Prevalence of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Among Sexually Active Postmenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome at a Public Hospital Clinic in Brazil: A Cross-sectional Study

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) among postmenopausal women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to compare it to that of a control group without MS. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 2 public tertiary hospitals in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with a sample of 291 postmenopausal women aged between 40 and 65 years. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, diagnostic criteria and was related to the diagnosis of MS, which was determined according to the guidelines defined by the Adult Treatment Panel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis of sexual function with emphasis on sexual desire (HSDD), the incidence of MS, and the components of MS. RESULTS: The prevalence of HSDD was significantly higher among women diagnosed with MS than among women without MS (P = .01). Women diagnosed with high blood pressure (P < .01) and increased triglycerides (P = .03) also had a higher prevalence of HSDD than did women without these conditions. The FSFI domain scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction and the total FSFI score were significantly lower for postmenopausal women with MS, whereas the pain domain score was not significantly different between the groups (P = .913). The incidence of female sexual dysfunction was significantly higher among women with MS, regardless of the diagnostic criteria used (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women diagnosed with MS have higher rates of HSDD than do women without MS. Clinical Trial Registration: ID NCT02430987. Dutra da Silva GM, Rolim Rosa Lima SM, Reis BF, et al. Prevalence of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Among Sexually Active Postmenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome at a Public Hospital Clinic in Brazil: A Cross-sectional Study. J Sex Med 2020;8:545–553.