SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH HYPOTHALAMOPITUITARY DISORDERS

The extent to which hypothalamo-pituitary disorders in women affect se xual desire and sexual functions was investigated. Sexual functions an d sexual appreciation were assessed in a comprehensive interview of 48 women with well-defined hypothalamo-pituitary disorders. Data about s ex life were correlated to blood hormone levels and diagnosis. In most of the women (64.8%), the first clinical symptom indicating a hypotha lamo-pituitary dysfunction began in the age group 16 to 35. In 43 pati ents (89.6%), the initial symptom was menstrual irregularities. Altoge ther 45 (93.8%) of the women declared that they had or had had signifi cant sexual problems. Two of the three women who did not report sexual problems had never had intercourse. Thirty-eight (79.2%) of the women had developed a lack of or a considerable decrease in sexual desire. Problems with lubrication or orgasm were reported by 31 (64.6%) and 33 (68.7%) of the women, respectively. Normal menstrual pattern, young a ge, and intrasellar tumor growth correlated better with normal sexual desire and sexual functions than did normal prolactin levels and norma l testosterone levels. However, at the time of interview, only 7 women had hyperprolactinemia. Serum testosterone values correlated signific antly only with masturbation.