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Reame NK. Direct-to-consumer menopause care: what do we know about its subscribers? Menopause 2024; 31:471-473. [PMID: 38787351 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
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Vallejo MS, Blümel JE, Chedraui P, Tserotas K, Salinas C, Rodrigues MA, Rodríguez DA, Rey C, Ojeda E, Ñañez M, Monterrosa-Castro Á, Gómez-Tabares G, Espinoza MT, Escalante C, Elizalde A, Dextre M, Calle A, Aedo S. Association of muscle disorders in late postmenopausal women according to the type of experienced menopause. Menopause 2024:00042192-990000000-00322. [PMID: 38688462 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Musculoskeletal disorders frequently affect postmenopausal women. This study aims to compare muscle disorders between women according to the type of experienced menopause: premature (PM) or normal age of menopause (NAM). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted in nine Latin American countries in which late postmenopausal women (55 to 70 years) were surveyed with a general questionnaire, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS: item #4 exploring musculoskeletal discomfort), and the trength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falling questionnaire (risk of sarcopenia). RESULTS A total of 644 women were included: 468 who had NAM, and 176 who had PM (116 spontaneous and 60 surgical). The overall mean age of the participants was 60.9 ± 4.2 years. Women who had PM experienced more musculoskeletal discomfort (33.5% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001) and a higher likelihood of sarcopenia (35.2% vs 19.9%, P < 0.001) than women who had a NAM. Women who had surgical PM exhibited a higher prevalence of severe musculoskeletal discomfort (46.7% vs 29.3%, P < 0.02) and a higher likelihood of sarcopenia (45.0% vs 27.6%, P < 0.02) than women who had a NAM. After adjusting for covariates (age, body mass index, menopausal hormone therapy use, physical activity, education, cigarette consumption, use of antidepressants, sexual activity, comorbidities, and having a partner), our logistic regression model determined that spontaneous PM was not associated with higher odds of musculoskeletal discomfort and higher odds of sarcopenia. On the other hand, women who had surgical PM were more likely to experience musculoskeletal discomforts (odds ratio: 2.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-4.17) and higher odds for sarcopenia (odds ratio: 2.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-3.65) as compared to women who experienced a NAM. CONCLUSIONS Women experiencing surgical PM have a higher likelihood of developing muscle disorders. This underscores the potential significance of hormonal levels in influencing musculoskeletal health during postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- María S Vallejo
- From the Servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Juan E Blümel
- Departamento de Medicina Interna Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Carlos Salinas
- Servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Ángeles, Puebla, México
| | - Marcio A Rodrigues
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Doris A Rodríguez
- Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Rey
- Asociación Argentina para el Estudio del Climaterio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Ojeda
- Departamento Académico de Medicina Humana, Universidad Andina del Cusco, Cusco, Perú
| | - Mónica Ñañez
- II Cátedra de Ginecología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Gustavo Gómez-Tabares
- Departamento de Ginecología, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - María T Espinoza
- Unidad de Ginecología Obstétrica, Clínica Los Ángeles, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Carlos Escalante
- Departamento de Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alejandra Elizalde
- Departamento de la Mujer, Niñez y Adolescencia, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Maribel Dextre
- Ginecología Obstetricia, Clínica Internacional - Clínica Javier Prado, Lima, Perú
| | - Andrés Calle
- Centro Integral de Salud Obstétrica y Femenina. Ginecología, Universidad Indoamérica, Academia Ecuatoriana de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sócrates Aedo
- Escuela Medicina, Universidad Finis Terra, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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Kim C, Lane A, Vu THT, Lewis CB, Yin Z, Jiang H, Auchus RJ, Schreiner PJ. Prospective early adulthood risk factors for vasomotor symptoms in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Menopause 2024; 31:108-115. [PMID: 38270902 PMCID: PMC10827353 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have assessed potential risk factors for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) beginning in midlife. We examined whether early adulthood risk factors predict VMS trajectories over time. METHODS We performed a secondary data analysis of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a population-based cohort. We included women who answered questions about VMS at three or more examinations (n = 1,966). We examined whether risk factors at baseline (when participants were aged 18-30 y; average age, 25 y) and the year 15 (Y15) exam (at ages 33-45 y; average age, 40 y) were associated with VMS trajectories from Y15 through Y35. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations with VMS trajectories. RESULTS We identified three trajectories of VMS presence: minimal (40%), increasing over time (27%), and persistent (33%). Baseline factors associated with persistent VMS over time included Black race, less than a high school education, depressive symptoms, migraines, cigarette use, and at Y15 hysterectomy. Baseline factors associated with increasing VMS over time included Black race and lower body mass index. Risk factors for bothersome VMS were similar and also included thyroid disease, although thyroid disease was not associated with persistence of VMS over time. Associations were similar among women who had not undergone hysterectomy and in Black and White women. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for VMS may be identified in early adulthood. Further examination of risk factors such as migraines and depressive symptoms in early adulthood may be helpful in identifying therapies for VMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kim
- Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Abbi Lane
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Thanh-Huyen T. Vu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Cora B. Lewis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Zhe Yin
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Pamela J. Schreiner
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Kalpakjian CZ, Hanks R, Quint EH, Millis S, Sander AM, Lequerica AH, Bushnik T, Brunner R, Rapport L. Assessing menopause symptoms in women with traumatic brain injury: the development and initial testing of a new scale. Women Health 2024; 64:51-64. [PMID: 38097958 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2294969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
With greater survival rates after catastrophic injury, more women with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are living longer than ever. However, knowledge about this transition in these women is largely unexamined and there are no scales that have been developed to assess the experience of symptoms. To address this gap, we developed and tested a new scale of menopause symptoms in midlife women with TBI. We selected candidate items from two existing measures based on feedback from focus group discussions with seven women with TBI. Twenty candidate items were tested in cognitive interviews with six women with TBI/1 non-TBI. Then, these were field tested with 221 participants (TBI, n = 68; non-TBI, n = 153) recruited from registries. Rasch analysis and convergent validity testing were used to evaluate the new scale. Results of the Rasch analysis indicate that overall, the scale fits well the Rasch model with evidence for unidimensionality. Differential item functioning indicated that the scale performed equally well for women with and without TBI and distinguished pre- and post-menopausal states. Convergent validity was found in the expected directions. These findings support further development of the new scale to understand the experience of menopause symptoms among women with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Z Kalpakjian
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robin Hanks
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Elisabeth H Quint
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott Millis
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Angelle M Sander
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine and the Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony H Lequerica
- Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tamara Bushnik
- Rusk Rehabilitation, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Brunner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Lisa Rapport
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Sievert LL, Sharmeen T, Begum K, Muttukrishna S, Chowdhury O, Bentley GR. Frequency of Phytoestrogen Consumption and Symptoms at Midlife among Bangladeshis in Bangladesh and London. Nutrients 2023; 15:3676. [PMID: 37686708 PMCID: PMC10490262 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a longstanding interest in the relationship between diet and hot flash symptoms during midlife, especially in whether phytoestrogens ease menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness in relation to the intake of foods rich in phytoestrogens among Bangladeshi women aged 35 to 59 years who were living either in Sylhet, Bangladesh (n = 157) or as migrants in London (n = 174). Consumption ranges for phytoestrogens were constructed from food frequencies. We hypothesized that diets rich in isoflavones, lignans, and coumestrol would be associated with lower symptom frequencies. However, adjusted logistic regression results showed that with each incremental increase in general phytoestrogen consumption (scale of 0 to 10), the likelihood of hot flashes increased by 1.4%. Each incremental increase in lignan consumption raised the likelihood of hot flashes by 1.6%. In contrast, the odds of vaginal dryness decreased by 2%, with each incremental increase in phytoestrogen and lignan consumption, and by 4%, with each incremental increase in isoflavone consumption. Night sweats and trouble sleeping were not associated with phytoestrogen intake in logistic regressions. Our findings add to the conflicting data on relationships between phytoestrogens and symptoms associated with menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taniya Sharmeen
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Khurshida Begum
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Shanthi Muttukrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, T12 E7WX Cork, Ireland
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Leaf N. HRT for treating menopause: known unknowns. BMJ 2023; 381:1364. [PMID: 37348907 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
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Han K, Yoo JE, Kim JE, Kwon O, Kim AR, Park HJ, Jung SY, Kim M, Yang C, Cho JH, Lee JH. Beneficial effect of Gyejibokryeong-hwan on climacteric syndrome with blood stasis pattern: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical pilot trial. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100951. [PMID: 37187679 PMCID: PMC10176163 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2023.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gyejibokryeong-hwan (GBH), a herbal mixture that is widely used for climacteric syndrome, is studied for its efficacy; however, no study evaluated the GBH indication, which is a blood-stasis pattern based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. Methods This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical pilot trial. Fifty subjects with climacteric syndrome were recruited and randomly assigned to GBH group or placebo group. Subjects were administered GBH or placebo granules for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of observation period. For the primary outcome, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was evaluated. For the secondary outcomes, quality of life, degrees of abdominal resistance and tenderness, blood-stasis pattern questionnaire and degree of upward movement of Qi were evaluated. Results After 4-week intervention, the mean change of total MRS score significantly decreased in the GBH group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.037). The quality of life related to physical health (p = 0.008) and blood-stasis pattern (p = 0.018) significantly improved in the GBH group but not in the placebo group. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence of the feasibility of recruiting subjects with GBH indications and show that GBH may have clinical efficacy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, especially urogenital symptoms, without any significant adverse events. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS identifier: KCT0002170).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungsun Han
- Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Yoo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Laon Integrative Medicine Research Center, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ojin Kwon
- Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ae-Ran Kim
- Clinical Research Coordinating Team, R&D Strategy Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyo-Ju Park
- Clinical Research Coordinating Team, R&D Strategy Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - So-Young Jung
- Clinical Research Coordinating Team, R&D Strategy Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Changsop Yang
- Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hyo Cho
- Department of Internal Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
- Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science & Technology (UST), Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, South Korea
- Corresponding author at: Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, South Korea.
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Vanden Noven ML, Larson M, Lee E, Reilly C, Tracy MF, Keller-Ross ML. Perceptions, Benefits, and Use of Complementary and Integrative Therapies to Treat Menopausal Symptoms: A Pilot Study. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:136-147. [PMID: 37008184 PMCID: PMC10061331 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Menopause symptoms can be debilitating, and the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has declined significantly since the Women's Health Initiative. Materials and Methods We surveyed 508 peri- and postmenopausal females to determine (1) the use of complementary and integrative therapies (CIT), MHT; and pharmacotherapies; (2) the perceptions, perceived benefits/risks of CIT, MHT; and pharmacotherapy use; and (3) factors associated with CIT and MHT use for menopause symptom treatment. Results The majority of respondents used CIT to treat menopause symptoms based on physician recommendation and research studies. Treatments that were perceived as most beneficial included exercise, mind-body therapies, diet, and spiritual practices, with exercise and mind-body therapies chosen to treat the most common symptoms of sleep disturbances, depressive mood, and anxiety. Higher education level was the main predictive variable for choosing exercise (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, p = 0.02) and mind-body therapies (OR = 1.57, p = 0.02) to treat menopausal symptoms. Perceptions, beliefs, and use of different CIT by primarily white, affluent, and educated peri- and postmenopausal females to treat menopause symptoms, including sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, are driven by conversations with physicians and evidence-based research. Conclusion These findings reinforce the necessity for both additional research in more diverse populations, as well as comprehensive, individualized personalized care from an interdisciplinary team that considers the best options available for all female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie L. Vanden Noven
- Department of Exercise Science, College of Health Sciences and Nursing, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mia Larson
- Medical Specialists of Kentuckiana, Owensboro, Kentucky, USA
| | - Emma Lee
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cavan Reilly
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mary Fran Tracy
- Adult and Gerontological Health Cooperative, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Manda L. Keller-Ross
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Jahangirifar M, Fooladi E, Davis SR, Islam RM. Menopause symptoms, sexual dysfunctions and pelvic floor disorders in refugee and asylum seeker women: a scoping review. Climacteric 2023:1-8. [PMID: 36779420 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2173572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Refugee and asylum seeker women face a variety of health challenges. However, little is known globally about health problems in these women at midlife and beyond, including menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunctions and pelvic floor disorders. This scoping review aimed to understand these neglected health issues with respect to prevalence and risk factors. Eight databases were searched in August 2022 without the limit of publication year. Data were analyzed narratively. A total of 10 reports from seven studies were included with 945 women living in Australia, Canada, the USA and Pakistan. Three reports were addressing menopause, seven addressed sexual dysfunctions and one addressed pelvic floor disorders. There were no data regarding menopause symptoms; however, perceptions of menopause varied widely across studies. Few studies reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and pelvic organ prolapses, but none of them used a validated questionnaire. Taboos and cultural factors, lack of knowledge and education, lack of family support, language insufficiency and financial problems were common barriers to not seeking care for these health issues. This review demonstrates lack of evidence of these neglected health issues in refugee and asylum seeker women at midlife, and further studies with validated questionnaires and larger samples are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jahangirifar
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E Fooladi
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S R Davis
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R M Islam
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Menopause, due to loss of ovarian follicular activity without another pathological or physiological cause, typically occurs between the ages of 45 years and 56 years. During the menopausal transition, approximately 50% to 75% of women have hot flashes, night sweats, or both (vasomotor symptoms) and more than 50% have genitourinary symptoms (genitourinary syndrome of menopause [GSM]). OBSERVATIONS Vasomotor symptoms typically last more than 7 years and GSM is often chronic. Efficacious treatments for women with bothersome vasomotor symptoms or GSM symptoms include hormonal and nonhormonal options. Systemic estrogen alone or combined with a progestogen reduces the frequency of vasomotor symptoms by approximately 75%. Oral and transdermal estrogen have similar efficacy. Conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) were the only hormonal treatments for which clinical trials were designed to examine cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer risk. Compared with placebo, the increased risk of stroke and venous thromboembolism associated with CEE (with or without MPA) and breast cancer (with use of CEE plus MPA) is approximately 1 excess event/1000 person-years. Low-dose CEE plus bazedoxifene is not associated with increased risk of breast cancer (0.25%/year vs 0.23%/year with placebo). Bioidentical estrogens approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (with identical chemical structure to naturally produced estrogens, and often administered transdermally) also are available to treat vasomotor symptoms. For women who are not candidates for hormonal treatments, nonhormonal approaches such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, gabapentin, paroxetine, and venlafaxine are available and are associated with a reduction in frequency of vasomotor symptoms by approximately 40% to 65%. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is associated with subjective improvement in GSM symptom severity by approximately 60% to 80%, with improvement in severity by 40% to 80% for vaginal prasterone, and with improvement in severity by 30% to 50% for oral ospemifene. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE During the menopausal transition, approximately 50% to 75% of women have vasomotor symptoms and GSM symptoms. Hormonal therapy with estrogen is the first-line therapy for bothersome vasomotor symptoms and GSM symptoms, but nonhormonal medications (such as paroxetine and venlafaxine) also can be effective. Hormone therapy is not indicated for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Crandall
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jaya M Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Primary Care Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Keep Moving to Retain the Healthy Self: The Influence of Physical Exercise in Health Anxiety among Chinese Menopausal Women. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13020140. [PMID: 36829369 PMCID: PMC9952320 DOI: 10.3390/bs13020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Menopause is a period of high incidence of chronic diseases. Women experience various physical and psychological discomforts during menopause, and hormonal changes exacerbate mood swings in menopausal women and also cause them to begin to experience excessive worry and anxiety about their health problems. This study was a cross-sectional survey investigating the relationship between physical activity and women's health anxiety. Using cluster sampling, a valid sample of 455 females aged 45-50 was collected from 78 communities in five municipal districts in Changsha, China, and AMOS v.23 was adopted to construct a structural equation model to verify the hypotheses. The results indicate that interpersonal competence and emotional intelligence are negatively associated with health anxiety. Furthermore, interpersonal competence and emotional intelligence mediate the relationship between physical exercise and health anxiety, which means that menopausal women with more physical exercise, higher interpersonal competence, and higher emotional intelligence reported lower health anxiety. Finally, to alleviate menopausal women's health anxiety and reduce their risk of chronic diseases, the government, community, and family should create conditions and opportunities for women to participate in group physical activities.
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12
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Sensitivity-to-change and predictive validity of the Cervantes Short-Form (C-SF) questionnaire in postmenopausal women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:481-491. [PMID: 36125520 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore, for the first time, the ability of the Cervantes Short-Form (C-SF) questionnaire to detect and to predict meaningful changes (sensitivity-to-change and predictive validity) in women with menopausal symptoms receiving any therapeutic management under routine medical care. METHODS Postmenopausal women included in a registry study were the source of data. Sensitivity-to-change was explored by assessing the responses of C-SF to different type of treatment management: no treatment, natural therapies or systemic hormonal therapy (SHT). Predictive validity assessed the ability of baseline score to predict the reduction in the impact of menopausal symptoms in C-SF scoring equal or higher than one time its minimally important difference (MID) of improvement (response rate). RESULTS A total of 245 women were enrolled. C-SF score was significantly reduced (better QoL) with SHT by 10.62 points versus no change or 2.32 point by natural therapies or no treatment, respectively (p < 0.001 in both cases). Women declaring better improvement after treatment showed higher significant reduction in C-SF score versus those with no self-perceived improvement or impairment: -12.49 point versus +1.06 and +12.71, respectively (p < 0,01 in both cases). Responder rate showed a significant lineal growing trend with higher C-SF scoring at baseline in women who received SHT: higher scoring showed higher response rates (lineal Chi2 = 15.9, p < 0.001), but not in the case of receiving natural therapies or no treatment. CONCLUSIONS C-SF was shown to be sensitive-to-change when postmenopausal QOL status changes due to mainly systemic hormonal treatment, therefore, supporting the utilization of this instrument to monitor response to treatment. Likewise, pre-treatment scoring in C-SF was able to predict woman's QOL meaningful response with hormonal treatment.
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Im EO, Choi MY, Jin R, Kim G, Chee W. Cluster Analysis on Gastrointestinal Symptoms during Menopausal Transition. West J Nurs Res 2023; 45:133-143. [PMID: 35801285 DOI: 10.1177/01939459221109810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine the clusters of midlife women by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and to explore differences in the clusters by race/ethnicity. This analysis used the data from two internet-based studies among 1,054 midlife women. The analysis was conducted with the data on background characteristics, health and menopausal status, and GI symptoms (collected using the GI Symptom Index for Midlife Women). The data were analyzed using factor analyses, hierarchical cluster analyses, chi-square tests, multinomial logistic regression analyses, and analyses of covariance. Three clusters were adopted: Cluster 1 (with low total numbers and severity scores of symptoms; 46.0%), Cluster 2 (with moderate total numbers and severity scores of symptoms; 44.0%), and Cluster 3 (with high total numbers and severity scores of symptoms; 10.0%). Only in Cluster 2, there were significant racial/ethnic differences in individual GI symptoms. These results provide directions for future GI symptom management among midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ok Im
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mi-Young Choi
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Nursing Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Ruiqi Jin
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gayeong Kim
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wonshik Chee
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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14
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Hatcher KM, Smith RL, Chiang C, Flaws JA, Mahoney MM. Nocturnal Hot Flashes, but Not Serum Hormone Concentrations, as a Predictor of Insomnia in Menopausal Women: Results from the Midlife Women's Health Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:94-101. [PMID: 36450126 PMCID: PMC10024068 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sleep disruptions are among the most common symptoms experienced during menopause and can be associated with depression, hot flashes, and fluctuating hormones. However, few studies have examined how such risk factors influence sleep in midlife women in a network-based approach that will establish the complex relationship between variables. Materials and Methods: We used a Bayesian network (BN) to examine the relationship between multiple factors known to influence sleep and depression in midlife women, including hormone concentrations, hot flashes, and menopause status among participants of the longitudinal Midlife Women's Health Study. In year 1, 762 women (45-54 years of age) answered questions regarding the frequency of insomnia, hot flashes, and depression; 389 of the same women answered similar questions at year 4. We measured serum hormones and calculated free estradiol index, free testosterone index, and ratios of estradiol:progesterone, and estradiol:testosterone. For our model, we calculated the change in frequency of insomnia, depression, and covariates (body mass index, menopause status, hot flashes at night, and present quality of life) from year 1 to 4. Results: Using a BN, we found that self-reported hot flashes at night, and no other factors, were direct predictors of self-reported insomnia in year 1. Surprisingly, we did not identify an association between hormone concentrations and self-reported insomnia. Frequency of insomnia in year 4 was only predicted by frequency of insomnia in year 1, whereas frequency of depression in year 4 was predicted by year 4 insomnia and frequency of depression in year 1. No other factors were direct predictors of insomnia or depression in our model. Conclusions: Therefore, hot flashes at night, previous insomnia, and depression are stronger predictors of how women will self-report frequency of sleep disruptions and treatment may reduce menopausal sleep complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Hatcher
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Catheryne Chiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jodi A. Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan M. Mahoney
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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15
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Mao L, Wang L, Bennett S, Xu J, Zou J. Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on fat metabolism and cognitive impairment in women during menopause. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1043237. [PMID: 36545281 PMCID: PMC9760686 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1043237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid metabolism disorder is a common pathological manifestation of menopausal women, and is also an important risk factor for many diseases at this stage of life. Epidemiological studies have shown that high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in menopausal women are closely associated with changes in body composition, central obesity, and cognitive decline. Exogenous FSH causes growth and proliferation of adipose, whereas blockage of the FSH signaling pathway leads to decline in adipose. Mechanistically, FSH, FSH receptor (FSHR), G protein coupling, gene mutation and other pathways are involved in adipogenesis and cognitive impairment. Here, we review the critical role and potential interactions of FSH in adipogenesis and cognitive impairment in menopausal women. Further understanding of the exact mechanisms of FSH aggravating obesity and cognitive impairment may provide a new perspective for promoting healthy aging in menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Mao
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Samuel Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jiake Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jun Zou
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jun Zou,
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16
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Stute P, Lozza-Fiacco S. Strategies to cope with stress and anxiety during the menopausal transition. Maturitas 2022; 166:1-13. [PMID: 35964446 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The menopausal transition is often accompanied by psycho-vegetative symptoms, including stress and anxiety symptoms. Identifying stress and anxiety and intervening early can have an enormous public health impact. Health care practitioners like obstetrician-gynecologists or family doctors play a critical role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of stress and anxiety symptoms or disorders, as they often represent women's primary medical contact during the menopausal transition. However, they frequently do not feel confident in identifying and treating mental health problems. The aim of this review was to summarize current (since 2010) knowledge from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on diagnostics and treatment options, and to provide clinical decision-making algorithms. The recent literature suggests pharmacological, (cognitive) behavioral, and complementary treatments. The choice about which one to use should be discussed with the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Serena Lozza-Fiacco
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Lee E, Anselmo M, Tahsin CT, Vanden Noven M, Stokes W, Carter JR, Keller-Ross ML. Vasomotor symptoms of menopause, autonomic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1270-H1280. [PMID: 36367692 PMCID: PMC9744645 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00477.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death among US adults, is more prevalent in menopausal females compared with age-matched males. Vasomotor symptoms of menopause (VMS; hot flashes/flushes and night sweats) are common among females undergoing menopausal transition and have been associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and increased CVD risk. Autonomic dysregulation of BP has been posited as a contributing factor to the elevated CVD risk in menopausal females with VMS. This review includes 1) a brief overview of the relationship between VMS and CVD, 2) mechanisms of hot flushes and their potential impact on short- and long-term BP regulation, and 3) how the disruption of autonomic function associated with VMS might provide a mechanistic pathway to CVD development. Finally, this review will highlight knowledge gaps and future directions toward better understanding of hot flush physiology and VMS contributions to CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lee
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Miguel Anselmo
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Chowdhury Tasnova Tahsin
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - William Stokes
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jason R Carter
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Manda L Keller-Ross
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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18
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Trémollieres FA, André G, Letombe B, Barthélemy L, Pichard A, Gelas B, Lopès P. Persistent gap in menopause care 20 years after the WHI: a population-based study of menopause-related symptoms and their management. Maturitas 2022; 166:58-64. [PMID: 36058119 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the current management of menopause in France with regard to menopause-related and genitourinary symptoms, with a focus on use of menopause hormone therapy (MHT). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The ELISA Study is a population-based survey of 5004 French representative women aged 50 to 65 years. From July to August 2020, the participating women answered an online computer-assisted web interview on menopause-related and genitourinary symptoms and their management, including use of MHT. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prevalence of menopause-related and genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women. Management of these symptoms, including the reasons for not doing so, management by health care providers, and use of MHT. RESULTS Among the 5004 selected women, 4041 whose postmenopausal status was confirmed were included in the final analyses. Of the untreated 3685 women, 87 % reported at least 1 menopausal symptom, with a significantly higher percentage of symptomatic women in the 50-54 age group (92 %, p < 0.05) than in the other two age groups (55-59 years: 89 % and 60-64 years: 82 %). 68 % of the surveyed women experienced on average 2.5 symptoms of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (no impact) to 10 (high impact) to evaluate the impact of menopausal/GSM symptoms on their quality of life, mean VAS score was 5.9 (SD: 2.2), with 25 % of the women aged 55-59 years rating their quality of life between 8 and 10. 61 % of the surveyed women reported being regularly followed by a health care professional. 44 % of women reported never having discussed their menopausal/GSM symptoms with a health care provider. The main reasons were because menopause is "a normal part of women's lives", because it was not "necessary to do so", or their symptoms were "not serious enough". Only 242 women (6 %) were current MHT users, of whom 49 % were using estrogen-alone therapy and 71 % were using transdermal estrogens. Fear of hormones (35 %) and MHT side-effects (25 %) were the main reasons given for not using MHT. 62 % of the women reported that the decision not to take MHT was supported by their physician. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This large population-based survey confirmed not only the high prevalence of menopause-related and GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women within the first 10-15 years after menopause, but also the very low percentage of MHT users in France. Twenty years after the publication of the initial Women's Health Initiative (WHI) results, management of postmenopausal women is still characterized by unmet needs in menopausal care. Therefore, there is a strong need to educate the public and health care providers about menopause-related problems and possible solutions, including MHT, through dedicated educational programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence A Trémollieres
- Centre de Ménopause et Maladies Osseuses Métaboliques, Hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse, France; Inserm U1048-I2MC-Equipe 9, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, 1, avenue du Professeur Jean-Poulhes, BP 84225, 31432 Toulouse cedex 4, France.
| | | | | | - Luc Barthélemy
- Stethos France, 1 place du Marivel, 92310 Sèvres, France
| | - Amélie Pichard
- Stethos France, 1 place du Marivel, 92310 Sèvres, France
| | - Bertrand Gelas
- LaboratoireTheramex France SAS, Tour Atlantique - 1 Place de la Pyramide, 92911 Paris La Défense Cedex, France
| | - Patrice Lopès
- Elsan Santé Atantique, 44819 St Herblain, France; Université de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, cedex, France
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19
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Symptom reporting, cardiovascular disease, and mortality as women age: it is more than menopause. Menopause 2022; 29:1355-1356. [PMID: 36449931 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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20
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Crandall CJ, Ganz PA. Phase 2 data on a new treatment for hot flushes in women with breast cancer. Lancet 2022; 400:1659-1661. [PMID: 36366880 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Crandall
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
| | - Patricia A Ganz
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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21
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Im EO, Kim HJ, Kim SY, Yau YC, Brewster GS, Chee W. Attitudes toward Alzheimer's disease and dementia caregiving and health outcomes: Racial and ethnic differences. Geriatr Nurs 2022; 48:296-302. [PMID: 36335856 PMCID: PMC9899498 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore racial/ethnic differences in the attitudes toward Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and dementia caregiving among midlife women who were family caregivers of persons living with AD (MWPLAD) in the U.S. and examine the associations of the attitudes to their health outcomes. This was a cross-sectional online survey study among 172 MWPLAD. The instruments included: the Attitude toward AD and Related Dementias Scale, the Questions on Attitudes toward AD Caregiving, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the EQ-5D-5L and the Midlife Women's Symptom Index. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. There were significant racial/ethnic differences in caregivers' attitudes toward dementia caregiving, health-related quality of life, and total severity scores of symptoms (p < .01). Controlling for covariates including race/ethnicity, caregivers' positive attitudes toward dementia caregiving were significantly associated with their health outcomes (p ≤ .05). Interventions for MWPLAD need to consider racial/ethnical differences in their attitudes toward dementia caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ok Im
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University.
| | - Hee Jung Kim
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University; College of Nursing, Yonsei University
| | - Seo-Yun Kim
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University
| | - Yun Chan Yau
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University
| | | | - Wonshik Chee
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University
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22
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Williams M, Richard-Davis G, Williams PL, Christensen L, Ward E, Schrager S. A review of African American women's experiences in menopause. Menopause 2022; 29:1331-1337. [PMID: 36126249 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE Little is known and reported about the experiences of African American women as they transition to and experience menopause. Accepted norms are based on the experience of a predominantly White population. The aim of this study is to review available data about the distinct experiences of African American women during the menopause transition and menopause. METHODS A literature search was developed and executed by the review team in collaboration with a health sciences librarian. The search combined controlled vocabulary and title/abstract terms related to the health status disparities of African Americans in the menopause transition and menopause. The following databases were searched from inception through April 28, 2022: PubMed, Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION African American women experience distinct differences in physical, psychological, social, and quality of life measures during menopause. Increasing awareness about the unique menopause experiences of African American women is critically important to improve the health of this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makeba Williams
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Gloria Richard-Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | | | - Leslie Christensen
- Department of Library Science, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Earlise Ward
- Department of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI
| | - Sarina Schrager
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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23
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Acupuncture for hot flashes in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, a coordinated multinational study: Rationale and design of the study protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 121:106885. [PMID: 35998768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has been reported to reduce hot flashes in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormonal therapy. Although hot flashes are common, the prevalence varies among cultures, races, and ethnicities; the efficacy of acupuncture across cultures has not been investigated. METHODS This is a coordinated multinational study, including three parallel randomized trials with a planned analysis of individual patient data, to test the effectiveness of acupuncture on hot flash-related symptoms in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients on adjuvant endocrine therapy. Using a standardized acupuncture protocol (total across all three studies of n = 80) versus usual care (total n = 80), symptoms are assessed using changes in the Endocrine Symptom Subscale of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms. Secondary outcomes include hot flash severity, quality of life, and sleep quality. Differences in response to acupuncture between participants in the three countries will also be explored. DISCUSSION Here we describe the design of a protocol for a coordinated multinational study, with attention to the complex considerations in developing a multinational research effort testing a non-pharmacologic intervention. This protocol and approach provide guidance for future efforts to evaluate and test non-pharmacologic interventions across multinational populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT00797732, registered on December 21, 2018), Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100045888), and The Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of Korea (Registration number: KCT0003618).
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24
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Lozza-Fiacco S, Gordon JL, Andersen EH, Kozik RG, Neely O, Schiller C, Munoz M, Rubinow DR, Girdler SS. Baseline anxiety-sensitivity to estradiol fluctuations predicts anxiety symptom response to transdermal estradiol treatment in perimenopausal women - A randomized clinical trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105851. [PMID: 35809362 PMCID: PMC9716440 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The menopausal transition (perimenopause) is associated with an increased risk of major depression, characterized by anxiety and anhedonia phenotypes. Greater estradiol (E2) variability predicts the development of perimenopausal depression, especially within the context of stressful life events (SLEs). While transdermal E2 (TE2) reduces perimenopausal depressive symptoms, the mechanisms underlying TE2 efficacy and predictors of TE2 treatment response remain unknown. This study aimed at determining relationships between E2 fluctuations, mood symptoms, and physiologic stress-reactivity (cortisol and interleukin-6) and whether differences in mood-sensitivity to E2 fluctuations predict mood responses to TE2 treatment. METHODS This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated medically healthy women (46-60 years) in the early or late menopause transition. Baseline E2-sensitivity strength was calculated from eight weekly individual correlations between week-to-week E2 change and index week anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and anhedonia (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale). Women then received eight weeks of TE2 or transdermal placebo. RESULTS Analyses included 73 women (active TE2 n = 35). Greater baseline E2 fluctuations predicted greater anhedonia (p = .002), particularly in women with more SLEs. Greater E2 fluctuations also predicted higher cortisol (p = .012) and blunted interleukin-6 (p = .02) stress-responses. Controlling for baseline symptoms, TE2 was associated with lower post-treatment anxiety (p < .001) and anhedonia (p < .001) versus placebo. However, the efficacy of TE2 for anxiety (p = .007) and also for somatic complaints (p = .05) was strongest in women with greater baseline E2 sensitivity strength. CONCLUSIONS TE2 treatment reduced perimenopausal anxiety and anhedonia. The ability of baseline mood-sensitivity to E2 fluctuations to predict greater TE2 efficacy has implications for individualized treatment of perimenopausal anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lozza-Fiacco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, 8052 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jennifer Lee Gordon
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Elizabeth Helen Andersen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Rachel Grace Kozik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Olivia Neely
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Crystal Schiller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Maria Munoz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Susan S Girdler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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25
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Blanken A, Gibson CJ, Li Y, Huang AJ, Byers AL, Maguen S, Inslicht S, Seal K. Racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis and management of menopause symptoms among midlife women veterans. Menopause 2022; 29:877-882. [PMID: 35796560 PMCID: PMC9884100 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Racial/ethnic disparities in menopause symptoms and hormone therapy management remain understudied among women served by the Veteran's Health Administration, despite the unique racial/ethnic diversity of this population. Thus, we determined racial/ethnic disparities in medical record-documented menopause symptoms and prescribed menopausal hormone therapy among women veterans. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses of national Veteran's Health Administration electronic health record data from 2014 to 2015. We used logistic regression models to compare medical-record documented menopause symptoms and treatment (eg, vaginal estrogen or systemic hormone therapy) by self-identified race/ethnicity, adjusting for age, body mass index, and depression. Models examining hormone treatment were adjusted for menopause symptoms. RESULTS Among 200,901 women veterans (mean age 54.3, SD 5.4 y; 58% non-Hispanic/Latinx White, 33% non-Hispanic/Latinx Black, 4% Hispanic/Latinx, and 4% other), 5% had documented menopause symptoms, 5% were prescribed vaginal estrogen, and 5% were prescribed systemic hormone therapy. In fully adjusted multivariable models, non-Hispanic/Latinx Black women veterans had lower odds of documented menopause symptoms relative to non-Hispanic/Latinx White women (OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.78-0.86). Moreover, non-Hispanic/Latinx Black women (OR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.70-0.77), as well as Hispanic/Latinx women (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.61-0.77), had lower likelihood of systemic hormone therapy prescription. Hispanic/Latinx women had higher odds of vaginal estrogen prescription (OR 1.12 95% CI: 1.02-1.24) than non-Hispanic/Latinx White women. Non-Hispanic/Latinx Black women had lower likelihood of estrogen use (OR 0.78 95% CI: 0.74-0.81) than non-Hispanic/Latinx White women. CONCLUSION Despite evidence suggesting higher menopause symptom burden among Black women in community samples, documented menopause symptoms and hormone therapy were less common among Black, compared with White, women veterans. Additionally, Hispanic/Latinx women veterans had lower odds of prescribed systemic menopause therapy and yet higher odds of prescribed vaginal estrogen, despite no difference in documented symptoms. These findings may signal important disparities in symptom reporting, documentation, and/or treatment for minority women veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Blanken
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
| | - Carolyn J. Gibson
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
| | - Yongmei Li
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Amy L. Byers
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sabra Inslicht
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
| | - Karen Seal
- San Francisco VA Health Care System
- University of California, San Francisco
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26
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Wang J, Lin Y, Gao L, Li X, He C, Ran M, Zhao X. Menopause-Related Symptoms and Influencing Factors in Mosuo, Yi, and Han Middle-Aged Women in China. Front Psychol 2022; 13:763596. [PMID: 35756261 PMCID: PMC9226393 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.763596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies showed that women’s menopause-related symptoms varied in different ethnic groups and countries, and were affected by specific social and cultural factors, few studies have been conducted to explore menopause-related symptoms and its influencing factors in middle-aged women among ethnic groups in China. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of menopause-related symptoms and its influencing factors among Mosuo, Yi, and Han women in Yongning area of Yunnan province, China. A cross-cultural design by snowball sampling method was used to recruit 208 women aged 40–60 from Yongning Township, Ninglang County, Yunnan province, China. The 11-item Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess menopause-related symptoms. Compared with Yi and Han women, Mosuo women were accorded the highest family status. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that ethnicity, age, family support, and family decision-making patterns were associated with the severity of menopause-related symptoms. Yi and Han women had more severe menopause-related symptoms than Mosuo women. Among the three groups, women living in “female-dominated” and “co-deliberated” households had significantly lower scores of menopause-related symptoms than those in “male-dominated” households. This study indicates that menopause-related symptoms vary among middle-aged women in different ethnic groups. A higher level of female status in the family and family support may be protective factors of menopause-related symptoms in middle-aged women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Wang
- School of Humanities, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yezhe Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Limin Gao
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingjun Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chunhua He
- The Second People's Hospital of Lijiang, Lijiang, China
| | - Maosheng Ran
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- School of Humanities, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Risk of Depression during Menopause in Women from Poland, Belarus, Belgium, and Greece. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123371. [PMID: 35743442 PMCID: PMC9224963 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Menopause is a physiological period in a woman’s life, but it is often accompanied by symptoms that affect mental well-being and general health, including a tendency for depression. Aim of the study: To evaluate the predisposition to the symptoms of depression in women from Poland, Belarus, Belgium, and Greece. Material and methods: the method of diagnostic survey was used, and the research tools were: The Menopause Rating Scale, the Kupperman Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and a self-made survey questionnaire. Results: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was used by 15.8% of Polish, 19% of Belgian, 14.3% of Belarusian, and 15.2% of Greek women patients. The mean value of the Kupperman Index (range 0–63) in Poland was 14.8 ± 8.6, in Belgium—15.5 ± 6.6, Belarus—14.0 ± 9.4, and Greece—10.8 ± 6.5, while the total measure of Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) (range 0–44) was 12.2 ± 7.6 in Poland, 13.8 ± 6.5 in Belgium, 10.8 ± 8.0 in Belarus and 12.9 ± 7.4 in Greece. The severity of mental distress followed a similar pattern across all countries (slightly stronger than mild). The results for somatic complaints were similar, whereas the level of sexual issues varied, with the highest in Belgium and the lowest in Belarus. The mildest symptoms of menopause were experienced by Belarusian women and the most severe by Belgian women. The severity of depression, according to the Beck Depression Inventory (range 0–63), was as follows: Poland 10.5 ± 7.9; Belgium—11.1 ± 5.7; Belarus—13.7 ± 5.7; Greece—11.8 ± 6.6. Conclusions: The differences between the development of perimenopausal-related symptoms across countries were statistically significant. The incidence and severity of depression showed statistically significant differences between the countries studied—the highest was in Belarus and the lowest in Poland. Depression levels were not differentiated by subjects’ age or the use of hormone therapy but by subjects’ education. In Poland and Belarus, increased menopausal pain measured by the Kupperman Index altered levels of depression; in Belgium, there were no such correlations, and in Greece, the correlation was statistically significant, but its strength was negligible. A clearer correlation of the effects of development in menopausal symptoms on the level of depression was shown when measured with the MRS scale—in Greece and Belgium, the correlation was relatively weak, but in Poland and Belarus, it was relatively high.
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Yang Y, Park G, Lee KE. The best-worse scaling approach: prioritizing burdensome menopause symptoms among Cambodian women. Women Health 2022; 62:325-335. [DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2022.2068736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Youngran Yang
- Research Institute of Nursing Science, Institute for Southeast Asian Studies, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Gloria Park
- College of Nursing and Health Science, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Kyoung Eun Lee
- College of Nursing and Health Science, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
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Harlow SD, Burnett-Bowie SAM, Greendale GA, Avis NE, Reeves AN, Richards TR, Lewis TT. Disparities in Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health between Black and White women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Womens Midlife Health 2022; 8:3. [PMID: 35130984 PMCID: PMC8822825 DOI: 10.1186/s40695-022-00073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews differences in the experience of the menopause transition and midlife health outcomes between Black and White women who participated in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a 25-year, longitudinal, multi-racial/ethnic cohort study. We identify health disparities, i.e., instances in which Black women's outcomes are less favorable than those of White women, and consider whether structural racism may underlie these disparities. Although SWAN did not explicitly assess structural racism, Black women in SWAN grew up during the Jim Crow era in the United States, during which time racism was legally sanctioned. We consider how we might gain insight into structural racism by examining proxy exposures such as socioeconomic characteristics, reports of everyday discrimination, and a range of life stressors, which likely reflect the longstanding, pervasive and persistent inequities that have roots in systemic racism in the US. Thus, this paper reviews the presence, magnitude, and longitudinal patterns of racial disparities observed in SWAN in six areas of women's health - menopause symptoms, sleep, mental health, health related quality of life, cardio-metabolic health, and physical function -and elucidates the contextual factors that are likely influencing these disparities. We review the strengths and weaknesses of SWAN's design and approach to analysis of racial disparities and use this as a springboard to offer recommendations for future cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, United States, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-2029, USA.
| | - Sherri-Ann M Burnett-Bowie
- Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Gail A Greendale
- Division of Geriatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Nancy E Avis
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Alexis N Reeves
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Thomas R Richards
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
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Changes in the Oral Cavity in Menopausal Women-A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010253. [PMID: 35010513 PMCID: PMC8750983 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oral health awareness during the menopausal period is essential to minimize the inevitable inconveniences which may occur due to hormonal changes. The decrease in estrogen hormone concentration impacts the oral mucosa in a similar way to the vaginal mucosa due to the presence of estrogen receptors in both of these structures. An estrogen deficiency also affects the maturation process of the oral mucosal epithelium and can lead to its thinning and atrophy, making it more susceptible to local mechanical injuries, causing a change in pain tolerance and problems in the use of removable prosthetic restorations. Mucosal epithelium during the menopausal period is more vulnerable to infections, candidiasis, burning mouth syndrome, oral lichen planus (OLP), or idiopathic neuropathy. Moreover, salivary glands are also hormone-dependent which leads to changes in saliva secretion and its consistency. In consequence, it may affect teeth and periodontal tissues, resulting in an increased risk of caries and periodontal disease in menopausal women. Due to the large variety of complaints and symptoms occurring in the oral cavity, menopausal women constitute a significant group of patients who should receive special preventive and therapeutic care from doctors and dentists in this particular period.
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Wang L, Zhang R, Yang Y, Sun X, Zhang B, Zhu H, Luo X, Ma X, Zhang X. Severity and factors of menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women in Gansu Province of China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:405. [PMID: 34879847 PMCID: PMC8653527 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01531-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the severity and risk factors of menopausal symptoms in the middle-aged women in Gansu Province of China. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 7319 women (aged 40-55 years) attended the health survey in Gansu Province in China were enrolled. Information on demographics, menopausal status, reproductive history, and history of chronic diseases was collected via a structured questionnaire. Severity of menopausal symptom was evaluated by the Modified Kupperman Menopausal Index. Ordinal logistic regression model was applied to explore its risk factors. RESULTS A total of 7319 participants were included in present study, among them, 3606 (49.27%) had moderate or severe menopausal symptom. Compared with premenopausal women, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women have a higher mKMI score. We observed that older age, higher BMI, non-married status, longer duration of menstruation (≥ 7 days), number of pregnancy (> 3 times), longer duration of breastfeeding (> 12 months), peri- or post-menopausal status, and menopause hormone therapy was positively associated with menopausal symptom score, while higher level of family income, educational and physical activity, and history of gynecological, breast or chronic disease were negatively associated with the score. CONCLUSIONS Numerous factors were associated with the severity of menopausal symptom among the Chinese women. Because it was gradually increased with aging, more attention is warranted to manage the menopausal symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiRong Wang
- The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ye Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - XiaoYan Sun
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - BaoLi Zhang
- The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - HaiYing Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - XiaoRong Luo
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - XiaoLing Ma
- The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - XueHong Zhang
- The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, No. 1, Donggangxi Rd, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
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Su J, Jogamoto A, Yoshimura H, Yang LJ. Menopausal symptoms among Chinese and Japanese women: differences and similarities. Menopause 2021; 29:73-81. [PMID: 34812777 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify the characteristics of menopausal symptoms among Japanese and Chinese women and to determine the correlation between menopausal symptoms and self-efficacy. METHODS We surveyed 40- to 59-year-old women, 329 of whom were from an urban area in Northwest China (Xi'an) and 310 were from an urban area in Western Japan (Ehime), using a menopausal symptoms inventory and a self-efficacy scale. Comparison analysis was conducted among pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal status, within and between the two cultural groups. Following a two-way ANOVA, multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey-Kramer test. The correlation between severity of menopause symptoms and self-efficacy scores was evaluated using canonical correlation analysis. RESULTS The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (93.6%) among Japanese women and memory loss (76.6%) among Chinese women. Japanese women showed significantly higher severity scores across all factors than Chinese, sexual function: 19.58 (SE = 0.73) versus 15.04 (SE = 0.67); mental health condition: 35.44 (SE = 1.15) versus 27.12 (SE = 0.95); interpersonal anxiety: 27.45 (SE = 0.95) versus 21.92 (SE = 0.86); autonomic balance: 42.76 (SE = 1.27) versus 35.75 (SE = 1.17); other subjective symptoms: 39.68 (SE = 1.20) versus 33.07 (SE = 1.12) in the premenopausal group (P < 0.01); and mental health conditions 35.14 (SE = 1.41) versus 29.60 (SE = 1.25), interpersonal anxiety: 27.34 (SE = 1.18) versus 20.79 (SE = 1.02), autonomic balance factors: 45.81 (SE = 1.79) versus 38.05 (SE = 1.67) in the postmenopausal group (P < 0.01). No significant differences of the factors among menopausal stages within Japanese women were found. Among Chinese women, peri- and postmenopausal women showed significantly higher severity scores on sexual function, while perimenopausal women scored higher on mental health conditions and autonomic balance factors (P < 0.01). A negative correlation was found between menopausal symptoms and self-efficacy among both Japanese and Chinese women (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Japanese women reported more severe symptoms compared with their Chinese counterparts, and for Chinese women, symptoms might be specifically associated with menopausal status. Menopausal experience is associated with self-efficacy and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- Department of Nursing, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Akiko Jogamoto
- Department of Fundamental and Clinical Nursing Program for Nursing and Health Science, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshimura
- University of Human Environments, Hanazonomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Lu Jun Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
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Udeh-Momoh C, Watermeyer T. Female specific risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology and cognitive impairment: Call for a precision medicine approach. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101459. [PMID: 34508876 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes a long asymptomatic stage, which precedes the formal diagnosis of dementia. AD biomarker models provide a framework for precision medicine approaches during this stage. However, such approaches have ignored the possible influence of sex on cognition and brain health, despite female sex noted as a major risk factor. Since AD-related changes may emerge in midlife, intervention efforts are being redirected around this period. Midlife coincides with several endocrinological changes, such as the menopausal transition experienced by women. In this narrative review, we discuss evidence for sex-differences in AD neuropathological burden and outline key endocrinological mechanisms for both sexes, focussing on hormonal events throughout the lifespan that may influence female susceptibility to AD neuropathology and dementia onset. We further consider common non-modifiable (genetic) and modifiable (lifestyle and health) risk factors, highlighting possible sex-dependent differential effects for the AD disease course. Finally, we evaluate the studies selected for this review demonstrating sex-differences in cognitive, pathological and health factors, summarising the state of sex differences in AD risk factors. We further provide recommendations for targeted research on female-specific risk factors, to inform personalised strategies for AD-prevention and the promotion of female brain health.
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Viotti S, Guidetti G, Sottimano I, Travierso L, Martini M, Converso D. Do Menopausal Symptoms Affect the Relationship between Job Demands, Work Ability, and Exhaustion? Testing a Moderated Mediation Model in a Sample of Italian Administrative Employees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910029. [PMID: 34639331 PMCID: PMC8508446 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The increasing presence of employed women undergoing menopause has stimulated a growing corpus of research highlighting the complex relationship between menopause and work. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the mechanism by which menopause affects work ability and work-related well-being. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the present study examines whether and how menopausal symptoms affect the relationship between job demands, work ability, and exhaustion. (2) Method: In total, 1069 menopausal women, employed as administrative officers in a public organization, filled out a self-report questionnaire. A moderated mediation analysis was carried out using the latent moderated structural (LMS) equation. (3) Findings: The findings of this analysis indicate that the indirect effect of work ability on the relationship between job demands and exhaustion is influenced by the exacerbating effect of menopausal symptoms on the relationship between job demands and work ability. Moreover, the conditional effect confirmed that women with high menopausal symptoms receive more exposure to the negative effects of job demands on work ability compared to women with low menopausal symptoms. (4) Conclusion: The present findings may help in addressing interventions to prevent negative outcomes for menopausal women and their organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Viotti
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Gloria Guidetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Della Salute e Del Territorio, Università di Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Ilaria Sottimano
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Lucia Travierso
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Mara Martini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Converso
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy; (I.S.); (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.C.)
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Effect of Hypnosis on Anxiety: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial with Women in Postmenopause. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2021; 28:868-881. [PMID: 34403019 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-021-09810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety is common, yet often under-treated, among women in postmenopause. This study examined the effect of a hypnotic intervention designed to reduce hot flashes, on anxiety levels of postmenopausal women. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale, and a visual analog scale. Additionally, hypnotizability was tested as a moderator of anxiety reductions. Significant reductions in anxiety were found from baseline to endpoint and follow-up and hypnosis was superior to the control condition. Additionally, ratings of Current Anxiety decreased from pre-session to post-session at each weekly visit and the pre-session scores reduced continuously. Hypnotizability was found to moderate anxiety reductions, but regardless of hypnotizability level participants, on average, experienced significant symptom improvement from baseline scores. These data provide initial support for the use of hypnosis to reduce symptoms of anxiety among postmenopausal women.Trial registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on February 11, 2011 under Identifier number NCT01293695 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01293695?term=Elkins&cond=hot+flashes&draw=2&rank=2 ).
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Tomida M, Otsuka R, Tange C, Nishita Y, Kimura T, Stoelzel M, Tanaka-Amino K, Shimokata H, Terauchi M. Vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling Japanese women. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:3677-3690. [PMID: 34278662 PMCID: PMC9291044 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim To assess prevalence and characteristics of vasomotor symptoms in community‐dwelling Japanese women. Methods These were cross‐sectional analyses using data from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences‐Longitudinal Study of Aging. The main outcome measures were prevalence and severity of hot flashes and sweating. Associations between hot flashes/sweating (slight, moderate, or severe vs none) and sleep problems were explored using logistic regression, with and without adjustment for age, daily physical activity, and number of urinations/night. Associations between hot flashes/sweating and sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and dietary variables were explored in logistic regression models or general linear models. Results A total of 1152 women between 40 and 91 years of age were enrolled. Hot flashes were reported by 24.5% of participants; with prevalence and severity highest in those 50–54 years or 2–5 years postmenopause. Sleep problems were reported 15 percentage points more frequently by women who reported hot flashes than by those without hot flashes. Adjusted odds ratios [95% CI] for difficulty in falling asleep and difficulty in sleeping through were 2.09 [1.565–2.796] and 2.07 [1.549–2.763]), respectively. Also, hot flashes were associated with higher risk of depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.99 [2.07–4.32]) and lower life satisfaction, self‐esteem, and self‐rated health status. A similar pattern was observed in women with and without sweating. No associations were found between hot flashes and dietary factors. Conclusions Clear associations were found between hot flashes and sleeping problems, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Women who reported hot flashes also reported worse mental and physical health than those who did not report hot flashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Tomida
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rei Otsuka
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Chikako Tange
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nishita
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hiroshi Shimokata
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan.,Graduate School of Nutritional Sciences, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masakazu Terauchi
- Department of Women's Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the specific characteristics that were directly linked to menopausal symptoms of midlife women from four major racial/ethnic groups in the United States using a decision tree analysis. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of the data from 1,027 midlife women from 2 larger Internet-based studies. The parent studies used the Midlife Women's Symptom Index with multiple questions on background characteristics and health and menopausal status. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and decision tree analyses. RESULTS Across all the racial/ethnic groups, menopausal stage and country of birth were significantly related to the total number and total severity scores of menopausal symptoms (P < 0.001). In each racial/ethnic group, different combined characteristics of the participants were closely linked to the total number and total severity scores of menopausal symptoms (P < 0.05). For instance, in African Americans, the total severity scores of menopausal symptoms increased among those who were postmenopausal (P < 0.001), US born (P < 0.001), and with low family income (P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS Specific risk groups by the combined characteristics need to be considered in future practice with midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ok Im
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jee-Seon Yi
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- College of Nursing · Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonshik Chee
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Abstract
This review focuses on the diagnosis and management of menopause, highlighting both hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options. In particular, the article focuses on recent data on the risks and benefits of hormone therapy to help clinicians better counsel their patients about decision making with regard to understanding and treating menopause symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McNeil
- University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Hunter MS, Chilcot J. Is cognitive behaviour therapy an effective option for women who have troublesome menopausal symptoms? Br J Health Psychol 2021; 26:697-708. [PMID: 34101946 PMCID: PMC8453849 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Myra S Hunter
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Joseph Chilcot
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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Coronado PJ, Monroy M, Fasero M, Baquedano L, Mendoza N, Llaneza P, Rejas J, Ruiz MA. Predictive and criterion validity of the Cervantes-SF menopause quality of life questionnaire. Menopause 2021; 28:935-942. [PMID: 33973543 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the predictive and criterion-based validity of the Cervantes-SF scale that measures the impact of menopause on Health-Related Quality of Life. METHODS We recruited a noninstitutionalized sample of peri/postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years, who had their last menstrual cycle 12+ months prior to inclusion in the study of the psychometric validity of the Cervantes-SF scale. Predictive validity of the scale was confirmed for various health outcome measures administered concomitantly (years of disability-free life expectancy, work productivity and impact on daily activities, economic impact arising from loss of work productivity, hours of undisturbed sleep each day, and the utilization of healthcare facilities), whilst criterion validity was determined by the likelihood of identifying a moderate-to-severe vasomotor or genital syndrome requiring specific treatment. RESULTS A sample of 308 peri/postmenopausal women with a mean age of 55.7 years (SD: 5.3 y) was analyzed in this study. A score >25 points on the dimension of vasomotor problems (or menopausal health) showed values of sensitivity and specificity > 80% for identifying women with moderate-severe vasomotor syndrome requiring pharmacological treatment. Predictive validity was confirmed for menopause-related health outcomes. A change of 6.7 points in the scale score, equivalent to the value of its minimal difference, is indicative of a significant increase in the degree of disability regarding work/day-to-day activities, greater economic loss due to decreased work productivity, fewer years of life expectancy without disability, fewer hours of undisturbed sleep, and more visits to the physician per year due to menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the criterion and predictive validity of the Cervantes-SF scale in peri/postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pluvio J Coronado
- Women's Health Institute, San Carlos Clinic Hospital, IdISSC, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Monroy
- Faculty of Psychology, Autonoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Fasero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sanitas La Zarzuela Hospital, Francisco de Vitoria University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Baquedano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miguel Servet Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nicolás Mendoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Plácido Llaneza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central Hospital of Asturias, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Javier Rejas
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research, Pfizer SLU, Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Ruiz
- Faculty of Psychology, Autonoma University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Dietary inflammatory index and dietary energy density are associated with menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:568-578. [PMID: 32068687 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES No previous study has evaluated the association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and dietary energy density (DED) with menopausal symptoms and its subclasses in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of DII score and DED with menopausal symptoms and its subtypes in Iranian postmenopausal women. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 393 postmenopausal women who attended health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. The DII score was calculated using dietary factors obtained by a validated food frequency questionnaire. DED was defined as average daily energy intake (kcal) per gram of food. The Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire was used to evaluate the menopausal symptoms. The total Menopause Rating Scale score (TMRSS) was the sum of the somatic score (SS), psychological score (PS), and urogenital score. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association of the DII score and DED with menopausal symptoms. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, participants in the highest tertile of DII score had greater SS compared to those in the lowest tertile (βDIIt3vs1= 0.032, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004-0.068, P = 0.04). No significant relationship was found between DII score and PS, urogenital score or TMRSS. Furthermore, higher DED was associated with greater SS (βDIIt3vs1 = 0.071, 95% CI: 0.028-0.115, P = 0.001), PS (βDIIt3vs1 = 0.065, 95% CI: 0.012-0.121, P = 0.01) and TMRSS (βDIIt3vs1 = 0.053, 95% CI: 0.017-0.088, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION A proinflammatory diet was associated with higher menopause-specific somatic symptoms and higher DED was positively associated with menopausal symptoms.
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Bove R, Okai A, Houtchens M, Elias-Hamp B, Lugaresi A, Hellwig K, Kubala Havrdová E. Effects of Menopause in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: An Evidence-Based Review. Front Neurol 2021; 12:554375. [PMID: 33815241 PMCID: PMC8017266 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.554375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over two thirds of all individuals who develop multiple sclerosis (MS) will be women prior to the age of menopause. Further, an estimated 30% of the current MS population consists of peri- or postmenopausal women. The presence of MS does not appear to influence age of menopausal onset. In clinical practice, symptoms of MS and menopause can frequently overlap, including disturbances in cognition, mood, sleep, and bladder function, which can create challenges in ascertaining the likely cause of symptoms to be treated. A holistic and comprehensive approach to address these common physical and psychological changes is often suggested to patients during menopause. Although some studies have suggested that women with MS experience reduced relapse rates and increased disability progression post menopause, the data are not consistent enough for firm conclusions to be drawn. Mechanisms through which postmenopausal women with MS may experience disability progression include neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration from age-associated phenomena such as immunosenescence and inflammaging. Additional effects are likely to result from reduced levels of estrogen, which affects MS disease course. Following early retrospective studies of women with MS receiving steroid hormones, more recent interventional trials of exogenous hormone use, albeit as oral contraceptive, have provided some indications of potential benefit on MS outcomes. This review summarizes current research on the effects of menopause in women with MS, including the psychological impact and symptoms of menopause on disease worsening, and the treatment options. Finally, we highlight the need for more inclusion of MS patients from underrepresented racial and geographic groups in clinical trials, including among menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Bove
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Annette Okai
- Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center of Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Maria Houtchens
- Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Birte Elias-Hamp
- Neurological Private Practice, Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alessandra Lugaresi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum and St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdová
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Medical Faculty, General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Vaccaro CM, Capozzi A, Ettore G, Bernorio R, Cagnacci A, Gambacciani M, Coletta V, Maffei S, Nappi RE, Scambia G, Viora E, Lello S. What women think about menopause: An Italian survey. Maturitas 2021; 147:47-52. [PMID: 33744064 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Menopause is a critical period for most women who experience associated symptoms while they are still socially and individually active. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to report how Italian women perceive and approach menopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of 1028 Italian women aged 45-65 years was conducted by the Italian Center for Studies of Social Investments (CENSIS) through anonymous interviews using two methods: CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) and CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing). PRINCIPAL OUTCOME MEASURES Principal outcome measures were women's perceptions and experiences of menopause and its treatments. RESULTS The global consciousness and understanding of menopause was common (82.8 %) among Italian women and it was usually considered a physiological condition (77 %). Overall, 74.6 % of the sample were postmenopausal. Hot flushes were reported to be the most frequent (37.9 %) and bothersome symptoms (43.1 %) while 12.9 % of the women were asymptomatic. As for menopausal therapies, 24.5 % were on treatment; herbal medications were the most common remedy (63.3 %) whereas 7.6 % of the women took hormone replacement therapy (HRT). About half of the sample (50.4 %) had not sought help from the Italian National Health System (INHS). Medical expertise in the field of menopause was thought to be moderately satisfactory by 54.5 % of the sample. CONCLUSIONS Italian women consider menopause a physiological condition. Most postmenopausal women had experienced symptoms but relied on non-hormonal treatments. The median women's satisfaction with the role of the INHS and medical competence suggests the need to improve current knowledge and awareness concerning menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Capozzi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Ettore
- Women and Children's Department, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ARNAS 'Garibaldi-Nesima', Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Bernorio
- Italian Association for Applied Sexology and Psychology (AISPA), Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Gambacciani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Maffei
- Cardiovascular and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Elena Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynaecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Lello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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The Effect of Jazar Supplement on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8854182. [PMID: 33708258 PMCID: PMC7932778 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8854182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Menopause is one of the most critical stages of a woman's life and is accompanied by symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, mucus atrophy, and vaginal dryness. Women tend to use complementary and alternative medicine such as herbs rather than hormone replacement therapy to alleviate these symptoms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Jazar supplement (herbal supplement comprising Vitex, fennel, and carrot seeds) on sexual function, quality of life, and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted on ninety postmenopausal women. Participants were randomized to intervention/control groups using block randomization. The intervention group received four Jazar capsules (500 mg each) daily, while the control group received a placebo for eight weeks. Data were gathered using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) before the intervention and at weeks 4, 8, and 10. Vaginal pH and vaginal maturation index (VMI) were measured before and at the end of the study. Results Eighty-four women completed the trial, and six women withdrew. There were no remarkable differences between the two groups in terms of quality of life, sexual function, VMI, and vaginal pH at baseline. At the end of the study, participants in the intervention group had a significantly lower score in terms of quality of life (P < 0.001) and vaginal pH (P=0.001), and a higher FSFI (P < 0.001) and VMI (P=0.030) score compared to the control group. Conclusion Based on the findings of the present study on menopausal women, the Jazar supplement significantly improved quality of life and sexual function and prevented or delayed vaginal atrophy.
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Im EO, Yi JS, Chee W. Depressive symptoms and type II diabetes mellitus among midlife women. Menopause 2021; 28:650-659. [PMID: 33739318 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A decision tree analysis helps determine the complex characteristics of the groups that are closely connected with specific outcomes. Using a decision tree analysis, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the associations of type II diabetes mellitus (DM) to depressive symptoms among midlife women from four major racial/ethnic groups in the US. while identifying the complex characteristics of the women that were closely linked to depressive symptoms. METHODS The data from two larger Internet survey studies were used for this analysis. The data from a total of 164 women (62 with type II diabetes and 102 without diabetes) were included. The data were collected using several instruments to measure background characteristics, health and menopausal status, and depressive symptoms (the Depression Index for Midlife Women). The data analysis was conducted using independent t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and decision tree analyses. RESULTS The total numbers and total severity scores of depressive symptoms were significantly higher in those with DM compared with those without DM (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the total numbers and total severity scores of depressive symptoms by menopausal status and race/ethnicity (P < 0.05). DM was a significant factor that influenced the total severity scores of depressive symptoms among midlife women in peri- or postmenopausal stages who were born outside the US and among midlife women in their premenopausal stage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study indicated several combined characteristics of midlife women at high risk for depressive symptoms that could provide directions for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ok Im
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Yang Y, Thapa R, Lewis FM. Using Best-Worst Scaling to Determine the Most Burdensome Menopausal Symptoms in Cambodian Women Living With HIV. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:174-187. [PMID: 33449581 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT As persons living with HIV live longer, it is important to understand the symptoms experienced by menopausal women living with HIV (WLWH). This study used best-worst scaling (BWS) to determine the menopausal symptoms that are most burdensome for Cambodian WLWH. Participants were asked to rate a list of menopausal symptoms in terms of the most and least burdensome in their lives via BWS. The final analysis included 183 participants, 67 of whom were premenopausal, 47 perimenopausal, and 69 postmenopausal women. Physical and mental exhaustion (mean best-worst score = 319) was rated as the most burdensome symptom, and hot flushes and sweating were the least burdensome (mean best-worst score = -181). The BWS provides information on priorities for the distribution of health care resources. Understanding how Cambodian WLWH prioritize burdensome menopausal symptoms is crucial for choosing the most contextually sensitive method to provide health care services and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngran Yang
- Youngran Yang, PhD, MPH, RN, is an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Sustainable Development Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea. Roshna Thapa, MSN, RN, is a Research Assistant, School of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea. Frances Marcus Lewis, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Endowed Professor in Nursing, Department of Family and Child Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Arnot M, Emmott EH, Mace R. The relationship between social support, stressful events, and menopause symptoms. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245444. [PMID: 33503073 PMCID: PMC7840006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many women going through the menopausal transition experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS), and research has shown that there is a large amount of variation in their frequency and severity. Many lifestyle factors have been found to co-vary with VMS, including the level of social support received by the woman, and how stressed she is. Stress is well documented to worsen menopause symptoms, and there is some evidence that support eases them; however, there is little research into whether support is an effective buffer against the negative effects of stress on VMS. Using nine years of data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (n = 2718), we use multilevel Poisson regression with random effects to test: 1) if more social support is associated with decreased VMS frequency, 2) if increased life stress worsens VMS, and 3) if support acts as a buffer against stress. After adjusting for age, marital status, smoking, self-perceived overall health, ethnicity, and menopausal status, we find that stress increases the frequency of VMS. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find strong evidence that emotional support led to lower VMS frequency, or that support buffers against the effects of stress. Experience of a stressful event, but not amount of social support, was included in the best fitting model; with the degree to which the woman was upset by the life stressor having the largest effect on menopause symptoms. Here, women who said they were currently upset by a stressful event experienced 21% more VMS than women who had experienced no life stressor. This research highlights that social factors may impact the menopausal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Arnot
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily H. Emmott
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Mace
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Bustami M, Matalka KZ, Elyyan Y, Hussein N, Hussein N, Abu Safieh N, Thekrallah F, Mallah E, Abu-Qatouseh L, Arafat T. Age of Natural Menopause Among Jordanian Women and Factors Related to Premature and Early Menopause. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:199-207. [PMID: 33500673 PMCID: PMC7826161 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s289851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess factors related to the onset of premature/early natural menopause among Jordanian women. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2016. Subjects were enrolled based on random drop-off technique to the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics at the Jordan University Hospital. Women 18 years of age and above were initially eligible to enroll, and women who had surgically induced menopause or specific disease were excluded from the analysis. Relevant data were collected using a questionnaire that included 30 questions. The following variables were collected: socio-demographic, body mass index, chronic conditions, diseases, reproductive characteristics, and health status. Hormone indicators of menopause were tested by measuring estrogen (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Age at natural menopause (ANM) was self-reported retrospectively and considered an independent variable against BMI, smoking, hormone therapy, and concomitant diseases. Association analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine the associated factors of ANM with adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. RESULTS A total of 409 women were included in the analysis, aged between 20-75 years. The mean ANM in our sample was 48.5±5.0, with 2.7% of the women experienced premature menopause (ANM <40) and 7.8% early menopause (ANM 40-44). Within the menopause women (n=242), the percentage of women who had premature menopause was 4.5%, 13.6% with early menopause, and 21.1% with late menopause (ANM >52). Smoking was the major risk factor for premature/early menopausal age among Jordanian women with an OR of 2.46 (95% CI: 1.08-5.59, p<0.05). On the other hand, women with occasional arthritis symptoms and diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and their combination were associated with average (45-52 years) or late menopause (>52 years). CONCLUSION Smoking is the main contributor of premature/early menopause in Jordanian women. Increased awareness and public health policy about the adverse effects of smoking on women's reproductive health are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Bustami
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman11196, Jordan
| | | | - Yousef Elyyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Nour Hussein
- School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Fida Thekrallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eyad Mallah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman11196, Jordan
| | - Luay Abu-Qatouseh
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman11196, Jordan
| | - Tawfiq Arafat
- Jordan Center for Pharmaceutical Research, Amman, Jordan
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Hwang JH, Lee K, Choi E, Cho HN, Park B, Rhee Y, Choi KS. Sleep Quality and Associated Factors in Premenopausal, Perimenopausal, and Postmenopausal Women in Korea: Findings from the K-Stori 2016. Nat Sci Sleep 2021; 13:1137-1145. [PMID: 34285618 PMCID: PMC8286781 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s298397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor sleep quality is a common problem among middle-aged women. Few studies, however, have assessed differences in sleep quality among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women and related risk factors in Korea women. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality and factors associated therewith according to menopausal status in Korean women. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was based on the 2016 Korean Study of Women's Health Related Issues (K-Stori), a cross-sectional survey employing nationally representative random sampling. In total, 3000 Korean women aged 45 to 64 years completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Comparison of demographic characteristics and sleep quality among pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women was conducted. RESULTS Among the participants, 26% suffered from poor sleep quality based on the PSQI. The prevalence of poor sleep quality increased with later menopausal stage (from 18.8% in the premenopausal stage to 29.5% in the postmenopausal stage P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that peri- and postmenopausal women were 1.50 and 1.73 times more likely to have poor sleep quality in comparison to premenopausal women, respectively. Chronic disease, depression, at-risk drinking, taking dietary supplements, and single women were associated with a higher likelihood of having poor sleep quality. Health status, at-risk drinking, chronic illness, dietary supplementation, and depression were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. CONCLUSION Poor sleep quality appears to be prevalent in peri- and postmenopausal women in Korea. The management of sleep quality during menopause transition is important, and further research on how sleep disturbances influence the health status of women in menopausal transition is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hae Hwang
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Center for Emergency Operations, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongmin Lee
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Choi
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ha Na Cho
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Boyoung Park
- Department of Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yumie Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kui Son Choi
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Cortés YI, Marginean V, Berry D. Physiologic and psychosocial changes of the menopause transition in US Latinas: a narrative review. Climacteric 2020; 24:214-228. [PMID: 33174466 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1834529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Latinos comprise the fastest-growing minority group in the USA, with Hispanic women (Latinas) constituting 17% of women aged 45-54 years. The menopause transition (MT) is associated with many physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial changes that can affect disease risk in women. While several epidemiologic investigations have enhanced our understanding of the MT, to date, menopause research has mostly focused on non-Latina White women. As a consequence, there is a dearth of information on strategies for managing menopause-related issues in Latinas and important factors to consider to provide culturally appropriate care and promote lifestyles that may reduce adverse health outcomes. This narrative review summarizes existing evidence of the MT in Latinas, with a focus on hormonal alterations, menopausal symptoms, mental health, cognition, and cardiometabolic health. The clinical and research implications of the current literature will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y I Cortés
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - V Marginean
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - D Berry
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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