A qualitative study by a team of researchers from Monash University (Melbourne) sought to understand the impact of women’s loss of sexual interest and their expectations when seeking treatment for their problem. This is the first study to look at the situation of women seeking treatment in a clinic. Previous research actively sought women with sexual problems who could change. This study was published in the December 2013 issue of Climacteric. Loss of sexual interest is the most commonly reported sexual problem among women. Although scientists have found that loss of interest in sex is common in women, little research has been done on what motivates women to seek help for this problem. Women who have recovered from sexual dysfunction are also little known. The research team interviewed 17 women who had been referred by the Cabrini Medical Center (Melbourne, Australia) for specialist evaluation and possible treatment. The interviews were conducted before the doctor’s consultation and the women shared about their sexual concerns and reasons for wanting to visit the clinic. Four main issues are addressed during the interviews: Psychological distress: these feelings are expressed in low self-esteem, guilt, sadness, worthlessness, inadequacy, feelings of dissatisfaction, frustration and shame. Female patients describe that they do not feel attracted to their husband, that they do not feel attractive to him. Older participants also reported psychological distress by stating that they were reluctant to have sex, but also that they were frustrated by their reluctance. Concern about the adverse effect of lack of sexual interest on the relationship with their sexual partner. Although most women appreciate their partner’s support for being concerned about the negative effects of their sexual problems on intimacy, they still seek competent help. This category includes participants who worry that their marriage will break up due to the lack of sexual intimacy with their partner or, judging by the words of friends who lead a regular sex life, feel that something is wrong with themselves. NEWS_MORE_BOX The link between lack of sexual interest and “hormone deficiency”. Many women talk about “lack of hormones in their body”. They know that their feeling of not being sexy is caused by their hormone levels dropping as they go through menopause. It should be explained to them that the body is still functioning, albeit at a slower rate. Anticipation of treatment results that include positive physical and sexual changes. Many women see hormone treatment as a “magic bullet”. After menopause, women are eager to get hormone therapy. They hope to recover physically and sexually, have more energy, look younger and be healthy. They expect increased spontaneous sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and a pleasurable sex life. 3-4 months after treatment,10 of the women were interviewed again. Treatment with a vaginal estrogen preparation alone or with MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) to relieve symptoms of anxiety is associated with an improvement in their sexual well-being. Four women who were treated with testosterone therapy in addition to MHT reported treatment benefits. This research shows that women who seek help to increase their sexual interest/arousal are deeply affected by their problem. There is a need to develop specific therapies for sexual problems and better management of this condition, or in other words, to provide more personalized management of sexual problems. The women in this study faced significant personal barriers to talking about their problems. Intimacy is difficult to talk about, and these women deserve respect. We owe it to them, and to other women (and men) who really suffer as a result of this problem, to help improve the quality of their sex lives as well.”