Low Sexual Desire and Metabolic Syndrome

"Sexual function was assessed by completion of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a questionnaire validated for Brazilian Portuguese with 19 items measuring female sexual function. Cut-off points of \>23 and \> 26.5 were adopted to define a diagnosis of Female Sexual Function based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision (DSM -IV- TR) by the American Psychiatric Association, duration criteria \> 24 weeks.~A score of 5 or less on the combination of items comprising the desire domain of the FSFI questionnaire was used to define the diagnosis of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women We consider that a score of 6 or more the woman does not present with HSDD."

The MetS diagnosis was determined by following the guidelines defined by the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) (8): (1) Abdominal circumference (AC) ?88cm; (2) HDL-cholesterol \< 50mg/dL; (3) triglycerides \> 150mg/dL; (4) arterial blood pressure (SAH) \> 130/85mmHg; and (5) fasting glucose \> 110mg/dL. The women considered as carrying MetS were those with at least three of the components described.

women were stratified into 3 groups by body mass index (BMI): Group 1: BMI of 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2 (Normal BMI Group), Group 2: BMI of 25 to 29.9kg/m2 (Overweight Group); Group 3: BMI of 30kg/m2 to 34.5kg/m2 or higher) (Obese Group