LEI (Lack of tEstosterone Impact) survey in a clinical sample with surgical menopause.

Objectives To assess perception of sexuality and awareness of the impact of testosterone on sexual desire in a clinical sample of Italian women with surgical menopause. Methods In the present cross-sectional study, a structured interview on sexuality-related menopausal symptoms, attitudes towards sexuality and menopausal profile was administered to 568 women (age range 35–69 years) with bilateral oophorectomy with and without hysterectomy for benign conditions. Results The majority of women (58% yes; 36% most of the time) reported they were satisfied with their sexual life before surgical menopause. After oophorectomy, 79.3% noted the appearance/worsening of vaginal dryness, whereas the reduction of sexual desire was reported by 78.7%. Women with low sexual desire ( n = 436) were significantly distressed (59.7%) and reported an impairment (24.8% yes/yes, very much) in the relationship with their partner. Sexual reactions of the partner reported by women included reduced sexual desire (17.8%), sexual dysfunction (5.1%) and fears of giving pain/lack of pleasure (28.3%). A high number of women (88.2%) would be willing to discuss sexual matters with their doctors and would consider therapeutic options. Only 36.8% were aware that a lack of testosterone might impact on sexual desire but 71% would like to know more about the role of testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy was used by 38.4% of the women. Conclusions These data suggest that women experience significant vaginal dryness and low sexual desire and report a significant distress in the relationship with their partner after surgical menopause. Sexual counseling is mandatory in order to discuss potential therapeutic strategies, including testosterone use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]