, domesticated over 3,600 years ago. It's very nutritious and regarded as a treat since it grows slowly in the harsh conditions and can be made into desserts and even a fermented drink. The chemical composition has been studied thoroughly by botanists, both as an impressive food source (including arginine, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins) and as an aphrodisiac that enhances fertility.(52) It has a lot of enthusiasts among holistic doctors in South America. One researcher determined that it works, not through plant hormones or phytoestrogens, but through alkaloids, which act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus is essential to sexual arousal and the cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones. The pituitary gland produces prolactin and oxytocin. It boosts the adrenal glands, which gives a feeling of energy and vitality.(54) So it seems like a good thing to try. Apparently, you can use it for special occasions. Dr. Linda Page recommends it two or three times a day for two to three days before a big weekend.

Magnesium

Magnesium is needed for hormone manufacture, apparently, so there should be enough around for the adrenal glands to work with.(40)

Royal Jelly

Dr. Linda Page says it boosts acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for nerve transmission. (39)

Thyroid Balance

Low thyroid inhibits libido(13) so making sure that thyroid levels are good is important. If a T4 only drug is taken (like synthroid) selenium is a good supplement. It helps it convert to T3 and provide more libido.(29)

Tribulus terrestris

There are no well-documented studies of "puncture vine,"(21) a plant native to Africa and India. It does have a chemical called protodioscin, which might lead to DHEA.(21) It might balance cholesterol and activate production of testosterone. Herbalists seemed to think it would relieve menopausal symptoms by balancing estrogen and testosterone.(36) Dr. Linda Page recommends it. (32)

Viagra

Viagra showed some of the same problems as arginine, which isn't surprising since they're closely related. It too uses nitric oxide (NO) to relax smooth muscle fibers and allow blood flow to the clitoris and vagina.(19) A study that used viagra for women having arousal problems found that there wasn't much difference between a placebo and viagra for sexual desire, sexual arousal, or pain during sex.(51) Viagra causes headache, flushing, nausea, abnormal vision, and indegestion&emdash;all mild, but it doesn't seem worth it.(51)

Wellbutrin

Though it's been acknowledged for awhile that Wellbutrin (Bupropion or Zyban) doesn't take libido away the way the SSRI antidepressants do, there is the beginning of evidence that it actually improves both sexual desire and sexual response, even in people who are not depressed. Though a placebo worked quite well, Wellbutrin worked better for both men and women, particularly in overall sexual satisfaction. And, because it boosts dopamine, it is likely to help with weight loss too.(56)

Wild Oat Extract

Dr. Linda Page says that wild oat extract, 300 mg, 3 days a week, will lead to multiple orgasms for women.(32) However, most seem to think it applies to men, not women.

Yohimbine

Yohimbe is a tree; yohimbine is the drug derived from the tree. One small study of yohimbine and arginine found an increase in measured physical arousal (lubrication) in 23 women. But the women themselves didn't notice anything particular.(22) but neither seem effective on their own.(22) However, yohimbine is dangerous. I've included it here only because it shows up in various elixirs on the Web and in health food stores. Luckily (I guess) the FDA found little or no yohimbine in 11 of 18 brands of supplements it tested.(28) It was testing because yohimbine is an FDA drug to widen the pupils of the eyes. It can raise blood pressure dangerously and can mess with brain chemicals, so only take it with the advice of your doctor.

Zinc

Zinc is critical, especially if the adrenal glands are being encouraged to add in some testosterone. Zinc is needed for the manufacture of hormones. Low levels of zinc are connected to low sexual desire.(29) Chronic stress wipes out zinc and desire.(31) And of course, estrogen replacement uses up zinc. Zinc also reduces levels of prolactin, which crushes libido.(38) Also, according to Dr. Linda Page, zinc helps pheromone reception, which helps libido, because the sense of smell depends on zinc.(39) It also helps adrenal function. (39)

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Gelfand MM. Role of androgens in surgical menopause. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999;180:325-327.

Lobo RA. Menopause and sexuality: Is there a role for androgen therapy? In: Menopause Management for the Millennium. Medscape Women's Health Clinical Management Module. Available at: http://womenshealth.medscape.com/Med...CM.v01-25.html

AndroGel. Prescribing Information. http://androgel.com/he/he_prescribing.html

Katz S, Morales AJ. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DS) as therapeutic options in menopause. Semin Reprod Endocrinol. 1998;16:161-170.

Labrie F, Diamond P, Cusan L, et al. Effect of 12-month dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy on bone, vagina, and endometrium in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997;82:3498-3505.

Basson R, Berman J, Burnett A, et al J Urol. 2000 Mar;163(3):888-93

Randolph, J. F. 2001. Female Androgen Deficiency Syndrome: A Hard Look at a Sexy Issue Women's Health 6(2), 2001. www.medscape.com <http://www.medscape.com/> .

Ettari, M. P. 2000. Response to Carolyn Everett, As AndroGel (transdermal testosterone) becomes available, noting the risks (and informing the patient of them), what would be the appropriate dose for a female to improve libido? www.medscape.com <http://www.medscape.com/> .

Goldstein I, Berman JR, Vasculogenic Female Sexual Dysfunction: Vaginal Engorgement and Clitoral Erectile Insufficiency Syndromes. Int J Impot Res. 1998 1998 May;10 Suppl 2:S84-90; discussion S98-101.

Basson, R. et al. 2000, Efficacy and Safety of Sildenafil in Estrogenized Women with Sexual Dysfunction associated with female sexual arousal disorder. Obstetrics and Gynecology 95(suppl):S54.

Johns, T. 1981. The anu and the maca. Journal of Ethnobiology, 1:208-212.

Zheng, BL, et al. 2000. Effect of a lipidic extract from Lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. Urology 55:598-602.

Lepidium meyenii. 2000. Raintree Nutrition. Austin, Texas. Research quoted in Raintree Nutrition: Chacon de Popvici, G. La importancia de Lepidium peruvianum Chacon (Maca) en la Alimentacion y Salud del ser Humano y Animal 2,000 Anos Antes y Despues de Cristo y en el Siglo XXI. Peru, 1997; Chacon, R.C., "Estudio fitoquimico de Lepidium meyenii Walp." Thesis Universidad Nacional. Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru, 1961, p, 43; Dini, A., et al, "Chemical Composition of Lepidium mayenii." Food Chemistry. 49:347-349, 1994.

Turner, RA, et al. Preliminary research on plasma oxytocinin normal cycling women: investigating emotio nand interpersonal distress. Psychiatry 1999 62:97-113.

Modell, J.G., et al. Effect of Bupropion-SR on Orgasmic Dysfunction in Nondepressed Subjects: A Pilot Study." Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy 26:231-240.2000.
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Old 09-01-2010, 11:40 AM   #2
v-ness
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

my god - just how did i manage to keep my mojo!?

v
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8/09 - IDC 1.8 cm triple positive, lumpectomy left breast
10/09 began chemo (taxotere & carboplatin) and weekly herceptin.
1/21/10 finished chemo, continued on herceptin every 3 weeks until 10/2010.
2/10 began 7 wks of radiation
6/10 mom dies of primary peritoneal ovarian cancer
8/10 got my last remaining ovary out
10/10 mammogram all clear
3/11 MRI shows 5 'spots' in right breast, largest 1 cm unidentifiable on US
needle biopsy proved the largest to be old inflamed cyst -phew!
7/10 switched to Arimidex
8/9 switched to Femara - allergic to arimidex
Femara made me lose hair quickly so switched to Aromasin
Aromasin made my hair fall out too and the bone pain was too much.
back on Tamoxifen 1/2013.
blood clot from trains and planes 5/2014 so on coumadin per onco for as long as i am on tamoxifen
tamoxifen was supposed to be up with my 5 yrs in may but my boyfriend was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer so i am staying on tamoxifen indefinitely because i want some ammo against BC, given the stress. lost my husband in only 10 wks in 2007 to stage 4 esophageal cancer.
cancer's screwing with another man i love
2/2016 - 6yrs in remission, off tamoxifen and off coumadin - yay!
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Old 09-03-2010, 08:24 PM   #3
Jackie07
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Here's the abstract of a new article on the subject:

Maturitas. 2010 Aug;66(4):397-407. Epub 2010 May 2.
Sexuality after breast cancer: a review.

Emilee G, Ussher JM, Perz J.
Gender, Culture and Health Research: PsyHealth, School of Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South DC, New South Wales, Australia. e.gilbert@uws.edu.au
Abstract

It is widely recognised that women's sexuality can be particularly complex after breast cancer, with sexual changes often becoming the most problematic aspect of a woman's life. The impact of such changes can last for many years after successful treatment, and can be associated with serious physical and emotional side-effects. The objective of this paper is to review research on breast cancer and sexuality from the years 1998 to 2010. Research has documented a range of physical changes to a woman's sexuality following breast cancer, including disturbances to sexual functioning, as well as disruptions to sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual desire, and sexual pleasure, resulting from chemotherapy, chemically induced menopause, tamoxifen, and breast cancer surgery. Women's intrapsychic experience of changes to sexuality includes a fear of loss of fertility, negative body image, feelings of sexual unattractiveness, loss of femininity, depression and anxiety, as well as alterations to a sense of sexual self. The discursive construction of femininity and sexuality shapes the way women construct and experience their illness and their body - leading many women to try to appear 'normal' to others post-breast surgery. Finally, the quality of a woman's partnered relationship consistently predicts sexual health post-breast cancer - reinforcing the importance of recognising the intersubjective nature of issues surrounding breast cancer and sexuality. It is concluded that analyses of sexuality in the context of breast cancer cannot conceptualise the physical body separately from women's intrapsychic negotiation, her social and relational context, and the discursive constructions of sexuality and femininity: a material-discursive-intrapsychic interaction.

PMID: 20439140 [PubMed - in process]
__________________
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http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2

NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa

Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
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Old 09-04-2010, 04:30 AM   #4
R.B.
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

^ Well spotted Jackie07

It is excellent that the subject is at last getting some serious consideration.

It would be great if they made the whole article available for free.

Well done to the Australians (-:

Here is an earlier paper


J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 1994;(16):177-82.
Sexuality and body image in younger women with breast cancer.

Schover LR.

Department of Urology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195-5041.
Abstract

Breast cancer has the potential to be most devastating to the sexual function and self-esteem of premenopausal women. Nevertheless, not one study has systematically compared the impact of breast cancer treatment on sexual issues across age groups. Research shows that younger women with breast cancer have more severe emotional distress than older cohorts. In a group of patients seeking sexual rehabilitation in a cancer center, younger couples were more distressed, but also had the best prognosis with treatment. In theory, loss of a breast or poor breast appearance would be more distressing to women whose youth gives them high expectations for physical beauty. Seeking new dating relationships after breast cancer treatment is a special stressor for single women. Potential infertility also may impact on a woman's self-concept as a sexual person. Systemic treatment disrupts sexual function by causing premature menopause, with estrogen loss leading to vaginal atrophy and androgen loss perhaps decreasing sexual desire and arousability. Research on mastectomy versus breast conservation across all ages of women has demonstrated that general psychological distress, marital satisfaction, and overall sexual frequency and function do not differ between the two treatment groups. Women with breast conservation do rate their body image more highly and are more comfortable with nudity and breast caressing. There is some evidence that breast conservation offers more psychological "protection" for younger women. Research on the impact of breast reconstruction is sparse, but reveals similar patterns. Future studies should use rigorous methodology and focus on the impact of premature menopause and the effectiveness of sexual rehabilitation for younger women.

Last edited by R.B.; 09-04-2010 at 04:32 AM..
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Old 09-04-2010, 06:30 AM   #5
Jackie07
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Looks like it's a hot topic everywhere (and all the time - just received this one from WebMD:

http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationshi...wnl_sxr_090410
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2

NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa

Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
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Old 02-29-2012, 11:01 AM   #6
MCS
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

well- i have lost ALL my mojo. And i am trying to find somthing with no estrogen that will heal vaginal atrophy plus
Use replens but the libido is an unknown word in my body
Thank you for the article. All these natural herbs have pros and cons and you're on your own to research. Why is the medical community so ignorant and uncommunicative
xoxo
Maria (mcs)
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Old 07-12-2012, 01:19 AM   #7
Jackie07
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Been wanting to report that everything has pretty much 'returned to normal' this year after experiencing chemopause in late 2003 and more chemo in 2007. Then I saw this article about Jane Fonda...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...usaolp00000009

Walnuts and raisins have been my daily snacks. I've also been mixing flax seeds with my cereal for several years. Since Oldest Brother's visit in early April, I've been adding a table-spoonful of sesame powder as well. (He had brought me a trunk full of snacks) I've cut down my intake of milk and eat almost a cup of yogurt (mixed in with the cereal) everyday.
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2

NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa

Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe

Last edited by Jackie07; 07-12-2012 at 07:43 AM..
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:42 AM   #8
AlaskaAngel
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Thank you RB and Jackie, for your understanding and compassion, in providing what you can find for us.

Especially devastating to me has been the medical failure over so many, many years of treatment of breast cancer to provide any genuine informed consent in advance of treatment, or any honest acknowledgement of their responsibility as medical providers to address the results. Plainly put, it is inhumane.

About a year or so ago, I attended a session at my major cancer center in Seattle that was offered to those newly diagnosed who were in the process of making decisions about treatment, to find out whether anything had changed since my diagnosis many years prior to that time. When I raised the issue, I was told that in the nurse's professional experience, I was the "exception" in experiencing significant sexual dysfunction due to breast cancer. I was advised to "seek counseling", which I then did. I was then informed by the counseling center that "the demand for counseling services by those presently in treatment is so great that we cannot offer services to those who are more than 2 years out from treatment."

A.A.
__________________
Dx 2002 age 51
bc for granny, aunt, cousin, sister, mother.
ER+/PR+/HER2+++, grade 3
IDC 1.9 cm, some DCIS, Stage 1, Grade 3
Lumpectomy, CAFx6 (no blood boosters), IMRT rads, 1 3/4 yr tamoxifen
Rads necrosis
BRCA 1 & 2 negative
Trials: Early detection OVCA; 2004 low-dose testosterone for bc survivors
Diet: Primarily vegetarian organic; metformin (no diabetes), vitamin D3
Exercise: 7 days a week, 1 hr/day
No trastuzumab, no taxane, no AI
NED
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Old 07-15-2012, 04:30 PM   #9
StephN
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Gee AA - I know this has been an issue we have spoken about, but when the clinics are THAT unhelpful, shame on them. I am getting better than that at my cancer center. Have a good female gyno there now.

May I ask if that was the large center here starting with Sw...?

If so, they just spent zillions on a big addition.
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.

MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.

Last edited by StephN; 07-15-2012 at 07:17 PM..
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Old 07-15-2012, 05:46 PM   #10
AlaskaAngel
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Unhappy Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Hi StephN,

Both the first endo I saw there (a woman who no longer works at the cancer center) as well as the most recent gyno I saw there were competent and compassionate, but neither of them were savvy about the sexual effects on older chemo patients, with the first making noises about Rx-ing the usual psych drug, which I used (to no effect), and the second Rx'd a bit of topical estrogen to the vagina, basically to no effect.

The counseling center psych docs recognize the inequity of the situation, and one at least was willing to provide some counseling privately, but the center itself is not funded to handle the problems that need addressing over time.

Survivorship gets short shrift and no one is being honest about the true long-term effects because they don't have to deal with them.

I was very low-key, supportive, and non-confrontational at the newbies session, in order not to discourage them from independently considering treatment, despite my own personal views about it.

It was yet another example of how prevalent the practice is NOT to hire female nurses who have done treatment themselves, for oncology services. The perception by treatment-naive nurses is based on what their employing physicians do, which is to minimize discussion about it and divert discussion in other directions.

A.A.
__________________
Dx 2002 age 51
bc for granny, aunt, cousin, sister, mother.
ER+/PR+/HER2+++, grade 3
IDC 1.9 cm, some DCIS, Stage 1, Grade 3
Lumpectomy, CAFx6 (no blood boosters), IMRT rads, 1 3/4 yr tamoxifen
Rads necrosis
BRCA 1 & 2 negative
Trials: Early detection OVCA; 2004 low-dose testosterone for bc survivors
Diet: Primarily vegetarian organic; metformin (no diabetes), vitamin D3
Exercise: 7 days a week, 1 hr/day
No trastuzumab, no taxane, no AI
NED
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Old 07-15-2012, 07:21 PM   #11
StephN
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

AA - Thanks for the further explanation.

I see you even have your exercise schedule on your signature now.

How are you coming with the weight and energy level now that you have done that for a while?
Or are genes and the other effects still winning out?
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.

MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.
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Old 07-16-2012, 05:03 PM   #12
AlaskaAngel
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Diet and exercise for age 61 does NOT add up to 36-26-36.... *sigh*

I ran into the problem that adding more exercise (to not just maintain, but lose weight) was tearing up my joints to where it was hard to rest without pain, so one hour a day of low-to-moderate impact is where I max out, which doesn't equate to weight loss. And without more exercise, I ran into the problem that I had to limit my diet to 800 calories a day just to maintain, not lose weight. The metformin seems to help some with limiting hunger, at least. And hopefully it is busy knocking out cancer cells as well.

How are you doing?

A.A.
__________________
Dx 2002 age 51
bc for granny, aunt, cousin, sister, mother.
ER+/PR+/HER2+++, grade 3
IDC 1.9 cm, some DCIS, Stage 1, Grade 3
Lumpectomy, CAFx6 (no blood boosters), IMRT rads, 1 3/4 yr tamoxifen
Rads necrosis
BRCA 1 & 2 negative
Trials: Early detection OVCA; 2004 low-dose testosterone for bc survivors
Diet: Primarily vegetarian organic; metformin (no diabetes), vitamin D3
Exercise: 7 days a week, 1 hr/day
No trastuzumab, no taxane, no AI
NED
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Old 07-17-2012, 12:45 PM   #13
Jackie07
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

It is a hot topic regardless if one has/had cancer:

Sex in the second half of life
Sexuality is not just for the young. Results from a University of Chicago survey published in 2007 suggested that over half of Americans remain sexually active well into their 70s. That said, sexual activity does subside with age. Biological factors tug in that direction, as do social arrangements: older people, especially women, often end up single when a spouse or partner dies. But researchers at Indiana University report that 20% to 30% of long-lived Americans are sexually active into their 80s.

Now suitable for study
It wasn’t long ago that older people weren’t included in studies of sexual behavior because they were seen as largely irrelevant to the topic: 59 was the upper age limit of a landmark study of American sexuality conducted in the early 1990s. However, the University of Chicago survey focused exclusively on older adults, including just over 3,000 Americans ages 57 to 85. The results lent some legitimacy to the subject of sexuality of older people. Here are some of the main points:

Sexual activity tapers off with age. Both surveys show a decline in sexual activity with age, although the drop-off isn’t as steep as one might expect, and a significant minority (especially men) defies the trend. In the Indiana study, 35% of the men ages 80 and older reported that they had intercourse a few times or more in the past year. In the University of Chicago study, 38.5% of the men ages 75 to 85 reported having sexual activity with a partner in the previous year.

Older women are less sexually active than older men. Both studies show that older women — even the “young old,” in their 60s — are less sexually active than men of the same age. The gender gap widens as people get older.

Partnered sex gets high marks. In the Indiana study, over three-quarters (78%) of the men ages 50 and over rated their most recent sexual experience with a partner as either extremely or “quite a bit” pleasurable. About two-thirds (68.2%) of the women in that age group rated their most recent experience with a partner that highly.
Yet, a sizable minority of the men (43%) and women (36%) in the Indiana study reported that their most recent partnered sexual activity was with someone other than a spouse or long-time partner. This category included casual or new acquaintances, friends, and “transactional” partners — people who engaged in sex in exchange for something, often but not always money.

Masturbation is common. Most men (63%) and almost half of women (47%) in the 50 and over age group reported masturbating in the past year, according to the Indiana survey. As with other sexual activities, the percentage declined with age.

Good health matters. The University of Chicago researchers found a strong association between good health and sexual activity, particularly among men. Diabetes seems to have a greater negative effect than either arthritis or high blood pressure on both genders, but especially on women. In the Indiana survey, a woman’s evaluation of her last sexual experience did not vary with her self-reported health status.

Sexual problems are common. Half of those who participated in the University of Chicago study reported having at least one bothersome sexual problem. Among men, the problems included difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection (37%), lack of interest in sex (28%), anxiety about performance (27%), and inability to climax (20%). Among women, the common problems were lack of interest in sex (43%), difficulty with lubrication (39%), inability to climax (34%), lack of pleasure from sex (23%), and pain during sex (17%). In the Indiana survey, 30% of the women ages 50 and over said they experienced some level of pain during their most recent sexual experience with a partner.

Many men take something to improve sexual function. In the Indiana survey, 17% of men ages 50 and older took an erectile dysfunction drug in connection with their most recent sexual experience with a partner. In the University of Chicago study, 14% of the men and 1% of the women reported taking medications or supplements to improve sexual function during the past year.

[Harvard Medical Review, July 17, 2012]
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Last edited by Jackie07; 07-17-2012 at 01:00 PM..
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Old 08-06-2012, 01:00 PM   #14
sdstarfish
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Thanks for posting all this important info, Jackie.
It's true, most oncologists/surgeons do not delve into the effects that treatment will have on sexuality. I think maybe they're so focused on keeping us alive that they leave that sort of thing to social workers and counselors. The problem is, no one is telling us in advance.

(And AlaskaAngel - that was a horribly unaware thing for your doctor to say - you are not in the minority by any stretch of the imagination!)
Since we're on the topic, for those of you thrown into early menopause - a healthy natural lubricant is coconut oil. This doesn't solve the libido problem of course - but it does help us to avoid the chemicals found in commercial lubricants.

Lisa
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Old 05-31-2021, 12:11 PM   #15
llertoosa
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Re: "Sexual Desire and Sexual Response in the Hormone Jungle and Hormone Desert Oasis

Guys, Viagra is not a cure for a disease, but it is a remedy that can improve your condition for a while. You can buy Viagra https://buyviagrageneric.com/how-does-viagra-work.php and take it at the right time 30 minutes before intercourse and you will not have problems, but this drug does not solve the fundamental problem. Therefore, eventually, you will need to see a doctor.
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