The Cortisol/DHEA Ratio and Sexual Function in Women with and without a History of Depression
Abstract
The comorbidity between female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) is well documented; however, the mechanism(s) underlying the relationship between these disorders has not been defined. The literature has associated the adrenal hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with FSD and MDD, suggesting a biological mechanism that may elucidate the comorbidity between these disorders. Based on evidence pointing to a high cortisol/DHEA ratio (C/D Ratio) in MDD and low DHEA in FSD, this study investigated if the potential association between a high C/D Ratio and FSD would be greater for women with a history of MDD when compared to women without a history of MDD. Two groups of women (MDD history group; control group), each with a range of sexual function, collected saliva samples, completed questionnaires, and participated in a clinical interview and a psychophysiological assessment.
Results did not support the hypothesis that the relationship between the C/D Ratio and sexual function would be greater for women with a history of MDD. Relevant to the effects of hormones on sexual function, a higher C/D Ratio was associated with lower frequency of sexual activity and lower sexual assertiveness. Results also showed DHEA positively associated with overall frequency of sexual activity, while cortisol was associated with lower subjective assessment of sexual desire/arousal prior to erotic stimuli. Lastly, secondary analyses revealed a positive association between DHEA and frequency of sexual activity, which was mediated by women's sexual desire.
These results suggest that the effects of the C/D Ratio on FSD are not associated with a history of MDD. Results also point to contrasting roles for C/D Ratio and DHEA in FSD. In particular, a high C/D Ratio may have inhibitory effects on frequency of sexual activity and sexual assertiveness, while high DHEA may have facilitatory effects on sexual activity frequency through heightened sexual desire. Lastly, high cortisol may predispose women to have a negative assessment of sexual stimuli. These findings contribute to a further understanding of the roles of the C/D Ratio, DHEA, and cortisol in female sexuality and offer support for future studies investigating the role of these hormones in FSD.