Could a menopause drug change how the brain responds to sex?

NCT ID NCT04677491

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether ospemifene, a non-hormonal drug for vaginal dryness, also affects brain activity in postmenopausal women with sexual interest-arousal disorder. Twenty-five women took the drug or a placebo and underwent brain scans while watching sexual videos or smelling pheromones. The goal was to see if the drug's benefits come from changes in the brain, not just the vagina.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Ospemifene 60 mg (Senshio)

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could clarify whether ospemifene improves sexual function by acting on the brain, not just the vagina, potentially guiding better treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 25 participants, so results may not apply widely. It focuses on brain scans, not direct symptom relief, and may not lead to new treatments.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Coitus hypoactive sexual desire disorder physiological sexual disorder postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

    Barcelona, Barcelona, 08036, Spain