Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) May Enhance Sexual Function in Menopausal Women

Key Takeaways:

A CBT protocol led to improved sexual desire and satisfaction in menopausal women.

Participants also reported reductions in depression, anxiety, body image concerns, and relationship distress.

Menopausal women who engaged in weekly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions experienced notable improvements in sexual function as well as reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to research presented at the Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society.

While hormone therapy remains the most common and effective treatment for addressing sexual concerns in postmenopausal women, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Dr. Sheryl M. Green, PhD, CPsych, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences at McMaster University, explained that some women may have contraindications or simply prefer non-medication treatments.

"Not everyone wants to take medication for sexual concerns, and many women on hormone therapy still experience distress related to sexual dysfunction," Dr. Green stated during her presentation. "There’s a need for non-pharmacological alternatives or complementary treatments."

Study Overview

Green and her team conducted a clinical trial involving 30 peri- or postmenopausal women who reported decreased sexual function, as measured by a score of 26.55 or lower on the Female Sexual Function Index. Participants were initially placed on a 4-week waitlist (control group) before undergoing four individual CBT sessions specifically designed to improve sexual satisfaction and alleviate menopausal distress.

Measurements were taken at three stages: baseline, after the waitlist, and post-treatment. These assessments evaluated sexual satisfaction, distress, menopause symptoms, body image, relationship satisfaction, depression, and anxiety. Participants also completed the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire following the CBT sessions.

Findings

During the waitlist period, there were no significant changes across most measures. However, after the CBT sessions, participants showed marked improvements in sexual distress, menopausal symptoms, depression, anxiety, body image, and couple satisfaction (P < .05 for all).

All participants reported that the CBT protocol helped them better manage their symptoms, indicating that the therapy was an effective tool for coping with sexual and emotional challenges during menopause.

Next Steps

Dr. Green highlighted plans for future research, including larger, randomized controlled trials with diverse participants, long-term follow-ups, and qualitative methods to further explore the benefits of CBT for menopausal women.

Source: Green S, et al. Presented at: Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society; Sept. 10-14, 2024; Chicago.

Note: Originally published by https://www.healio.com/