The aim of this study was to explore women's experiences during the climacteric, focusing on physical and psychological symptoms, coping strategies, and the role of sociocultural and contextual factors in shaping their lived experience. This descriptive qualitative study explored the experiences of 18 women in premenopause, menopause, or postmenopause in Spain, recruited through purposive sampling. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software, with credibility ensured through triangulation and member checking. Three themes emerged: (1) facing the climacteric: body and emotions in transition, encompassing vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, musculoskeletal pain, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and psychological changes such as anxiety, sadness, and irritability; (2) coping and resilience during the climacteric stage, reflecting the use of personal strategies (exercise, diet changes, relaxation techniques) and social support, alongside dissatisfaction with limited and superficial health care responses; and (3) sociocultural perception of the climacteric, including stigma, lack of visibility, and insufficient understanding from family and workplace contexts. The climacteric is a multifaceted transition that impacts physical, emotional, social, sexual, and cultural well-being. Participants developed various coping strategies; however, they frequently described inadequate health care support and persistent social stigma, which contributed to isolation and invisibility. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive, empathetic health care, improved public education, and policies that normalize and support this natural life stage.

Objective: Female sexual dysfunction can be diagnosed when women report low sexual desire or arousal, orgasmic difficulties, or sexual pain, along with related distress. However, this conceptualization reflects cultural and clinical assumptions rather than women’s own concerns about their sexual function. The purpose of this personal view article is to highlight limitations in current definitions of female sexual dysfunction and emphasize the gap between clinical criteria and women’s own experiences of female sexual dysfunction. Method: This personal view synthesizes existing literature and conceptual arguments to examine how cultural, clinical, and diagnostic assumptions shape understandings of female sexual dysfunction, and contrasts these with women’s experiences. Results: There is a disconnect between diagnostic criteria and lived experience of female sexual dysfunction. Many women reporting low sexual function do not experience distress, while others report sexual distress despite what might be considered normal sexual function. This disconnect suggests that current understandings of female sexual dysfunction may inadequately capture women’s sexual concerns. Further, the prevailing focus on physical aspects of sex overlooks the emotional, relational, and psychological dimensions of women’s sexuality. Conclusion: There is a need to redefine female sexual dysfunction in a way that avoids pathologizing common and non-distressing experiences among women. Moving forward, clinical definitions must be grounded in what women themselves identify as problematic.

Sexual Dysfunction and Hypoactive Sexual Desire in Women Living With HIV in Ceará, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Inflammation may contribute to lower desire and arousal functioning in women; however, little research has examined effects across the reproductive lifespan. To examine associations between inflammation and sexual functioning in pre- and post-menopausal women. 103 healthy, sexually active cisgender women (48 pre-menopausal; 55 post-menopausal) completed a standardized sexual arousal induction paradigm. C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, was assessed from blood samples. Participants also completed validated clinical surveys and diagnostic interviews of sexual desire, arousal, and overall sexual functioning. Self-reported sexual arousal to a sexual film; survey indices of sexual desire and sexual functioning; and female sexual dysfunction diagnosis. While there was lower sexual functioning and higher CRP in the post-menopausal group, there was no significant association nor interaction between CRP and menopausal status in predicting sexual function, self-reported arousal, nor diagnosis. Exploratory analyses revealed a significant negative association between CRP and sexual desire among women with higher lifetime exposure to sexual violence, but positive association at lower levels of lifetime sexual violence exposure. Caution is warranted for interpreting CRP as a clinical marker of sexual dysfunction in either pre- or post-menopausal women. Strengths include well-validated clinical assessments of sexual function, direct measures of inflammation, and inclusion of women across the lifespan. Limitations include a cross-sectional design, limited racial/ethnic diversity, and reliance on one inflammation biomarker. CRP was not associated with subjective sexual arousal or sexual functioning in a sample of healthy women; further work may identify if more sensitive inflammation biomarkers are needed, or if inflammation has greater effects on sexual function in specific conditions such metabolic syndrome. Of note, CRP did predict lower sexual desire in women with sexual violence histories, suggesting that survivors of sexual violence may be particularly sensitive to inflammation-mediation suppression of sexual motivation and/or reward.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one of the most common female sexual dysfunctions. To produce a consensus article on the evaluation and management of HSDD. An international committee was selected to review available data and present recommendations to the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine. Discussion and revisions were made to highlight state-of-the-art knowledge based on the peer-reviewed medical literature and expertise of experts worldwide. The consensus article reviews the most up-to-date evidence for definitions of HSDD and its clinical assessment, including psychological, nonhormonal, hormonal, and alternative therapies. There are many available therapies for HSDD, all of which should be utilized through a biopsychosocial approach to improving this condition.

Abstract Introduction Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is defined as a lack of motivation for sexual activity as manifested by decreased or absent desire and associated personal distress for at least 6 months. HSDD accounts for 59-66% of female sexual dysfunction. Despite the high prevalence, only 38% of medical trainees indicate they have learned about the condition and 36.9% of urologists treat female sexual dysfunction. By assessing potential comorbidities and geographical considerations, we hope to inform clinical practice, urging for increasingly effective and individualized management of HSDD. Objective Our review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing population studies discussing HSDD prevalence to assess comorbid states or other considerations that may contribute to reported prevalences. Methods This literature review analyzed peer-reviewed studies published until 2024. Articles were identified from the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Oxford Academic. The search terms “hypoactive sexual desire disorder prevalence” OR “hypoactive sexual desire disorder epidemiology” OR “hypoactive sexual desire disorder population study” were used to ensure we reviewed all relevant literature on the topic of interest. Results Our review included 12 studies that discussed prevalence, associated factors, and comorbid states. HSDD is prevalent in 6% to 32% of individuals aged 20 to 70 worldwide and tends to be more prevalent in sexually active partnered individuals compared to those who are single. Several studies show that the prevalence of HSDD remains the same throughout life, while other studies show variability with HSDD peaking at 25 to 34 years old. HSDD was shown to be more prevalent in the US and Australia, and less prevalent in Western Europe. Research into genetic factors has shown that low sexual desire is 35% heritable, though this study did not include distress associated with lack of desire. Patients with HSDD most commonly endorse a history of surgical menopause (OR=2.1, 95%CI=1.4-3.4, p=0.001). Other common comorbid states include depression, anxiety, migraines, vaginal dryness, sexual pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy in the last year, oral contraceptive use, and psychotropic medication use. While HSDD is often diagnosed using comprehensive clinical history taking and ruling out other potential causes of reduced sexual interest, most population studies were cross-sectional surveys that used the Personal Distress Scale (PDS) in combination with Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF). Conclusions Ranges in HSDD prevalence are due to varying screening methodologies, diagnostic tools, and study populations with different demographics. Diagnosing HSDD is crucial to shared decision-making regarding treatment, even with the established DSM-5 criteria, as diagnosis relies on clinical history. Thus, it is crucial to comprehensively understand factors associated with HSDD such as comorbidities, interpersonal, or psychosocial influences to advocate for increased screening for HSDD and better standards of care. Disclosure No

Abstract Introduction Low Sex Drive (LSD) is a frequently reported but underestimated and misunderstood aspect of male sexual health. The prevalence of abnormal hormone profiles associated with LSD remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the hormone profiles of men with self-reported low sex drive and evaluate their relationship with symptoms. Methods This study evaluates men presenting to an academic sexual medicine clinic within a comprehensive cancer center with self-assessed LSD. Patients were asked to grade their sex drive using a 10-point scale (1 = “I never think about sex”; 10= “I cannot stop thinking about sex”), with LSD defined as ≤3. Demographics, comorbidity data, and hormone profiles were used to describe the patient cohort. Hormone profiles were assessed within 3 weeks of initial consultation. The endocrine panel included early morning total testosterone (TT, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and free testosterone (FT, equilibrium dialysis). Prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and estradiol (E2) were also assessed using an immunoassay. Low TT was defined as ≤300 ng/dL, normal estradiol 10-40 pg/mL prolactin <20 ng/mL, TSH 0.4-4 mIU/L, T4 4-12 mcg/dL. A descriptive analysis and a comparative assessment were performed between patients reporting LSD and those without LSD. Results 1147 men were evaluated with a median age of 60 (IQR 52, 68) years. The median sex drive score was 6 (4, 8). 25% reported LSD. Median TT was 297 (228, 397) ng/mL, FT 8 (6, 11) ng/mL, estradiol 17 (13, 24) pg/mL, prolactin 9 (7, 12) ng/mL, TSH 2 (1, 3) mIU/L, and T4 7 (6, 8) mcg/dL. Of those reporting LSD, 51% had low T, 14% had low E2, 7% had high prolactin levels, and 14% had abnormal TSH. No correlations were seen between TT (Pearson correlation -0.028, p-value 0.363) or E2 (Pearson correlation 0.017, p-value 0.592) and reported sexual desire, and no differences in hormone profile or prevalence of abnormal levels were observed when comparing men with LSD vs men without LSD. Conclusions Hormone profiles of men complaining of LSD in this cohort did not significantly differ from those who did not self-report LSD. No correlation was observed between TT and sex drive. Disclosure No

Abstract Introduction Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) encompasses conditions affecting desire, arousal, orgasm, or causing sexual pain, impacting a large proportion of women across age groups. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is the most prevalent subtype, affecting up to 28% of premenopausal women. FSD negatively influences quality of life and relationships, yet remains underdiagnosed due to stigma, limited provider training, and underutilization of effective therapies. Flibanserin and bremelanotide are FDA-approved for HSDD, though their mechanisms and comparative efficacy are not fully defined. Testosterone therapy, while not FDA-approved in the U.S., is frequently prescribed off-label and has shown benefit in improving libido, adding complexity to treatment decisions. Objective To compare the mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and clinical considerations of FDA-approved treatments for FSD, flibanserin and bremelanotide, in addition to off-label testosterone therapy. Methods This narrative review draws from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines focused on pre- and postmenopausal women with HSDD. Primary outcomes included changes in sexual desire, satisfying sexual events (SSEs), FSFI scores, and adverse effects. Secondary outcomes included patient distress, adherence, and tolerability. Results Flibanserin, typically administered as a daily oral tablet, has demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all domains of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (p < 0.05). Trials report an increase of 0.5 to 1 SSE/month and a mean FSFI total score improvement of 2.5 points in premenopausal women vs. placebo. Bremelanotide, an on-demand melanocortin receptor agonist, increases desire and reduces distress, with ~0.7 additional SSEs/month. Bremelanotide has shown statistically significant improvements across all FSFI domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. On average, premenopausal women taking bremelanotide experienced a 1.7-point improvement in FSFI total score compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Testosterone therapy has been shown in clinical trials to significantly improve sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and the frequency of sexually satisfying events in both naturally and surgically menopausal women. On average, it is associated with 1 to 2 additional sexually satisfying events per month compared to placebo. FSFI total scores significantly improved in the testosterone group (7.2 vs 4.6 in control), with meaningful improvements also observed across individual FSFI domains (p < 0.05). Although not FDA-approved, the Global Consensus Position Statement supports its use in postmenopausal women with HSDD, provided a thorough risk-benefit discussion is conducted and modifiable contributing factors are addressed. Testosterone is contraindicated in women with androgen-sensitive conditions, and regular monitoring of serum testosterone levels is recommended to ensure safet Conclusions HSDD remains underrecognized, yet growing pharmacologic options offer meaningful benefits. Flibanserin, bremelanotide, and testosterone each present unique mechanisms and efficacy profiles. Personalizing treatment based on patient goals, safety considerations, and lifestyle factors is key. Ongoing research is needed to guide long-term use, improve clinician confidence, and expand access to care. Disclosure No

Abstract Introduction Testosterone therapy is increasingly used for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), particularly hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). While evidence and guidelines support its use in postmenopausal women, its role in premenopausal populations remains less clear. Clarifying how menopausal status influences treatment response is essential for optimizing individualized care. Objective To systematically assess the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for FSD in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, with specific attention to improvements in libido, sexual satisfaction, and related outcomes. Methods A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included Scopus (n=565), PubMed (n=186), and CINAHL (n=31), yielding 782 records. After removal of duplicates (n=230) and screening (n=552), a total of 32 studies were included. Studies were eligible if they evaluated TRT in pre- or postmenopausal cisgender women with FSD and reported relevant sexual function outcomes. Study quality and design were considered in the synthesis, and subgroup analysis by menopausal status was performed. Results Among the 32 included studies, 4 RCTs involved premenopausal women and 6 high-quality studies (including RCTs and reviews) involved postmenopausal women. In premenopausal populations, transdermal and vaginal testosterone therapies were associated with improved libido, frequency of satisfactory sexual events, and sexual satisfaction. Sample sizes in these trials ranged from 10 to 261. In postmenopausal cohorts, large-scale RCTs (including one with >800 participants) demonstrated significant improvements in sexual desire and HSDD symptoms with transdermal testosterone (300 μg/day). Benefits were consistent across studies, although androgen levels and long-term safety data were inconsistently reported. Conclusions TRT is effective for improving key aspects of sexual function in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The strongest evidence exists for postmenopausal women, where randomized trials show robust benefit and support guideline-based use. For premenopausal women, preliminary evidence is promising but limited by smaller sample sizes and fewer trials. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish optimal indications, dosing, and safety in this younger cohort. Disclosure No

Flibanserin is the initial pharmaceutical treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The analysis of urine samples plays a crucial role in the quantitation of flibanserin since a portion of flibanserin is excreted unchanged in the urine. An analytical method was proposed to quantify flibanserin in artificial urine samples (as model matrices). The integration of the spray-assisted fine droplet formation-liquid phase microextraction (SFDF-LPME) method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system was performed for the first time to improve the sensitivity of the GC-MS system for flibanserin. Several parameters, including spraying cycle, extraction solvent type, mixing type and period, and sample volume, were systematically optimized to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the analyte. After determining the optimal conditions, the analytical performance measurements of the system were figured out. The limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and coefficient of determination (R2) values were 6.91, 23.05 μg kg-1, and 0.9989, respectively. Recovery experiments were performed in artificial urine samples within the specified linear working range of 33.15-505.66 μg kg-1. The SFDF-LPME-GC-MS method was efficiently applied to artificial urine samples by computing the matrix-matching calibration strategy, with percentage recovery values ranging from 90.0% to 105.9%.

Abstract Introduction Therapeutic peptides have emerged as promising agents in sexual medicine, offering novel approaches for treating various sexual health conditions. These peptides, which comprise short chains of amino acids, play crucial roles in protein synthesis and vital bodily functions. Objective The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive narrative review of therapeutic peptides commonly used in sexual medicine, examining their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety profiles, and potential clinical applications. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed using keywords related to common peptides used in sexual dysfunction treatment. Articles were evaluated for quality and relevance regarding pharmacodynamic properties, mechanisms of action, side effects, and clinical efficacy. Results The review examined seven key peptides. Ipamorelin and Sermorelin demonstrated effects on growth hormone secretion, though Ipamorelin has been banned by the FDA due to safety concerns. Kisspeptin showed promise in treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and sexual desire disorders by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Oxytocin demonstrated potential benefits for sexual function in both men and women, particularly regarding arousal and orgasm. Melanotan-II and PT-141 (Bremelanotide) showed significant pro-erectile effects and increased sexual desire, with PT-141 receiving FDA approval for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Conclusions While therapeutic peptides show promise in treating various aspects of sexual dysfunction, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term safety profiles and optimal clinical applications. The central mechanisms of action of several peptides suggest potential for use as either primary or adjunct therapies in sexual medicine, particularly for conditions where current treatments are limited or ineffective. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Endo, Marius, Besins

Background Sexual concerns are a key unmet need among patients with cancer. Women are less likely than men to be assessed for sexual concerns, due in part to a lack of appropriate screening tools. The Self-Efficacy to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy (SECSI) scale measures perceived ability to communicate about sex and intimacy during cancer yet has not been evaluated among patients undergoing active treatment. Objectives This study describes sexual, emotional, and interpersonal well-being of partnered women undergoing chemotherapy and evaluates the psychometrics of the SECSI in this sample. Methods Participants (N = 149) completed measures of mental health, sexual health, and relationship satisfaction. Results Almost 60% of participants reported engaging in sexual activity in the last month. Participants reported feeling most bothered by low sexual interest. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a single-factor structure was insufficient for the SECSI while exploratory factor analysis extracted one factor. Convergent and discriminant validity of the SECSI were also supported by this study’s findings. Conclusions This study indicates women undergoing chemotherapy are both engaged in sexual activity, yet bothered by decreased interest, and provides further support for the use of the SECSI in a group of women currently in chemotherapy.

ABSTRACT Low sexual desire is a common sexual problem among women. When it is accompanied by significant personal distress, it may be diagnosed as hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD). Both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are effective treatments for HSDD when delivered in person or online. In this randomized controlled treatment study, CBT and MBT consisted of eight guided self-help modules delivered online, and participants completed measures at pretreatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Nine variables were examined as potential mediators of treatment outcomes (i.e., sexual desire and sexual distress), namely mindfulness, self-compassion, rumination, body connection, self-consciousness, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication, depression, and anxiety. In total, 212 women diagnosed with HSDD were randomized to either CBT or MBT (M age = 36.3, SD = 10.2). Improvements in self-compassion, rumination, body connection, and self-consciousness partially mediated treatment outcomes in at least one of the treatment groups. Mediation effects were mostly small, explaining up to 15% of the total effects. No systematic differences in mediation pathways between CBT and MBT were found. These findings emphasize the importance of emotion regulation, metacognitive processes, and embodiment for the effective treatment of HSDD. Future research should refine treatment components to enhance efficacy and ensure that psychological interventions adequately address common concerns among women with HSDD.

Re: Single-nucleus RNA Sequencing Reveals Cellular and Molecular Signatures in the Prefrontal Cortex of a Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Rat Model.

Strategies for Treating Sexual Health Concerns After Breast and Gynecologic Cancer.

Objective. To investigate the relationship between fluctuations in the endocrine profile (in particular, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone) in different phases of the menstrual cycle and changes in female libido, to determine which psychosocial moderators (premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD), stress, sleep, cycle regularity, contraception, etc.) influence this relationship. Methods. A systematic review of the literature for the period 2015-2025 was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. The study sample included 48 scientific publications that met the following inclusion criteria: studies with participants of reproductive age; measurement of sexual desire/libido or sexual behavior in relation to the phase of the cycle; measurement of hormones or clear validation of the phase. Results. The results of a systematic review demonstrated pronounced phase dynamics of female libido, most noticeable during the periovulatory period: about 65% of studies recorded an increase in sexual desire at the end of the follicular phase or during ovulation, coinciding with the peak of estradiol (180–250 pg/ml) and a relative decrease in progesterone. Estradiol was positively correlated with libido (r = 0.42–0.58, p < 0.05), while elevated progesterone was associated with decreased sexual motivation (r = –0.37– –0.49), and testosterone showed a weak modulatory effect (positive correlation in ~40% of studies, r ≈ 0.25). Women with severe PMS or PMDD in the luteal phase experienced a significant decrease in sexual desire, satisfaction, and frequency of intimate contact, which is partly explained by the effect of allopregnanolone on GABA-A receptors. Psychosocial moderators — stress, sleep quality, hormonal contraception, and interpersonal relationships – also significantly influence the intensity of hormonally induced changes, and analysis of big data from fertility mobile apps (>50,000 users) confirms that women with regular and shorter cycles show higher sexual motivation. Conclusions. Current data support the idea of multidimensional control of female libido: endocrine fluctuations (especially estradiol and progesterone) create the biological basis for phase changes in sexual desire, but their influence is moderated by psychosocial factors (PMS/PMDD, stress, sleep, relationships, contraception). When diagnosing sexual desire disorders, it is important to consider the phase of the menstrual cycle and the presence of PMS/PMDD; treatment approaches should be individualized (taking into account hormonal fluctuations, assessing psychosocial triggers, possible use of hormonal or psychotherapeutic correction depending on the etiology).

Chronic stress can induce both depression and low sexual desire (LSD); however, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may exacerbate LSD while being used to treat depression. It's known that sunlight could improve sexual desire, therefore we want to explore whether near-infrared laser transcranial photo-biomodulation (NIR-tPBM) could improves LSD caused by chronic stress. Forty-eight male eight-week-old Balb/c mice were divided into six groups; including chronic restraint stress (CRS) groups that received different levels of NIR-tPBM, the forced swim test and tail suspension test were used to evaluate depression in these mice. Ovariectomized and sex hormone induced sexual experienced female mice were used to evaluate the mating motivation of the male mice. The fraction of time spent sniffing a female (FTSSF) during the first five minutes of the pre-mounting period was used to evaluate the sexual desire, the function statues of the anteroventral and preoptic periventricular (AVPV/PVpo) dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus of the male mice were checked, the serum testosterone and cortisol were also measured. In mice undergoing CRS, NIR-tPBM improved both LSD and depression, with the ultimate effect related to radiant exposure level. The elevated c-Fos expression in AVPV/PVpo dopaminergic neurons induced by NIR-tPBM could be the reason for the improvement in LSD. While chronic stress led to LSD in male mice, we herein speculated that NIR-tPBM improved the LSD by activating AVPV/PVpo dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a prevalent condition affecting sexual health in women, is induced by imbalanced neurobiological regulation of excitatory and inhibitory pathways associated with sexual response. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a key region in the sexual desire response pathway. Nevertheless, the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms driving the pathophysiology of HSDD remain unclear, limiting targeted therapeutic development. To explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HSDD using a female rat model. We established a translational HSDD model using female Sprague-Dawley rats with low sexual desire. Subsequently, single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and multimodal bioinformatics analyses were used to comprehensively characterize cellular diversity and transcriptional signatures in the PFC. Primary: neuronal/glial composition; secondary: disease-relevant pathway dysregulation. SnRNA-seq profiling revealed altered PFC cell composition in rats with low sexual desire (LSD), with increased proportions of inhibitory neuron subtypes (Inh1-3) and microglia, concomitant reductions in excitatory neuron populations (Ex1 and Ex3), and disrupted oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) maturation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 506 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 91.3% were downregulated in the LSD group. Enrichment analyses linked the DEGs to mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal function, and neurodegenerative disease-associated pathways. These preliminary findings potentially advance our understanding of HSDD neurobiology, and identify testable targets for therapeutic intervention. The high-throughput analysis offered detailed information, but the small sample size and potential confounding factors in phenotype classification were limitations. We have established a stable translational model of HSDD through rigorous screening and validation, demonstrating specific molecular and cellular alterations in the PFC of model rats characterized by: (1) excitatory-inhibitory neuronal imbalance, (2) microglial activation indicative of neuroimmune dysregulation, and (3) OPC maturation deficits.

Female sexual function and dysfunction is an often-overlooked component within clinical visits. Female sexual disorders are classified by the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health and Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine along the following categories: hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, female orgasm disorder, and genitopelvic pain disorder. Although more attention has been given to sexual health and developing options for treating dysfunction in recent years, significant knowledge gaps remain in addressing sexual health concerns as part of patient-centered care. Assessing female sexual function consists of obtaining a comprehensive clinical history and performing a thorough physical examination of the pelvic floor and vulvovaginal anatomy. Causes of sexual dysfunction include biologic, psychologic, interpersonal, and sociocultural risk factors. A nuanced approach incorporating evidence-based guidelines and tailored treatment plans that align with the patient's personal goals helps optimize patient sexual health outcomes.

Can kisspeptin be a new treatment for sexual dysfunction?