A waning libido after menopause may be linked to separate health problems in women, according to the findings of a new study.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducted telephone interviews with nearly 2,000 postmenopausal women, asking them about their levels of sexual satisfaction and other aspects of their health.

The findings, published in journal Value in Health, reveal that participants with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) were more likely to report additional health issues, such as back pain, fatigue and memory problems.

HSDD, defined as a persistent lack of sexual desire that causes stress or interpersonal problems, affects between 9 percent and 26 percent of American women depending on a number of factors, the scientists say.

Subjects with HSDD were shown to have similar levels of physical and mental impairment as patients with hypertension, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

“Women with the disorder experience health burdens similar to individuals with serious chronic conditions,” researcher Andrea K. Biddle said.

After menopause, some women turn to herbal supplements to help boost their libido and improve their quality of life.