(124) Exploring Menopause-Related Sexual Dysfunction: A Content Analysis of TikTok Influencers

Abstract Introduction Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by physical and emotional changes that can impact sexual health and overall quality of life. Menopause-related sexual dysfunction includes direct symptoms such as vaginal dryness, decreased libido, difficulty with arousal, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and orgasmic challenges. Indirect contributors like mood changes, fatigue, and hot flashes also affect intimacy, self-esteem, and comfort. These challenges may disrupt relationships, erode self-confidence, and negatively impact mental health, underscoring the importance of addressing sexual health as part of comprehensive menopause care. Social media platforms like TikTok have become influential tools for sharing health information. TikTok’s short-form video format appeals to users aged 35 and older, a demographic comprising roughly 33% of the platform’s audience and highly relevant to menopause-related content. Influencers often share personal experiences, symptom management tips, and product endorsements, yet the extent to which sexual dysfunction is discussed remains underexplored. Understanding how menopause-related sexual health is framed can illuminate public perceptions and education gaps, offering opportunities to improve awareness and support. Objective This study aims to analyze menopause-related content produced by TikTok influencers, focusing on the frequency and framing of sexual dysfunction symptoms. Symptoms analyzed include direct contributors like vaginal dryness, decreased libido, arousal difficulties, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and orgasmic challenges, as well as indirect contributors such as mood changes, fatigue, and hot flashes. Methods A systematic content analysis was conducted using the keyword “menopause” to identify high-engagement videos discussing menopause-related symptoms. Preliminary data collection spanned October 2024 to October 2025, during which the 100 most-viewed videos were identified based on TikTok’s built-in popularity metrics. The top 10 influencers responsible for the most-viewed menopause-related videos were identified, and all videos posted by these influencers within the past year were analyzed to capture trends in content and framing. Keyword-based frequency analysis was performed to quantify direct and indirect contributors of sexual dysfunction. Results Preliminary analysis revealed sexual dysfunction was explicitly mentioned in 9% of videos reviewed. Vaginal dryness and low libido were the most frequently discussed (4% and 6%, respectively), while painful intercourse (3%) and arousal difficulties (1%) were rarely addressed. Orgasmic challenges were not mentioned in any videos. Indirect contributors, such as mood changes, hot flashes, and bone density/joint pain, were more commonly discussed, with mood changes being the most frequently mentioned at 23%. 58% of videos emphasized symptom validation and empowerment, 22% focused on management strategies, and 4% endorsed products. Sexual dysfunction topics were often secondary to discussions of other menopause symptoms, contributing to gaps in public awareness of sexual health challenges during menopause. Conclusions This study highlights the limited representation of menopause-related sexual dysfunction on TikTok. Symptoms such as orgasmic challenges, arousal difficulties, and painful intercourse received minimal attention, while mood changes, hot flashes, and bone density dominated discussions. This disproportionate focus underscores the need for greater education and awareness about sexual health during menopause. Collaboration between clinicians, educators, and influencers is essential to create more comprehensive content that addresses all contributors to sexual dysfunction, helping menopausal women access better information and support. Disclosure No.