In the March 2006 issue of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers published a first-of-its-kind study to determine if women who undergo surgical menopause have a higher risk of low sexual interest than naturally menopausal women.

Gynecologist Lawrence Antonucci explains that when compared to pre-menopausal or naturally menopausal women, a recent study concluded that surgically menopausal women are at a significantly increased risk for low sexual desire. But all menopausal women will see their libido affected to some degree. "The majority of patients, once they reach menopause will notice a decrease in sex drive and it really has to do with the loss of hormones that occurs."

Dr. Antonucci tells us that there are treatments available - like hormone replacement -- that can help improve your sex drive and relieve symptoms, but there are risks, so you should discuss all the options with your doctor. "In general hormonal replacement should be used to relieve menopausal symptoms at the lowest dose that works and for the shortest duration."

There are also women out there that say that menopause has not had an effect on their sex life. In fact we spoke to one woman who said that it was a positive thing. Monica Sebastian says "My sex drive increased with menopause. No more children, no more hassles, just my partner and I, so it's increased. With intimacy at this point in my life, it's not just hormones it's myself being comfortable with myself."

Hormonal changes during menopause affect sexual behavior, but other interpersonal, psychological, and cultural factors also come into play. Your physician will be the best person to help guide you through this transition.

In addition to changes in libido, the hormonal changes associated with menopause also increase a woman's risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.