November 22, 2005 – Women who suffer from metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction problems, according to the results of research carried out at the University of Naples1.
These Italian researchers recruited 120 women who were being treated for metabolic syndrome. These premenopausal women, and the other 80 who made up the control group, were, on average, 40 years old.
The participants’ sex lives were assessed using a recognized questionnaire that probes desire, arousal, orgasm, and other physical sensations. The maximum possible score is 36. A score greater than 30 indicates correct sexual function, 23 to 29 indicates average function, and less than 23 indicates poor function.
The mean score for women with Syndrome X was 23.1. Only 56% of them had “correct” sexual function and 37% “average” function. The participants in the control group fared better: 79% and 19% of them rated their sexual function as “correct” or “average”, respectively. They obtained an average score of 30.1.
The exact nature of the link between metabolic syndrome and female sexual dysfunction remains unclear. Researchers have, for example, found that women who have it have higher blood levels of CRD, a protein associated with inflammation, but could not explain its significance.
An expert who has read the results of the study points out that female sexual dysfunction is different from male dysfunction. While the former is usually physical in origin, the latter frequently has an emotional component. A woman with certain symptoms associated with Syndrome X, such as excess weight, would therefore not derive any benefit from a medication such as Viagra. A more satisfying sex life, on the other hand, could be a side effect of better health, according to the same expert.
About 43% of American women have a problem with sexual dysfunction. This health problem is said to be more prevalent in women than in men although it receives much less attention.
Note that metabolic syndrome is not a disease in itself but rather a series of problems linked to poor body metabolism: high insulin and cholesterol levels, hypertension and excess weight. It would constitute an early stage of several serious diseases, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and stroke.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Health and Age.
1. Esposito K, Ciotola M, Marfella R, et al.The metabolic syndrome: a cause of sexual dysfunction in women. Int J Tax Res. 2005 May-Jun; 17 (3): 224-6.
