Sexuality of the ageing female – the underlying physiology

While the ageing process occurs both in males and females, the latter have the added effects of the changes brought about by the menopause. The review characterises the many menopausal changes that the decrease in oestrogens produces in neural, skeletal, circulatory and genital systems. Many of these changes can adversely affect the sexual functioning of women. The increase in female lifespan means that women can spend 30–40 years in the postmenopausal condition. Treatments need to be developed to ensure that their healthspan (those years spent without chronic-age related dysfunctions) is also increased.