Abstract
Introduction: Alcoholism impairs female sexual functions (decreased sex drive, reduced vaginal fluid, difficulty to experience orgasm). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of perimenopausal period and sexual life of female alcoholics. Methods: 97 women at the age of 40–60 years were qualified with a diagnosed history of alcoholism (studied group). For the control group, 92 women at the age of 40–60 without a history of alcoholism were qualified. Questionnaires assessing female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index—FSFI), the severity of perimenopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale—MRS) and the degree of alcohol addiction (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test—MAST) were obtained from each participant. Main outcome measures: To assess the sexual function of perimenopausal women addicted to alcohol. Results: The studied and control groups were significantly different (p = 0.00) in terms of severity of menopausal symptoms (MRS). The research showed lower quality of sexual life (FSFI) of women from the studied group. Conclusions: Population of women with diagnosed alcohol dependence enter the menopausal stage at the similar age as the population of female non-drinkers. The time of alcohol abuse is an important factor having an impact on both the course of menopause and the dynamics of the perimenopause period, leading to symptom escalation. The population of female alcoholics shows a decrease in sexual activity and the prevalence of sexual disorders.
Highlights
It has been proved that long-term alcoholism leads to ovarian atrophy by lowering the concentration of the growth hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH)
Inclusion criteria for the control group were: women without recognized alcohol addiction aged 40–60 years, non-drinkers—abstinent or drinkers but who did not get 0 points in the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) test, sexually active, not taking anxiolytic agents and/or drugs reducing alcohol consumption, not receiving hormone treatment, not attending any meetings organized by clubs, associations and self-help clinics for people addicted to alcohol and who gave their informed consent and completed the questionnaire in full
In bibliography related to the age of the last period in female alcoholics, authors only emphasize the fact that these women start menopause earlier [3,5]
Summary
Alcoholism impairs female sexual functions (decreased sex drive, reduced vaginal fluid, difficulty to experience orgasm). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of perimenopausal period and sexual life of female alcoholics. Methods: 97 women at the age of 40–60 years were qualified with a diagnosed history of alcoholism (studied group). 92 women at the age of 40–60 without a history of alcoholism were qualified. Main outcome measures: To assess the sexual function of perimenopausal women addicted to alcohol. Conclusions: Population of women with diagnosed alcohol dependence enter the menopausal stage at the similar age as the population of female non-drinkers. The time of alcohol abuse is an important factor having an impact on both the course of menopause and the dynamics of the perimenopause period, leading to symptom escalation. Abuse of alcohol relates to 9% of the population and leads to about 10 thousand deaths per year.
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