Anisa Varasteh1
1Clinical Sexologist; Immediate Past President of the Society of Australian Sexologists
Biography:
Anisa Varasteh is a clinical sexologist, and the immediate past President of the Society of Australian Sexologists. She is a published author and a semi-finalist in the 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards (2024 & 2025) for her contribution to advancing sexual and relational wellbeing in Australia.
Anisa has delivered professional training and consultancy across Australia and internationally to government departments, legal institutions, universities, and clinical teams, supporting practitioners to engage relational and sexual presentations with nuance, ethical clarity, and confidence
Abstract:
Menopause is often framed through a biomedical lens, with low libido and sexual changes understood primarily as hormonal problems to be treated. While hormonal shifts can influence sexual functioning, many of the challenges women experience during perimenopause and menopause are deeply shaped by psychosocial, relational, and cultural factors that are frequently overlooked in clinical practice.
This presentation explores sexuality and desire in the context of menopause through a broader biopsychosocial framework. This talk will examine common myths surrounding female sexuality and ageing, the cultural narratives that shape women’s relationship with desirability and eroticism, and why HRT alone does not always restore desire. The session will offer practical, clinically relevant strategies to support more nuanced conversations about intimacy, sexuality, and wellbeing in midlife.