Average Associations Between Sexual Desire, Testosterone, and Stress in Women and Men Over Time

Association between sexual dysfunction and vitamin D in Swedish primary health care patients born in the Middle East and Sweden

The present study investigated primary care patients and compared self-reported sexual health in Swedes and Middle Easterners; analysed differences within and between the groups and analysed differences in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels between the groups. 522 patients responded to a health questionnaire that included items on sexual health: 225 Middle Easterners from Iran, Iraq, and Turkey and 297 Swedes. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Middle Easterners reported less sexual dysfunction than Swedes, and 75.8% of them and 18.9% of Swedes presented a 25(OH)D of < 50 nmol/L. The crude OR for reporting sexual dysfunction was 70% higher in Swedes compared to Middle Easterners (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.15-2.50). This OR remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, waist circumference, and reported sexual desire. However, the significance disappeared after additional adjustment for 25(OH)D. In both groups, more females than males reported insufficient sexual desire. More female Middle Easterners reported sex life dissatisfaction. More female Swedes reported sexual dysfunction. Vitamin D could explain an association between gender and sex life dissatisfaction in Middle Easterners, and age could explain an association between gender and sexual dysfunction in Swedes. Age, waist circumference, and 25(OH)D levels were significant covariates in the logistic regression models. Results from the present study suggest that 25(OH)D variation partly explains differences in sexual dysfunction between the groups and between genders within the groups. Vitamin D therapy should be investigated to determine if these results are clinically useful.

Does Sexual Desire Fluctuate More Among Women than Men?

There is a lay assumption that women's sexual desire varies substantially over time, whereas men's is stable. This assumption is mirrored in prominent theories of desire, which posit that women are more variable than men in the extent to which they desire sex, and that women's sexual desire is more contextually sensitive than men's. We tested this assumption across three longitudinal studies. Study 1 assessed desire at 3 time points spanning 13 years (N_observations = 5562), and Studies 2 and 3 (N_observations = 11,282) assessed desire moment-to-moment over 7 days. When desire was measured over years, women were more variable in their sexual desire than men (Study 1). However, we found a different pattern of results when desire was measured over the short term. In Studies 2 and 3, we found no significant differences in women's and men's desire variability. The extent to which desire varied as a function of affective states (e.g., happiness) and relationship-oriented states (e.g., partner closeness) was similar for women and men, with some exceptions; women's desire was more negatively associated with tiredness and anger in Study 2. These data qualify existing assumptions about sex differences in sexual desire variability.

Centering the Needs of Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-Diverse Populations in Neuroendocrine Models of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Most studies attempting to address the health care needs of the millions of transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender-diverse (TNG) individuals rely on human subjects, overlooking the benefits of translational research in animal models. Researchers have identified many ways in which gonadal steroid hormones regulate neuronal gene expression, connectivity, activity, and function across the brain to control behavior. However, these discoveries primarily benefit cisgender populations. Research into the effects of exogenous hormones such as estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone has a direct translational benefit for TNG individuals on gender-affirming hormone therapies (GAHTs). Despite this potential, endocrinological health care for TNG individuals remains largely unimproved. Here, we outline important areas of translational research that could address the unique health care needs of TNG individuals on GAHT. We highlight key biomedical questions regarding GAHT that can be investigated using animal models. We discuss how contemporary research fails to address the needs of GAHT users and identify equitable practices for cisgender scientists engaging with this work. We conclude that if necessary and important steps are taken to address these issues, translational research on GAHTs will greatly benefit the health care outcomes of TNG people.

Gender operationalisation and stress measurement in research with adolescent males: a scoping review

Aim

Stress measurement in adolescent males is in its relative infancy, which is likely to influence the effectiveness of mental health services for this heterogeneous population. Although evidence suggests the prevalence of mental health difficulties increases during adolescence, the relationship between gender and stress measurement is less explored or understood. This review summarizes findings on gender operationalisation and stress measurement in research with adolescent males.

Methods

For this scoping review, six electronic databases across social and life sciences were searched using terms linked to adolescence, male, stress and research design. Articles were screened, data were extracted, and a narrative synthesis used to characterise studies by research design, adaptation of method for participants’ cultural context, operationalisation of gender, and measurement of stress.

Results

Searches identified 3259 citations, 95 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Findings suggest that research on psychological stress in adolescence is a developing field, but one that is currently dominated by Western studies. Furthermore, the results indicate that stress measurement research with adolescent males tends not to make adaptations relative to participants' gender, age, or context.

Conclusions

Stress research with adolescent males is lacking in scope. This review highlights the need for researchers to consider stress responses as more than a biological response, as it has been conceptualised historically. Recommendations for researchers to report research design and protocol more clearly are made to support readers to understand how stress and gender have been operationalised and measured and how this may influence research methodology. Future research should avoid conflating biological differences with gendered experience and demonstrate greater sensitivity to how gender identity may intersect with age and location to perpetuate gendered inequalities.

Gender Inequities in Household Labor Predict Lower Sexual Desire in Women Partnered with Men

Low sexual desire in women is usually studied as a problem, one that is located within women. However, other possibilities exist, including known gender inequities related to heteronormative gender roles. In this study, we provide the first test of the theory that heteronormativity is related to low sexual desire in women partnered with men, focusing specifically on inequities in the division of household labor. In two studies with women who were partnered with men and had children (Study 1, N = 677; Study 2, N = 396), performing a large proportion of household labor was associated with significantly lower sexual desire for a partner. Together, the results suggest that this association was mediated by both perceiving the partner as a dependent and perceiving the division of labor as unfair. These results support the heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men, and show that gender inequities are important, though understudied, contributors to low desire in women partnered with men.

An Empirical Investigation of the Roles of Biological, Relational, Cognitive, and Emotional Factors in Explaining Sex Differences in Dyadic Sexual Desire

One challenge many marital couples face is that they experience discrepant levels of sexual desire for one another. Such discrepancies are particularly likely to arise in mixed-sex relationships because, at least in long-term relationships, men tend to have higher levels of sexual desire for their partner than do women. But what underlies this sex difference? We used a dyadic study of 100 mixed-sex community-based newlywed spouses to investigate the role of biological, relational, cognitive, and emotional factors in explaining sex differences in dyadic sexual desire for a long-term partner. Consistent with predictions, wives on average reported lower daily sexual desire for their spouse than did husbands. Moreover, individual differences in men's and women's levels of circulating testosterone explained this sex difference whereas relational (marital satisfaction, commitment), cognitive (sex-role identification, stress, self-esteem), and emotional (mood, depressive symptoms) factors did not. These findings advance our knowledge of factors that influence dyadic sexual desire and may have practical implications for treating relationship distress in mixed-sex marriages.

“Sex as a way to gain some control”: Sexual subjectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted dynamics of sexual health, including sexual subjectivity, or the way in which someone thinks of themself as a sexual being and feels entitled to pleasure. This study examines how adults in the US perceive changes in their sexual subjectivity related to the pandemic. We conducted an online survey ( N = 326), and included thematic analyses related to open-ended questions. The following themes emerged: intentional self-reflection, control of change, control of perspective, control of relationships, control of communication, and control of sexual behavior. Our findings have implications for psychological and public health approaches. We find large overlap of “capacity and engagement in self-reflection” across other themes. The implications and durability of these changes are unknown.

Testing the role of testosterone versus estrogens in mediating reproductive transitions in female rhesus macaques

In male vertebrates, testosterone is generally known to coordinate reproductive trade-offs, in part by promoting the transition to the next reproduction at the expense of current parental care. The role of testosterone in reproductive transitions has been little tested in female vertebrates, especially in mammals. The present study sought to fill this gap, by first undertaking an experimental study, in which we identified DHT, androstenediol, and in particular etiocholanolone, as fecal androgen metabolites which reflect serum testosterone concentration in female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Using concentrations of fecal etiocholanolone as proxy for circulating testosterone, we then conducted a field study on 46 free-ranging rhesus macaques of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, to test if testosterone mediates the trade-off between reproductive transition (a higher chance of reproducing in the next year) and current reproduction (providing more care to current offspring). While the evidence for testosterone was weak, the testing of fecal immunoreactive estrogen metabolites suggested a potential role of estrogen in reproductive trade-offs. We found large individual differences in fecal etiocholanolone concentrations during the early postpartum period that were unexplained even after accounting for sociodemographic factors such as age and dominance rank. Further investigation is needed to understand this variation. Our study suggests that the actions of testosterone in females may not have evolved to fulfil the same role in primate reproductive transitions as it does in males, and we encourage more studies to consider the function of testosterone in reproductive behaviors and life history transitions in females of mammalian taxa.

Influence of Obesity and Unemployment on Fertility Rates: A Multinational Analysis of 30 Countries from 1976 to 2014

Background: The rationale of a postulated decrease in fertility rate development is still being debated. Among the multiple influencing factors, socioeconomic variables and their complex influence are of particular interest. Methods: Data on socioeconomic and health variables from 1976−2014 of 30 countries within the OECD region were analysed for their respective influence on fertility rates by using mixed-effect regression models. Results: A significant negative influence of the increase in unemployment rate on the following year’s changes in fertility rate in Western (−0.00256; p < 0.001) as well as Eastern European (−0.0034; p < 0.001) countries was revealed. The effect of being overweight was significant for Western European (−0.00256; p < 0.001) countries only. When analysing the whole OECD region, an increase in unemployment retained its significant negative influence on the fertility rate (−0.0028; p < 0.001), while being overweight did not. Interestingly, divergent influences of time were revealed and fertility rates increased with time in Eastern Europe while they decreased in Western Europe. Conclusion: Importantly, a significant negative influence of increase in unemployment on the fertility rate was revealed—irrespective of the region and time analysed. Furthermore, an adverse effect of being overweight on the fertility rate in Western European countries was revealed. Interestingly, time was associated with a decreasing fertility rate in Western but not in Eastern Europe.

Neurochemical and Hormonal Contributors to Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder

Purpose of Review

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder has been recently included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and the possible contribution of neurochemical and hormonal factors have been reported. However, relatively little is known concerning the neurobiology underlying this disorder. The aim of this article is to review and discuss published findings in the area.

Recent Findings

Evidence suggests that the neuroendocrine systems are involved in the pathophysiology of compulsive sexual behavior. The hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis, the hypothalamus-pituitary–gonadal axis, and the oxytocinergic system have been implicated.

Summary

Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact involvement of neuroendocrine and hormonal systems in compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Prospective longitudinal studies are particularly needed, especially those considering co-occurring psychiatric disorders and obtaining hormonal assessments in experimental circumstances with appropriate control groups.

Female Reproductive Health Disturbance Experienced During the COVID-19 Pandemic Correlates With Mental Health Disturbance and Sleep Quality

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected population mental health. Periods of psychological distress can induce menstrual dysfunction. We previously demonstrated a significant disruption in women's reproductive health during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The present study investigates longer-term reproductive and mental health disturbances. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1335 women of reproductive age in April 2021. It included validated standardized measures of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and sleep quality (PSQI). 581 (56%) of women reported an overall change in their menstrual cycle since the beginning of the pandemic. There was no change in median cycle length [28 days (28-30)] or days of menses [5 (4-5)], but there was a wider variability in minimum (p<0.0001) and maximum (p<0.0001) cycle length. There was a significant increase in heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods and missed periods compared to pre-pandemic (all p<0.0001). 64% of women reported worsening pre-menstrual symptoms. Rates of severe depression, anxiety and poor sleep were more than double those from large scale representative community samples. Poor sleep quality was an independent predictor of overall change in menstrual cycle (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.05-1.18), and missed periods (OR=1.11, 95%CI 1.03-1.19) during the pandemic. Increased anxiety was independently associated with a change from non-painful to painful periods (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11) and worsening of pre-menstrual symptoms (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.07) during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bear a significant impact on female reproductive health. Increased levels of psychological distress and poor sleep are associated with menstrual cycle disruption.

Dyadic Sexual Desire in Romantic Relationships: The Dyadic Interactions Affecting Dyadic Sexual Desire Model

In most theoretical models, sexual desire for one's partner is predominantly conceptualized from an individual perspective. There is, however, a growing body of empirical evidence on the dyadic aspects of sexual desire. That evidence is as yet not well-integrated into theoretical conceptualizations of sexual desire. Aiming to fill this gap, we present the Dyadic Interactions Affecting DyadIC Sexual desire model (DIADICS), a new conceptual model inspired by systems theory that describes how dyadic interactions between partners influence dyadic sexual desire in romantic relationships. After defining dyadic sexual desire, we discuss (1) the structure of dyadic interactions, (2) their content, and (3) the process through which they affect dyadic sexual desire in a romantic relationship. Thereafter, we review theoretical, clinical, and empirical insights underscoring the relation between dyadic interactions and (dyadic) sexual desire, use DIADICS as a framework for understanding fluctuations in dyadic sexual desire in long-term relationships, and conclude by discussing implications of DIADICS for research and clinical practice.

The Heteronormativity Theory of Low Sexual Desire in Women Partnered with Men

Low sexual desire in women partnered with men is typically presumed to be a problem-one that exists in women and encourages a research agenda on causation and treatment targeting women. In this paper, we present a distinct way forward for research on low sexual desire in women partnered with men that attends to a more structural explanation: heteronormativity. A heteronormative worldview assumes that relationships and structures are heterosexual, gender (usually conflated with sex) is binary and complementary, and gender roles fit within narrow bounds including nurturant labor for women. We propose the heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men, arguing that heteronormative gender inequities are contributing factors. We outline four hypotheses and their predictions related to: inequitable divisions of household labor, blurring of partner and mother roles, objectification of women, and gender norms surrounding sexual initiation. We discuss some mechanisms-social, physiological, and otherwise-for the heteronormativity theory, especially related to stress, objectification, and nurturance. We close by noting some limitations of our paper and the ways that the heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men provides a rigorous, generative, and empirical way forward.

Impact of Work from Home Policy during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Reproductive Health of Women in Indonesia

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of work from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and reproductive health of women in Indonesia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the impact of WFH policy on said health aspects in Indonesia. Methods: We conducted an observational study with a cross-sectional approach using an online survey among premenopausal married women in Indonesia. The survey included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for psychological distress, average sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) per week, contraception use, change of menstrual pattern, and desire for having children. To analyze the effect of WFH, the participants were divided into groups based on their WFH compliance: (1) Both couples (her and her spouse) work from home, (2) Only the wife works from home, (3) Only the husband works from home, and (4) Neither works from home. Results: 348 women were included in this study. Psychological distress occurred in 48.0% (n = 167) participants. No significant difference was found between the WFH groups (χ2[3, N = 348] = 2.077, p = .56)). The average weekly SIF was found to be significantly fewer during WFH (T = 5014, z = -5.598, p < .001). However, only 22.7% (n = 79) participants reported the use of contraception and 52.9% (n = 196) participants still wanted to have children. Change of menstrual pattern occurred in 31.6% (n = 110) participants and were significantly correlated to psychological distress (rs= .126, p = .018). Conclusions: WFH does not aggravate the effect of the pandemic on women's mental and reproductive health in Indonesia. A significant number of them still desire to have children and contraceptive prevalence is low.

Predicting Sexual Desire in Daily Life from an Attachment Perspective: An Experience Sampling study

In the present study we investigated the temporal associations between emotional intimacy, daily hassles, and sexual desire of individuals in long-term relationships, and examined the direct and moderating effects of attachment orientation. We investigated these variables by reanalyzing an existing data set. Experience sampling methodology was used to collect data 10 times per day, across seven days. Attachment orientation was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire. Age, gender, and relationship duration were added as predictors. Data of 134 participants (N_female = 87) were analyzed. Only one of the partners of a couple participated. Men overall reported higher sexual desire than women. Longer relationship duration was associated with lower sexual desire, but age was not associated with sexual desire. Increased level of intimacy predicted sexual desire across measurements with an average time interval of 90 min, but this effect was no longer significant when assessment points were 180 min apart. Daily hassles did not predict sexual desire at subsequent assessments. Avoidant and anxious attachment were not associated with sexual desire level. No interaction effects of gender, stress, intimacy and attachment orientation on sexual desire were found. Speculative explanations are offered for the absence of stress effects.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Reproductive Health

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the lives of the global population. It is known that periods of stress and psychological distress can affect women's menstrual cycles. We therefore performed an observational study of women's reproductive health over the course of the pandemic thus far.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anonymous digital survey was shared by the authors via social media in September 2020. All women of reproductive age were invited to complete the survey.

RESULTS

1031 women completed the survey. Mean age was 36.7 ± 6.6 years (range, 15-54). 693/70% reported recording their cycles using an app or diary. 233/23% were using hormonal contraception. 441/46% reported a change in their menstrual cycle since the beginning of the pandemic. 483/53% reported worsening premenstrual symptoms, 100/18% reported new menorrhagia (p = 0.003) and 173/30% new dysmenorrhea (p < 0.0001) compared to before the pandemic. 72/9% reported missed periods who not previously missed periods (p = 0.003) and the median number of missed periods was 2 (1-3). 17/21% of those who "occasionally" missed periods pre-pandemic missed periods "often" during pandemic. 467/45% reported a reduced libido. There was no change in the median cycle length (28 days) or days of bleeding (5) but there was a wider variability of cycle length (p = 0.01) and a 1 day median decrease in the minimum (p < 0.0001) and maximum (p = 0.009) cycle length. Women reported a median 2 kg increase in self-reported weight and a 30-min increase in median weekly exercise. 517/50% of women stated that their diet was worse and 232/23% that it was better than before the pandemic. 407/40% reported working more and 169/16% were working less. Women related a significant increase in low mood (p < 0.0001), poor appetite (p < 0.0001), binge eating (p < 0.0001), poor concentration (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), poor sleep (p < 0.0001), loneliness (p < 0.0001) and excess alcohol use (p < 0.0001). Specific stressors reported included work stress (499/48%), difficulty accessing healthcare (254/25%), change in financial (201/19%) situation, difficulties with home schooling (191/19%) or childcare (99/10%), family or partner conflict (170/16%), family illness or bereavement (156/15%).

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the reproductive health of women. The long term health implications of this are yet to be determined and future studies should address this.

Are Sexual Desire and Sociosexual Orientation Related to Men's Salivary Steroid Hormones?

Objective

Although it is widely assumed that men’s sexual desire and interest in casual sex (i.e., sociosexual orientation) are linked to steroid hormone levels, evidence for such associations is mixed.

Methods

We tested for both longitudinal and cross-sectional relationships between salivary testosterone, cortisol, reported sexual desire and sociosexuality in a sample of 61 young adult men, each of whom was tested weekly on up to five occasions.

Results

Longitudinal analyses showed no clear relationships between steroid hormones and self-reported sexual desire or sociosexual orientation. Cross-sectional analyses showed no significant associations between average hormone levels and self-reported sexual desire. However, some aspects of sociosexuality, most notably desire for casual sex, were related to men’s average hormone levels. Men with higher average testosterone reported greater desire for casual sex, but only if they also had relatively low average cortisol levels.

Conclusions

Our results support a Dual Hormone account of men’s sociosexuality, in which the combined effects of testosterone and cortisol predict the extent of men’s interest in casual sex. However, we did not detect compelling evidence for an association of within-subject hormone shifts and sexual desire or sociosexual orientation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40750-020-00148-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Longitudinal associations between prenatal testosterone and postpartum outcomes in a sample of first-time expectant lesbian couples

Although increasing numbers of gay and lesbian individuals ultimately become parents, the vast majority of research on the transition to parenthood focuses exclusively on heterosexual samples. Even less is known about the physiological implications of this major life transition among those who identify as sexual minorities. The present study begins to redress these gaps in the literature by assessing prospective links between prenatal testosterone, a steroid hormone that is negatively associated with nurturance and caregiving, and postpartum outcomes in a sample of 25 first-time expectant lesbian couples (N = 50 individuals). Consistent with prior work in heterosexual samples, which suggests that lower testosterone promotes both partnering and parenting, we found that, in both partners, lower testosterone during the prenatal period predicted better romantic relationship and parenting outcomes at three-months postpartum (e.g., higher relationship quality, more time spent doing baby care). There was also evidence for dyadic associations; for instance, birth mothers reported more overprotective behavior, and non-birth mothers reported greater commitment, when their female partners had lower testosterone. Together, our findings contribute important new knowledge about the functionality of testosterone in close relationships contexts, including some of the first evidence among sexual minorities.

Beyond the challenge hypothesis: The emergence of the dual-hormone hypothesis and recommendations for future research

The challenge hypothesis makes specific predictions about the association between testosterone and status-seeking behaviors, but the findings linking testosterone to these behaviors are often inconsistent. The dual-hormone hypothesis was developed to help explain these inconsistencies. Specifically, according to this hypothesis, testosterone's association with status-seeking behavior depends on levels of cortisol. Here, we (1) describe the dual-hormone hypothesis in relation to the challenge hypothesis; (2) review recent studies that tested the dual-hormone hypothesis as well as meta-scientific evidence of heterogeneous dual-hormone findings across studies; (3) discuss potential explanations for this heterogeneity, including methodological considerations, contextual factors, and individual differences; and (4) provide recommendations for new work aimed at testing and extending the dual-hormone hypothesis.

Testosterone therapy and other treatment modalities for female sexual dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recently in October 2019 a Global Consensus Position on the use of Testosterone Therapy for Women was published. The use of testosterone and other agents for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an important topic for the urologist focusing on sexual health. This review describes the known causes for FSD, and discusses the role of androgens in this disorder, the evidence for using testosterone treatment, and other current and emerging therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

A recent meta-analysis, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology evaluated a total of 36 randomized control trials spanning 1990-2018 and includes a total of 8480 patients. The primary findings were that testosterone therapy (TTh) increased sexual function including satisfactory sexual event frequency, sexual desire, pleasure, arousal, orgasm, responsiveness, and self-image when compared with either a placebo or drug-control (e.g., estrogen ± progestogen). In addition, TTh reduced sexual concerns and distress in postmenopausal women. Side effects included an increase in weight, acne, and hair growth, but there was no increase in serious adverse events. Importantly, TTh duration was greater than 12 weeks in all randomized control trials included in this meta-analysis.

SUMMARY

TTh is effective to treat FSD in postmenopausal women. More data is required to evaluate the long-term safety data on the effects of TTh on cardiovascular health, breast health, cognitive function, and the musculoskeletal system in women.

Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder

INTRODUCTION

Hypersexual disorder as suggested to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 integrates aspects of sexual desire deregulation, impulsivity, and compulsivity. However, it is unknown how it affects gonadal activity and the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in hypersexual men compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, we investigated associations between epigenetic markers and hormone levels.

METHODS

Basal morning plasma levels of testosterone, LH, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed in 67 hypersexual men (mean age: 39.2 years) compared with 39 age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 37.5 years). The Sexual Compulsivity Scale and the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale were used for assessing hypersexual behavior, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale-self rating was used for depression severity, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used for assessing history of childhood adversity. The genome-wide methylation pattern of more than 850 K CpG sites was measured in whole blood using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip. CpG sites located within 2,000 bp of the transcriptional start site of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) and HPG axis-coupled genes were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Testosterone and LH plasma levels in association with clinical rating and a secondary outcome was the epigenetic profile of HPA and HPG axis-coupled CpG sites with testosterone and LH levels.

RESULTS

LH plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with hypersexual disorder than in healthy volunteers. No significant differences in plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, and SHBG levels were found between the groups. There were no significant associations between DNA methylation of HPA and HPG axis-coupled genes and plasma testosterone or LH levels after multiple testing corrections.

CONCLUSIONS

Subtle dysregulation of the HPG axis, with increased LH plasma levels but no difference in testosterone levels may be present in hypersexual men. Chatzittofis A, Boström AE, Öberg KG, et al. Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder. Sex Med 2020;8:243-250.

Emotion Regulation in Couples Affected by Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) is associated with psychological, relational, and sexual consequences for affected women, and their romantic partners also suffer repercussions. Prior research suggests that women with FSIAD report more difficulties with emotion regulation than controls. Yet, whether emotion regulation is associated with the psychological, relational, and sexual well-being of both members of affected couples is unknown. Eighty-seven women diagnosed with FSIAD via a clinical interview and their male partners completed standardized measures of difficulties in emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, relationship satisfaction, dyadic conflict, sexual desire, and sexual distress. A subset (n = 71 couples) also completed measures of emotional suppression and reappraisal in relation to sex. Analyses used multilevel modeling guided by the actor-partner interdependence model. When women reported greater difficulties regulating negative emotion, they reported greater depression and anxiety, and when men reported more of these difficulties, they had greater depression, anxiety, and sexual distress, and the women with FSIAD reported lower relationship satisfaction. When women reported greater emotional suppression, they reported greater depression and anxiety, and lower relationship satisfaction; when they reported greater use of emotional reappraisal, they had fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and their partners reported lower dyadic conflict. When men reported greater emotional suppression, they had greater depression, lower relationship satisfaction, and sexual desire; when they reported greater emotional reappraisal, they had lower depression and anxiety, higher relationship satisfaction, lower dyadic conflict, higher sexual desire and women reported higher relationship satisfaction and lower dyadic conflict. Emotion regulation may be an important target for interventions to help couples cope with FSIAD.

Adult attachment and testosterone reactivity: Fathers' avoidance predicts changes in testosterone during the strange situation procedure

We assessed parents' testosterone reactivity to the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP), a moderately stressful parent-infant interaction task that pulls for parental nurturance and caregiving behavior. Parents (146 mothers, 154 fathers) interacted with their 1-year-old infants, and saliva samples were obtained pre- and post-task to assess changes in testosterone. We examined whether testosterone reactivity differed between mothers and fathers, the extent to which parents' characteristic approaches to closeness (i.e., adult attachment orientation) contributed to testosterone changes, and whether any influences of adult attachment orientation were independent of more general personality characteristics (i.e., the Big Five personality dimensions). Results revealed that mothers and fathers showed comparable declines in testosterone during the SSP, and that these declines were attenuated among fathers with a more avoidant attachment orientation (i.e., those less comfortable with closeness). Associations between fathers' avoidance and testosterone reactivity were statistically independent of broader personality traits. Our findings provide some of the first evidence for short-term changes in both mothers' and fathers' testosterone in contexts that pull for nurturance. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that individual differences in adult attachment may play an important role in understanding such changes. We discuss possible explanations for gender differences in associations between adult attachment and parents' testosterone reactivity, and the extent to which testosterone reactivity might be sensitive to changes in context for mothers versus fathers.