Levels In Women Research Articles

Islamic Financial Literacy and Living Standard of Women in Malaysia

From year to year, Malaysia faces a rising cost of living, with the indicator of consumer price index with the rate has increased on average to 3.9% from 2016 to 2019. Since the emergence of Islamic banking and finance in Malaysia, people have been served with a wide range of Shariah-compliant financial products. Nonetheless, women's financial literacy level is lower than men's, and they are more likely to rely on men for financial affairs. This study aims to assess the level of Islamic financial literacy among Malaysian women and to assess it to their living standards. Besides, it also analyses the effect of demographic factors of women such as age, marital status, education level, and income level on Islamic financial literacy. This study uses purposive sampling with a survey as the instrument to collect the primary data from working women in Malaysia as the target respondents. It examines the data of 156 respondents, all of whom are women, using multiple regression for the data analysis. This study discovers that 82.69 % of women in the study have a high level of Islamic financial literacy. Based on the analysis, it finds that only age significantly influences the level of Islamic financial literacy of women in Malaysia. Next, the result shows that simultaneously all independent variables; age, marital status, education level, and income level, influence Islamic financial literacy. The findings further indicate that women with higher incomes outperform those with lower incomes. This research contributes to enriching the literature on Islamic financial literacy, which is that the empirical studies on women are limited. It also provides insight to the government, industry practitioners in enhancing their roles to improve the Islamic financial literacy of Malaysian women and widen the acceptance of Islamic financial products.

Eating After Acute Psychosocial Stress in Healthy Men and Women: Sex Differences and Endocrine Mechanisms.

Overweight and obesity have become a major health burden with a higher prevalence of obesity in women than in men. Mental stress has been discussed to play a role in this context. We investigated endocrine mechanisms underlying eating after acute psychosocial stress and potential sex differences therein. A total of 32 male and 31 female healthy participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test before they tasted ice cream in a bogus taste test 15 minutes after stress. We repeatedly assessed the stress hormone cortisol and the satiety hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in saliva as well as perceived hunger before and up to 1 hour after stress. Lower immediate total cortisol stress reactivity predicted higher hunger (Ps ≤ .004), but was not associated with food intake (Ps ≥ .90) or total CCK release (Ps ≥ .84). As compared to men, women ate less after stress (Ps < .001) and had consistently lower levels of hunger (Ps ≤ .024) and cortisol (Ps ≤ .008) as well as a lower immediate total cortisol stress reactivity (Ps = .002). Further, they differed in the kinetics of CCK over the total experimental procedure (Ps ≤ .011), in immediate reaction to stress (Ps ≤ .038), and after eating (Ps ≤ .072), with women's CCK levels continuously decreasing while men's CCK levels were reactive. We found evidence for lower immediate total cortisol stress reactivity relating to higher perceived hunger, with lower cortisol levels in women. Unlike in men, CCK levels in women were not reactive to acute stress and eating and decreased continuously. Our results may suggest a higher risk for stress-induced eating in women.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN SELF-HELP GROUPS: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MUTUKKADU VILLAGE IN CHENGAPATTU DISTRICT A CASE STUDY

Of the world's 1.3 billion individuals who are relegated to lives of abject poverty, women make up about 70 per cent of the total. Women in India generate 30 per cent of all food commodities but only receive 10 per cent of the country's property or wealth. This disparity exists even though women in India are the primary breadwinners. Despite the considerable contribution that rural women make to their households and the country's economy, they have historically been undervalued and discriminated against in all aspects of life. This makes it evident that women's rights and the protection they receive from societal disparities are insufficient. As a result, specific feasible remedies must be acknowledged and, more crucially, put into action. For economic development projects to be practical, they need to incorporate initiatives that boost the financial standing of women and work to improve their status. Especially among women, developing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is one of the most effective strategies for empowering women and reducing poverty. SHGs can also help alleviate poverty. SHGs are groups of low-income women who manage themselves and come into being for the primary purpose of aggregating financial resources through the members' savings and lending those resources to one another to satisfy the members' requirements for credit. The typical membership of a SHG is from fifteen to twenty low-income married women residing in the same geographic area. Each SHG operates based on the concepts of self-help, shared trust, and cooperative effort, and each one has its one-of-a-kind method for organizing and managing its own money.&#x0D; Aside from that, routine transactions such as savings, granting loans, and collecting payback occur at specific intervals where all members are present, and decisions are made collectively. These are their primary operations. SHGs not only function as a forum for social interactions but also as an alternative social structure for engagement at the peer level. Most of the monies contributed to SHGs were initially put toward satisfying short-term consumption and meeting urgent needs. In recent years, the formation of SHGs has received growing attention as a potentially significant development mechanizing for generating income and employment opportunities among the less fortunate. The Self-Help Groups contribute to an improvement in the status of women as participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in the democratic, social, and economic sectors of life, as well as the cultural sphere. The self-help groups have given the women living in rural areas a greater sense of self-assurance, which has helped them do better in their day-to-day lives. This article explores training sessions, members have access to loans for personal needs, education, and business purposes. However, have we considered that some members may struggle to pay back the loans, leading to financial difficulties? While the SHGs have been successful in increasing women's literacy levels, what about women who are unable to participate due to family obligations or other reasons? How can their economic empowerment be addressed? Fishing may be the primary occupation in the studied area, but what about other potential sources of income? Have the SHGs explored other economic opportunities for the members, or are they limited to the fishing industry?

Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Women with Uterine Fibroids in Southwest Nigeria: a Cross-sectional Study.

Studies have suggested the potential roles of serum macronutrients such as calcium and magnesium in the development of uterine fibroids. The primary objective was to assess the association between serum magnesium and calcium levels and the prevalence of uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age. A cross-sectional study of 194 parity-matched women with or without a sonographic diagnosis of uterine fibroids enrolled at a university teaching hospital in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Participants' sociodemographic, ultrasound, and anthropometric information as well as the estimated serum levels of calcium and magnesium were collected for statistical analyses. This study found significant negative associations between low serum calcium levels and uterine fibroids (adjusted odds ratio = 0.06), uterine size, and the number of fibroid nodules. However, no significant association was observed between serum magnesium levels and uterine fibroids. This study found significant inverse associations between low serum calcium levels and uterine fibroids, uterine size, and the number of fibroid nodules.

Premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women of reproductive age – a preliminary report

Abstract: Most women experience at least one or more psychosomatic symptoms before their period, which are characteristic of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether and to what extent women of childbearing age experience PMS and what is involved.Material and methods: The study was conducted between February and June 2019 at the Medical University of Lublin and the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic in Świdnik, among 252 women of reproductive age, aged 20-35. The paper uses the method of diagnostic survey, using its own questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale.Results: About half (45.2%) of the women had moderate severity of symptoms. In contrast, 40.5% of the respondents had no premenstrual syndrome symptoms (0.4%) or only mild symptoms (40.1%). The most common category of symptoms was physical symptoms, including the most common breast tenderness and swelling (52.8%), skin lesions (44%), and cravings for products with added salt and sugar (40.9%). The level of education of the women studied differentiated the perception of PMS symptoms (p = 0.001). The severity of the syndrome was not related to age (p = 0.097), physical activity (p = 0.054), dietary habits (p = 0.650), and vitamin D (p = 0.159) and B (p = 0.458) supplementation.Conclusions: The vast majority of women experience at least one symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Almost half of them have moderate premenstrual symptoms. The most common category of symptoms includes physical symptoms, especially breast tenderness and swelling, skin changes, and cravings for foods with added salt/sugar. Women's level of education makes a difference to their perception of PMS symptoms. The severity of the syndrome does not depend on age, physical activity, dietary habits or vitamin D and B supplementation.Keywords: menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome, dysphoric premenstrual disorder

Women's happiness levels based on labour force status in Türkiye: A pseudo‐panel perspective

AbstractThis article examines the impact of mainly being in different labour force statuses on women's happiness levels in Türkiye. Other predictors include educational level, household income and what makes one the happiest. Ordered logistic regression models are used by implementing a pseudo‐panel approach. Findings demonstrate that unemployed women are less likely to be happier relative to women in paid work. There is a statistically significant higher likelihood for housewives to report being happier compared to employed women throughout the years for the same cohort, which could be associated with the (socially structured) fulfilment brought about by the conformity to traditional gender roles in a context where these norms are widely adopted, and concurrently the circumstances diminishing working women's happiness at home and in the job market. The probability to report being very happy is the highest for highly educated housewives who have a high level of household income, yet it decreases over time for the cohort observed. Findings refer to the importance of enhancing the well‐being of women in paid work via supporting equal domestic division of labour patterns and improving their conditions in the labour market.

Actor–partner effects of coping strategies on emotional exhaustion in dual‐earner couples

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the actor and partner effects of personal coping strategies (behavioral and emotional) on emotional exhaustion, directly and indirectly through work–family conflict, in dual‐earner couples, from a gender perspective.BackgroundPrevious studies support the relevance of personal coping strategies as resources that contribute to better performance in work and family roles and the well‐being of couples. However, few studies have incorporated partner effects and a gender perspective into the analysis.MethodUsing a sample of 131 dual‐earner heterosexual couples, actor–partner interdependence models were tested to analyze the impact of personal coping strategies on both couple members' emotional exhaustion.ResultsActor effects show no gender differences, as experienced work–family conflict increases emotional exhaustion in both couple members. However, mixed results were found for the partner effect. Women's coping strategies appeared to be negatively related to men's work–family conflict, which in turn was negatively related to women's emotional exhaustion. However, the reverse pattern was not observed: men's coping strategies were not related to women's conflict, nor did women's conflict levels affect their partners' emotional exhaustion.ConclusionsMen's and women's personal resources do not equally influence the distribution of roles within the couple or the partners' well‐being.ImplicationsAlthough role sharing reduces women's emotional exhaustion, it is essential to promote their careers. Their career advancement is a matter of justice and a source of benefits for their families.

Comparing The Argumentative Essay Formats of Indonesian and Korean Students Using the Toulmin Model

This study's overarching goal is to dissect and contrast the organizational framework of persuasive compositions generated by Indonesian and Korean (South Korean) pupils who are acquiring English as a secondary language, utilizing the Toulmin model as a theoretical framework for argument assessment. The research sample consisted of five participants from Indonesia, five participants from Korea, five female participants from Indonesia, and five female participants from Korea. Typically, individuals originate from diverse educational and vocational contexts. The articles generated by the authors served as the focal point of an analysis that employed elements of the Toulmin framework. The research's findings imply that there is no appreciable difference between men's and women's levels of reasoning in the two countries. It was evident that a discernible distinction among the participants was the absence of counterargument sections in certain individuals. This study holds significant importance in terms of examining the impact of cultural factors inherent in each nation and its language on the principles of argumentative writing. The results obtained from the investigation conducted in this research. can be employed to improve pedagogical strategies and facilitate the development of writing curricula that are culturally appropriate. It is anticipated that future investigations will facilitate the examination of additional linguistic and cultural attributes, as well as the broadening of the research's purview to encompass a more heterogeneous cohort hailing from a greater array of nations, as well as persons with differing levels of scholarly attainment.

The Relationship of the Prenatal Distress with Health Literacy and Health Perception of Pregnant Women.

The effects of health-literacy and health-perception on prenatal distress levels of pregnant women were not investigated. We aimed to examine the relationship between pregnant women's prenatal distress levels with their health-literacy and health-perception and affecting factors. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 223 pregnant women in Ankara, Turkey in 2021. Data were collected with a personal information form, Health Literacy Scale (HLS), Health Perception Scale (HPS), and Prenatal Distress Scale (PDS). Participants' mean score on the PDS was 11.39±6.17. Participants who had a high level of education (P=0.040), working (P=0.026), no history of miscarriage/abortion (P=0.040), and a bad relationship with their spouses (P<0.001) had significantly higher mean scores on the PDS. There was a significant negative correlation between total PDS and HLS scores (P<0.001) and a positive correlation between total PDS and HPS scores (P<0.001). Total HLS and HPS scores, spousal relationship status, education level, and employment had an effect on the mean PDS score and that the explanatory power of the model was found 21.5% (R2=0.215). Pregnant women had a moderate level of prenatal distress. While the prenatal distress levels of pregnant women with high health-literacy levels decreased, the levels of those who were employed, had a higher level of education, and had a bad relationship with their spouses increased. Awareness of the factors affecting pregnant women's prenatal distress can guide the provision of adequate care and support interventions during pregnancy.

Thyroid Profile and Serum Lipid Level in Women with Normal Pregnancy

Objective: To evaluate the changes in thyroid profile and serum lipid level in normal pregnancy. Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry of Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad, UP, India, from June 2021 to February 2022. In this study, 200 average pregnant women were enrolled. The thyroid profile was estimated using the ELISA method, and the lipid profile was measured using the enzymatic kit method. All data were expressed as means and standard deviations, and SPSS version 17 was used for statistical analysis. Results: This observational study observed that the mean T3, T4, and TSH levels increased significantly in the second trimester compared to the first trimester. In contrast, the mean value of T3, T4, and TSH decreased in the third trimester as compared to the second trimester. The mean levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol increased significantly, while the mean value of HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly in the second and third trimesters when compared to the first trimester. Conclusion: This study demonstrated abnormal lipid and thyroid metabolism. Changes in thyroid profile may be associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. The altered lipid parameters, mainly High TG and low HDL-C concentrations, may promote vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress.

The Relationship between Protein Intake and Hemoglobin Levels in Women of Reproductive Age at Inche Abdoel Moeis Hospital Samarinda

The prevalence of anemia in Indonesia among women of childbearing age in 2018 was 28.7%. Less protein intake will inhibit the formation of hemoglobin levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between protein intake and hemoglobin levels in inpatients of women of childbearing age. The population is 87 and the sample is 38 subjects. Samples were taken by purposive sampling using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The statistical test uses the Spearman test. The results show that protein intake and hemoglobin levels have a value of r = 0.81+, p = 0.00 meaning that there is a significant relationship between protein intake and hemoglobin levels with a very strong relationship strength. Inpatients, especially women of childbearing age, are expected to increase protein intake according with the need for both animal and plant origin to maintain normal hemoglobin levels.

Barriers and facilitators of physical activity among Latina immigrant and Mexican mothers living in the US and Mexico: A qualitative study.

Latina immigrant women are among the least physically active when compared with women in other racial/ethnic groups in the US. Similarly, Mexican mothers in Mexico have low rates of physical activity. Motherhood and immigration experiences are recognized barriers to engage in physical activity among Latina immigrant mothers. Less is known about the factors that promote and limit physical activity engagement among Mexican mothers in Mexico, and how their experiences compare with their immigrant counterparts. This transnational qualitative study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators of physical activity of 25 Latina mothers in Mexico and the US. Low-income Mexican mothers of kindergarten aged children and Latino mothers of similar aged children were recruited in San Luis Potosí, Mexico and central Illinois, US. Semi-structured interviews were administered by two bilingual and bicultural researchers in participants language of preference. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic network approach and multi-stage coding analysis guided by the Socio-Ecological Model framework. We found that at the macro-level: 1) familial obligations, and 2) cold weather after migrating; at the mezzo-level: 1) changes in walking patterns, and 2) social cohesion (e.g., lack of an invitation to engage in activities); and at the micro-level: 1) individual perceptions, particularly unattainable perceptions of physical activity and 2) shift exhaustion were perceived as barriers and occasionally facilitators of physical activity by mothers in both countries. Context-specific interventions are needed to increase women's physical activity levels in the US and Mexico.

Literature Review Of Physical Exercise, Anxiety In Menopause Women

Introduction: Menopause is defined as the cessation of monthly cycles for at least 12 months, and menopause syndrome, which includes symptoms of psychological illnesses including anxiety, is experienced by many women practically everywhere in the globe. Increased physical exercise is one non-pharmacological method for treating anxiety issues in menopausal women. According to several studies, exercising helps menopausal women's anxiety and depression levels. Method: The goal of this literature review is to examine physical exercise therapies against anxiety in menopausal women. This study technique uses literature review with secondary data gathered not from direct observation. Results: Based on the results of literature review analysis in 8 (eight) national and international journals showed that from the results of statistical tests of all physical exercise conducted in the study can reduce anxiety with a significance value of p &lt; 0.05 which means physical exercise can reduce anxiety levels. Discussion: Physical exercise or exercise is very good for menopausal women because it can prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, breast cancer, anxiety, alzaimer, and depression, regular exercise can be effective in reducing anxiety in menopausal women.

The Relationship Of Spiritual Support With Anxiety Levels And Spiritual Adaptation Of Pregnant Women

Background: Spiritual support is assistance provided to individuals or families to maintain and deepen spiritual beliefs and adaptations that have the aim of fulfilling human life needs, both biologically, psychologically, and socially. Meanwhile, anxiety is an excessive sense of worry that arises in a person. Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between spiritual support with pregnant women's anxiety levels and spiritual adaptation. Methods: The research method used in this study is observational with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique in this study was total sampling with a sample size of 42 pregnant women at the Family Clinic in Wajo Regency who met the inclusion criteria. The instrument used to collect data in this study was a questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis using the Chi-Squrare test 2x2 table. Results: The results of the relationship test using the chi-square test showed a p-value of 0.000 which is smaller than 0.05. This shows that there is a significant relationship between spiritual support and spiritual adaptation. And the relationship test results using the chi-square test show a p-value of 0.000 which is smaller than 0.05. This indicates a significant relationship between spiritual support and anxiety levels. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between spiritual support and anxiety levels and spiritual adaptation of pregnant women at the Family Clinic in Wajo Regency in 2021.

Inequities in Screening and HPV Vaccination Programs and Their Impact on Cervical Cancer Statistics in Romania.

(1) Introduction: A Romanian woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer every two hours; the country ranks second in Europe in terms of the mortality and incidence rate of this disease. This paper aims to identify the main reasons that have led to this situation, focusing on the measures taken by the Romanian Ministry of Health for the prevention of this type of cancer-national programs for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. (2) Materials and methods: We performed a study based on the available secondary data from the National Statistics Institute, World Health Organization and Bucharest Institute of Oncology in order to assess the burden associated with cervical cancer and place it in the context of known global and European incidence and mortality rates, thus evaluating the importance of this health issue in Romania. The second component of our study was a cross-sectional study. Here, we used a 14-question questionnaire applied to the women participating in the National Screening Program for Cervical Cancer and aimed to evaluate the women's level of knowledge about screening and HPV vaccination and their access cervical-cancer-specific healthcare services. (3) Results: The results of this research show that a high percentage of women postpone routine checks due to a lack of time and financial resources and indicate that a low level of knowledge about the disease and the specific preventive methods determines the low participation in screening and HPV vaccination programs implemented in Romania, contributing to the country's cervical cancer situation. (4) Conclusions: The national programs have complicated procedures, are underfunded and do not motivate healthcare workers enough. This, combined with the lack of information for the eligible population, adds up to an extremely low number of women screened and vaccinated. Our conclusion is that the Romanian Ministry of Health must take immediate action by conducting major awareness campaigns, implementing measures to make the programs functional and ensuring coherent funding.

The Effect of Valerian Root Extract on Reducing Dysmenorrhea Pain Levels and Endorphin Hormone Levels in Women of Childbearing Age

Dysmenorrhea is pain in the stomach that interferes with activities. The incidence of dysmenorrhea is 64.25% of the total number of fertile women. Dysmenorrhea causes complaints of weakness, to anxiety due to severe cramps. Dysmenorrhea treatment can be carried out non-pharmacologically with valerian root extract which can have a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. This study aimed to analyze the effect of valerian root extract on dysmenorrhea pain levels and endorphins levels in women of childbearing age. This study used an experimental design with a pretest posttest randomized control group design. Sampling using simple sampling technique was divided into 2 groups to measure the intensity of menstrual pain. The intervention group 18 people were given valerian root extract and the control group 18 people were given standard drugs for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Giving valerian root extract 100 mg was effective in reducing the level of dysmenorrhea pain, p&lt;0.05. Endorphin levels in the intervention group differed from the control group by, p &lt;0.05. Giving valerian root extract is effective in reducing dysmenorrhea pain and increasing endorphins in women of childbearing age.

Müllerian Duct Anomalies and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Significant associations between the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and uterine anomalies have been reported. It is unclear whether high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels coexist with the development of uterine malformations in women with PCOS. This study sought to investigate the association between Müllerian duct anomalies and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with PCOS. In this retrospective cohort study, the records of 1,391 women with PCOS were analyzed. The cohort was divided into a low-AMH group (n = 700) and a high-AMH group (n = 691), based on an AMH cutoff value of 8.45 ng/ml. Müllerian duct anomalies were classified into four subtypes based on three-dimensional ultrasonography: septate uterus, bicornuate uterus, uterus didelphys, unicornuate uterus, and arcuate uterus. The primary outcome was the overall incidence of Müllerian duct anomalies. The secondary outcome was the prevalence of the abovementioned specific types of Müllerian duct anomalies. The prevalence of Müllerian duct anomalies was analyzed using the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Among the patients with PCOS, the prevalence of unicornuate uterus anomalies was higher in the high-AMH group than in the low-AMH group (1.0% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.04). No statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of uterine malformations was found between the two AMH groups (4.3% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.22). Our study confirmed a higher prevalence of unicornuate uterus in PCOS women with high AMH levels. Clinicians might decide to investigate the possibility of a unicornuate uterus in PCOS women with high AMH levels.

Evaluation of Necrotumic Factor, Fasting Diabetes, Fasting Insulin and Insulin Resistance Levels in Women with Gestational Diabetes

This study aims to examine the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, endothelial growth factors, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, and insulin resistance, in 70 women with gestational diabetes in the city of Kirkuk for the period between November 2022 and April 2023 in Kirkuk General Hospital and the medical and specialized clinics. The age of these women ranges between 20-40 years who were divided into two age groups: (20-29) and (30-40). Each group included (35). In addition, the control group included 20 healthy people who did not suffer from any symptoms. After obtaining blood serum, physiological and biochemical tests were conducted. The results show a significant increase (p≤0.01) in the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in the level of fasting insulin, fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance in women with gestational diabetes when compared with the control group. However, both groups of patients (20-29) and (30-40) showed no significant difference in the variables of the study.

Differences of Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity Levels in Women with Early Menopause and Normal Menopause

Differences of Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity Levels in Women with Early Menopause and Normal Menopause

Long-Term Follow Up of Sexual Function and Steroid Levels in Women after Perimenopausal Hysterectomy with or without Concomitant Oophorectomy.

Hysterectomy, most often performed because of bleeding disorders or uterine leiomyoma, is one of the most common major surgical procedures in women and is usually performed during the perimenopausal period on ages 45-55 years. Hysterectomy may be combined with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, as a risk-reducing procedure to minimize the risk of ovarian cancer. An open question is whether concomitant oophorectomy, with cessation of ovarian androgen secretion, has any long-term effects on sexual function. In the present prospective cohort study of women undergoing benign hysterectomy, the long-term (10-12 years) effects on sexual function and changes in sex hormone levels were investigated in women having undergone perimenopausal hysterectomy, with or without concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Originally, 491 women (mean age around 50 years) were operated with (patient preference) either only hysterectomy (HYST) or hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (HYST + BSO), and 441 women (90%; HYST; n = 271 and HYST + BSO; n = 170) completed a one-year survey. In the present study, 185 women (42%) of the cohort with one-year follow up participated in the long-term follow up after 10-12 years. Follow-up was with the 10-item McCoy Female Sex Questionnaire and blood analysis of levels of testosterone, estradiol and sexual-hormone-binding globulin. The results showed that specific aspects of sexual function were lower after HYST + BSO compared to HYST 10-12 years after surgery. These lowered items were frequency of sexual fantasies, enjoyment of sexual activity, sexual arousal, and orgasmic frequency. No long-term differences in sex hormone levels were found between the two groups. In conclusion, some items related to sexual function were lower after HYST + BSO in a long-term perspective study, although the levels of testosterone were unaltered. This finding may have implications for clinical recommendations concerning prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy or for hysterectomy during the perimenopausal age.