Feelings of unattractiveness in peri- and postmenopausal women are associated with depressed mood, poor memory and unsatisfactory sexual relationships

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, the feeling of unattractiveness in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Methods: The records of 351 women aged 40–76 who enrolled in a health and nutrition education program at a menopause clinic were analyzed in a cross-sectional manner. Perceptions of unattractiveness were estimated according to responses for the item ‘feeling less attractive than before’ on the Menopausal Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Age, menopausal status, body composition, cardiovascular parameters, physical fitness, and genitourinary, physical, and psychological symptoms of menopause were assessed for associations with feeling unattractive.

Results: The percentage of women who felt they were less attractive than before for more than half of the previous week was 33.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that independent risk factors for feeling unattractive included depression (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–1.47), dissatisfaction with sexual relationship (adjusted OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.21–2.57), and poor memory (adjusted OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.46–2.49).

Conclusions: Feelings of unattractiveness are highly prevalent in peri- and postmenopausal women. Such feelings are associated with depressed moods, poor memory, and unsatisfactory sexual relationships, rather than with age or body composition.

Keywords:

• Self-esteem
• self-concept
• depression
• cognitive impairment
• cognitive dysfunction
• sexual dissatisfaction
• sexual dysfunction

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and composition of this paper.

Source of funding

M. T. received an unrestricted research grant from Kikkoman Corporation.