Hyperlipidemia and Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women

ABSTRACT Introduction No reported studies exist assessing the relationship between sexual function and hyperlipidemia in women. Aim In this study, we assessed the domains of sexual function in a representative sample of sexually active premenopausal women with hyperlipidemia, but without cardiovascular disease, as compared with an age-matched female population without hyperlipidemia. Methods To be enrolled in the study, women had to meet at least one of the following criteria for the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels >160 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels 150 mg/dL. Lipid parameters were assessed and verified on blood taken at least twice in the hospital during the screening phase. Four hundred forty-one premenopausal women with hyperlipidemia were compared with 115 age-matched premenopausal women without hyperlipidemia. Main Outcome Measures We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for assessing the key dimensions of female sexual function. Results The two groups were well matched for age and smoking prevalence. Compared with women of the control group, women with hyperlipidemia had reduced mean global FSFI score (22.8 ± 6.8 vs. 29.4 ± 4.9, P P P Conclusions Women with hyperlipidemia have significantly lower FSFI-domain scores as compared with age-matched women without hyperlipidemia. HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were independently associated with the FSFI score. Esposito K, Ciotola M, Maiorino MI, Giugliano F, Autorino R, De Sio M, Cozzolino D, Saccomanno F, and Giugliano D. Hyperlipidemia and sexual function in premenopausal women. J Sex Med 2009;6:1696–1703.