Resumen

BULCAO, Carolina Berrêdo et al. Physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of sexual senescence. Ciênc. cogn. [online]. 2004, vol.1, pp.54-75. ISSN 1806-5821.

The aim of this review is to report the physiological, cognitive, psychological, and social aspects observed during the menopause and andropause. In this way, it will be analyzed the relationship between the hormonal changes brought these periods and the psychosocial implications observed both in men and in women. The levels of sexual steroids, such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone decrease progressively although those of gonadotrophins (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) increase, what have been related to clinical manifestations like depression and osteoporosis. These clinical symptoms develop around the fifth decade of life, more frequently identified in women, and associated with hormonal variations. During the sexual senescence, when occurs the lost of normal sexual gonads activity, several dysfunctions are observed such as low libido in women, and erection difficulties in men. On the other hand, the climacteric effects observed during the male and female sexual senescence can be softened by the hormone replacement therapy, obtained trough the administration of synthetic sexual hormones and proportioning a better life quality and well-being. © Ciências & Cognição 2004; Vol. 01: 54-75.

Palabras clave : menopause; andropause; HRT; sexuality; depression; aging..

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