Arterial hypertension and female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women

To evaluate female sexual dysfunction in hypertensive postmenopausal women and the effects of antihypertensive therapy. Female sexual dysfunction was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in three groups of postmenopausal patients: normotensive women (group A: 240 women), hypertensive women without therapy (group B: 220 women), hypertensive women on therapy (group C: 80 women). The incidence of female sexual dysfunction was increased in group B compared to groups A and C. Healthy patients showed higher FSFI scores compared to hypertensive patients (groups B and C). Hypertensive-treated patients accounted for higher scores in all items compared to hypertensive patients without therapy. Essential hypertension significantly affects female sexual function. Physicians should recognize and properly manage FSD in hypertensive women.