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Kirchengast S. Menopause in a globalized world - A systematic literature review focussing on the challenge of health problems associated with menopausal transition among women with a migration background. Maturitas 2024; 187:108045. [PMID: 38870679 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108045] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Globalization and international migration movements have massively changed the population structure of most industrial nations in recent decades. The ever-increasing proportion of people with a migration background also poses a challenge for the medical sector. A particular problem is the stressful phase of the menopausal transition, which - although not a pathological phenomenon but part of the female life history - can lead to psychological and physical symptoms due to hormonal changes, which significantly impair the quality of life of the women affected. However, treatment concepts, as well as access to medical facilities and information, are geared towards Western women from high-income countries. Women with a history of voluntary or forced migration originating from non-Western countries represent a particularly vulnerable group. To enable personalized treatment, studies on menopausal transition in women with a migration background are required. The present review shows that studies on menopausal women with a migration background have been conducted primarily in classic immigration countries such as the USA, Australia, or the UK, but that there is a lack of such studies in countries with no long tradition as an immigration country, such as Austria or Germany. This is becoming a growing problem, as the number of menopausal women with a migration background is increasing.
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Rulu P, Bertone-Johnson ER, Kamilar J, Dhall M, Sievert LL. Midlife symptoms and household stress are associated with fingernail cortisol. Menopause 2024; 31:116-122. [PMID: 38166237 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002302] [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: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates menopausal symptoms, household stressors, and ethnopolitical problems in relation to stress markers, including chronic stress measured by fingernail cortisol, perceived stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale, and acute stress measured by blood pressure. METHODS Data from 151 women aged 40 to 55 years were collected from four regions in Nagaland, India, using opportunity sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Symptoms were grouped into emotional instability, vasosomatic symptoms, mood disturbances, and aches and pains using principal component analysis in a previous study, and stress markers included fingernail cortisol, perceived stress, and blood pressure. Community-level, household-level, and midlife symptoms were included to ascertain stressors from different sources. RESULTS Our results revealed a significant positive association between a composite measure of emotional instability and stress assessed by fingernail cortisol ( β = 0.46, P < 0.001). In addition, there was a positive association between mood disturbances and fingernail cortisol ( β = 0.24, P < 0.05). This relationship persisted after controlling for body mass index, socioeconomic status, and menopausal status. In addition, household problems were positively associated with fingernail cortisol ( β = 0.25, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the potential health impacts of the psychosocial stress response associated with domestic stressors such as financial strain and concerns about children and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peteneinuo Rulu
- From the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | | | - Jason Kamilar
- From the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | - Meenal Dhall
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Zhao FY, Zheng Z, Fu QQ, Conduit R, Xu H, Wang HR, Huang YL, Jiang T, Zhang WJ, Kennedy GA. Acupuncture for comorbid depression and insomnia in perimenopause: A feasibility patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1120567. [PMID: 36815166 PMCID: PMC9939459 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1120567] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Whilst acupuncture is widely used for treating psychosomatic diseases, there is little high-quality evidence supporting its application in comorbid perimenopausal depression (PMD) and insomnia (PMI) which are common complaints during climacteric. This feasibility, patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial addresses this gap by investigating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on depressed mood and poor sleep in women with comorbid PMD and PMI. Methods Seventy eligible participants were randomly assigned to either real-acupuncture (RA) or sham-acupuncture (SA) groups. Either RA or SA treatment were delivered in 17 sessions over 8 weeks. The primary outcomes for mood and sleep were changes on 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, from baseline to 16-week follow-up. Secondary outcome measures involved anxiety symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms, quality of life, participants' experience of and satisfaction with the acupuncture treatment. Blood samples were taken to measure reproductive hormone levels. Intention-To-Treat and Per-Protocol analyses were conducted with linear mixed-effects models. The James' and Bang's blinding indices were used to assess the adequacy of blinding. Results Sixty-five participants completed all treatment sessions, and 54 and 41 participants completed the eight- and 16-week follow-ups, respectively. At post-treatment and 8-week follow-up, the RA group showed a significantly greater reduction in PSQI scores than the SA group did; although the reduction of HAM-D17 scores in RA group was significant, the change was not statistically different from that of SA. There were no significant mean differences between baseline and 16-week follow-up in either HAM-D17 or PSQI in either group. There were no significant between-group differences in serum reproductive hormone levels. All treatments were tolerable and no serious adverse events were reported, and the blinding was successful. Conclusion Acupuncture is safe and can contribute to clinically relevant improvements in comorbid PMD and PMI, with satisfactory short-and medium-term effects. Whether the anti-depressive benefit of acupuncture is specific or non-specific remains to be determined. No evidence was found for any longer-term benefit of acupuncture compared to sham at 16 weeks. Further research is required to elucidate mechanisms underlying the short to medium term effects of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Yi Zhao
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Nursing, School of International Medical Technology, Shanghai Sanda University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Zheng
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Zhen Zheng ✉
| | - Qiang-Qiang Fu
- Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Russell Conduit
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Hong Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ru Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Ling Huang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Wen-Jing Zhang ✉
| | - Gerard A. Kennedy
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia,Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
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Laham BJ, Murthy SS, Hanani M, Clappier M, Boyer S, Vasquez B, Gould E. The estrous cycle modulates early-life adversity effects on mouse avoidance behavior through progesterone signaling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7537. [PMID: 36476469 PMCID: PMC9729614 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35068-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) increases the likelihood of neuropsychiatric diagnoses, which are more prevalent in women than men. Since changes in reproductive hormone levels can also increase the probability of anxiety disorders in women, we examined the effects of ELA on adult female mice across the estrous cycle. We found that during diestrus, when progesterone levels are relatively high, ELA mice exhibit increased avoidance behavior and increased theta oscillation power in the ventral hippocampus (vHIP). We also found that diestrus ELA mice had higher levels of progesterone and lower levels of allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid metabolite of progesterone, in the vHIP compared with control-reared mice. Progesterone receptor antagonism normalized avoidance behavior in ELA mice, while treatment with a negative allosteric modulator of allopregnanolone promoted avoidance behavior in control mice. These results suggest that altered vHIP progesterone and allopregnanolone signaling during diestrus increases avoidance behavior in ELA mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake J. Laham
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
| | - Sahana S. Murthy
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
| | - Monica Hanani
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
| | - Mona Clappier
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
| | - Sydney Boyer
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
| | - Betsy Vasquez
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ 08450 USA
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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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Li X, Ren Z, Ji T, Shi H, Zhao H, He M, Fan X, Guo X, Zha S, Qiao S, Li Y, Pu Y, Liu H, Zhang X. Association between perceived life stress and subjective well-being among Chinese perimenopausal women: a moderated mediation analysis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12787. [PMID: 35111404 PMCID: PMC8781442 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of perceived life stress on subjective well-being has been well-established; while few studies have explored the mediating and moderating mechanisms of the association between perceived life stress and subjective well-being among perimenopausal women. This study is aimed at exploring the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and the role of interests/hobbies as a moderator in the association between perceived life stress and subjective well-being among perimenopausal women. METHODS The participants were 1,104 perimenopausal women at the age of 40 to 60, who were asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire. A single item was used to measure self-perceived life stress and interests/hobbies. The Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Subjective Well-being Scale for Chinese Citizens (SWBS-CC) were applied to assess both depressive symptoms and subjective well-being. Multiple linear regression analysis and the PROCESS macro were adopted to analyse not only the mediating effect of depressive symptoms but also the moderating role of interests/hobbies. RESULTS Perceived life stress was negatively associated with subjective well-being (B = - 1.424, β = - 0.101, P < 0.001). The impact of perceived life stress on subjective well-being was partially mediated by depressive symptoms (mediation effect = -0.760, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-1.129, -0.415]). In addition, the interaction term between depressive symptoms and interests/hobbies was significantly related to subjective well-being (β = - 0.060, P < 0.05), indicating moderating effect. Moderated mediation had a significant index (Index = -0.220, SE = 0.099, 95% CI [-0.460, -0.060]). CONCLUSIONS Perceived life stress was negatively related to subjective well-being. The impact of perceived life stress on subjective well-being was mediated by depressive symptoms. Besides, interests/hobbies moderated the indirect effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between perceived life stress and subjective well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Ren
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianliang Ji
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Shi
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanfang Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Minfu He
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinwen Fan
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Zha
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuyin Qiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuyu Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yajiao Pu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongjian Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiumin Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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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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Antidepressive Effects of Kamishoyosan through 5-HT1AReceptor and PKA-CREB-BDNF Signaling in the Hippocampus in Postmenopausal Depression-Model Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:9475384. [PMID: 31781286 PMCID: PMC6874869 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9475384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Females are well known to suffer disproportionately more than males from stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, especially during perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods. In addition to a decline in serum estradiol levels, environmental stress and social stress likely contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Kamishoyosan (KSS) is a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, composed of a specified mixture of 10 crude compounds derived from plant sources, widely used for various neuropsychiatric symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying KSS-mediated attenuation of neuropsychological symptoms and stress-response behaviors in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women remain unknown. In the present study, we first established a mouse model for postmenopausal depression-like signs using chronic water-immersion and restraint-stressed ovariectomized (OVX) mice to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of KSS. We found that continuous administration of KSS to these mice normalized the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ameliorated stress-induced depressive behavior, and prevented a decrease of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. As previous studies have implicated dysfunction of the hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) in depressive disorders, we also evaluated the effect of KSS on 5-HT1AR expression and the protein kinase A- (PKA-) cAMP response element-binding- (CREB-) brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus in this model. The level of 5-HT1AR in the hippocampus decreased in chronic stress-exposed OVX mice, while KSS treatment normalized the stress-induced decrease in 5-HT1AR expression in the hippocampus of chronic stress-exposed OVX mice. Furthermore, we found that KSS treatment upregulated the expression levels of phosphorylated PKA (p-PKA), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), and BDNF in the hippocampus in chronic stress-exposed OVX mice. These results suggest that KSS improves neuropsychiatric symptoms through 5-HT1AR and PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling in the hippocampus in postmenopausal women.
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10
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Sood R, Kuhle CL, Kapoor E, Thielen JM, Frohmader KS, Mara KC, Faubion SS. Association of mindfulness and stress with menopausal symptoms in midlife women. Climacteric 2019; 22:377-382. [DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1551344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sood
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C. L. Kuhle
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - E. Kapoor
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - J. M. Thielen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - K. C. Mara
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S. S. Faubion
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Antidepressant Effect of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance Extract in a Mouse Model of Chronic Stress-Induced Depression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8249563. [PMID: 30065945 PMCID: PMC6051329 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8249563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to stress can affect mood and cognition and lead to mood disorders. Research on stress-associated mood disorders is important in modern society as people are increasingly exposed to unavoidable stressors. We used a mouse model with 2 weeks of exposure to electric foot shock and restraint, to determine the effect of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (FX) extract on chronic stress-induced depression. We measured the effect of FX extract using various physiological, behavioral, and biochemical measures. FX extract ameliorated chronic stress-induced body and relative liver weight loss and improved depressive-like behaviors in the open field and forced swim tests. In addition, plasma cortisol and serotonin levels in stress-induced mice following FX treatment were similar to normal mice, and the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines was prevented. Moreover, FX treatment increased the expression of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate response element-binding protein (pCREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Further experiments confirmed the efficacy of FX extract by showing similar results using esculin and esculetin, compounds extracted from FX. Taken together, these results indicate that FX extract has an antidepressant effect on chronic stress-induced depression by associating signaling with neuroinflammation and neurogenesis.
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Sievert LL, Jaff N, Woods NF. Stress and midlife women's health. Womens Midlife Health 2018; 4:4. [PMID: 30766714 PMCID: PMC6297937 DOI: 10.1186/s40695-018-0034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is ubiquitous in everyday life, and chronic stress can have negative consequences for health and social welfare. Although a growing body of research addresses the relationships between stress, health, and quality of life, there is a gap in the literature with regard to the effects of stress among women at midlife. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a brief history of stress research, including various methods for measuring stress; discuss the physiological effects of stress; and review relevant studies about women at midlife in order to identify unanswered questions about stress. This commentary also serves as an introduction to a thematic series on stress and women’s midlife health where stress is examined in relation to a wide range of symptom experiences, in the context of family and negative life events, as associated with women’s work, and correlated with the challenges of violence and discrimination. The goal of this commentary and thematic series is to extend the conversation about stress to include women at midlife, and to examine where we are, and where we are going, in order to direct future research and provide relevant care for this growing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette Leidy Sievert
- 1Department of Anthropology, UMass Amherst, Machmer Hall, 240 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9278 USA
| | - Nicole Jaff
- 2Department of Chemical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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The longitudinal relation of stress during the menopausal transition to fibrinogen concentrations: results from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Menopause 2018; 23:518-27. [PMID: 26886885 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Life course theory suggests that exposures during critical or sensitive periods have particularly profound effects on health. Most research on this subject has focused on the occurrence of such windows early in life. We investigated whether perimenopause, a period of dramatic neuroendocrine changes at midlife, represents a sensitive period for response to stress by evaluating the relation of perceived stress to fibrinogen, a biomarker for inflammation. METHODS The study sample was composed of participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a longitudinal study on women's health during the menopausal transition (n = 3,287). We fitted linear mixed effects models to estimate the longitudinal relationship between stress and menopausal stage and the association between stress and fibrinogen over the menopausal transition. RESULTS Women in early and late perimenopause reported perceiving higher levels of stress than premenopausal women (P < 0.05), adjusted for confounding variables. This increased perception of stress during perimenopause, however, was unrelated to changes in fibrinogen. CONCLUSIONS Although neuroendocrine changes during the menopausal transition may exacerbate the negative health effects of stress, the findings of this study do not suggest such interaction, as measured by changes in fibrinogen. The significant association observed between perceived stress and menopause status, however, may still have important implications, given prior literature linking perceived stress with numerous health outcomes.
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Guérin E, Goldfield G, Prud'homme D. Trajectories of mood and stress and relationships with protective factors during the transition to menopause: results using latent class growth modeling in a Canadian cohort. Arch Womens Ment Health 2017; 20:733-745. [PMID: 28707156 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-017-0755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The menopause transition is characterized by significant hormonal changes that may predispose women to psychosocial maladjustment. Prospective studies to date have focused primarily on negative mood states and show equivocal findings. The primary goal of this study was to identify patterns of change with respect to positive and negative mood states (vigor, depression, tension, and stress) over a 5-year period in a cohort of women undergoing the transition to menopause. A secondary aim was to determine whether the identified trajectories were associated with menopause status as well as baseline health-related and psychological characteristics. This longitudinal study observed 102 healthy Canadian women who were premenopausal at baseline (age 47-55 years). Analyses consisted of latent class growth modeling. Mood states were predominantly normal and stable, raising doubts regarding the notion that psychosocial distress is a common and natural occurrence during the transition to menopause. Neither time spent in perimenopause nor BMI had a significant influence on levels of mood indicators. However, higher scores on body image, self-esteem, and general health perceptions were predictive of more positive psychological outcomes over the 5-year period. Targeting improvements in self-perceptions may promote a healthier psychological adjustment during this natural transitional period in a women's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Guérin
- Institut du Savoir Montfort - Recherche, 202-745A Montréal Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1K 0T1, Canada
| | - Gary Goldfield
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity (HALO) Research group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, 40 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Denis Prud'homme
- Institut du Savoir Montfort - Recherche, 202-745A Montréal Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1K 0T1, Canada. .,School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University Pr, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1A2, Canada.
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Guérin E, Biagé A, Goldfield G, Prud'homme D. Physical activity and perceptions of stress during the menopause transition: A longitudinal study. J Health Psychol 2017; 24:799-811. [PMID: 28810371 DOI: 10.1177/1359105316683787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition to menopause is a critical period of significant biopsychosocial change. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the transition to menopause and volume of physical activity on levels of perceived stress over five years in 102 healthy middle-aged women. Questionnaire and accelerometer data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Adjusting for age and body mass index, there were no significant effects of menopause status or time on perceived stress. Independent of menopause status, minutes per week of vigorous activity was associated with lower perceived stress in years 1 and 2 of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Guérin
- 1 Institut de Recherche de l'Hôpital Montfort, Canada
| | - Alyssa Biagé
- 1 Institut de Recherche de l'Hôpital Montfort, Canada.,2 University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gary Goldfield
- 3 Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Canada
| | - Denis Prud'homme
- 1 Institut de Recherche de l'Hôpital Montfort, Canada.,2 University of Ottawa, Canada
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Association between anxiety and severe quality-of-life impairment in postmenopausal women: analysis of a multicenter Latin American cross-sectional study. Menopause 2017; 24:645-652. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Kamishoyosan reduces conditioned fear-induced freezing behavior in socially isolated ovariectomized rats. J Pharmacol Sci 2016; 131:279-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Mauas V, Kopala-Sibley DC, Zuroff DC. Depressive symptoms in the transition to menopause: the roles of irritability, personality vulnerability, and self-regulation. Arch Womens Ment Health 2014; 17:279-89. [PMID: 24957780 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-014-0434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the transition to menopause represents a period of risk for depressive symptoms, there is little research into personality or trait-like factors that may confer vulnerability to depression during the transition to menopause. This study investigated whether the personality trait of self-criticism moderated the effects of irritability on depressive symptoms in women transitioning to menopause and whether these effects were mediated by lower levels of emotional regulation. Participants were 376 women, of whom 157 had entered the transition phase to menopause. These women in the transition phase completed measures of self-criticism, irritable mood, emotional regulation, and depressive symptoms. All analyses controlled for attitudes toward menopause and somatic symptoms. Moderated mediation regression analyses showed that higher levels of irritability were associated with poorer emotional regulation in highly self-critical women, but not in less self-critical women, and poorer emotional regulation was, in turn, related to higher levels depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that the transition to menopause may represent an especially vulnerable period for women with high levels of self-criticism. Although irritability is transitory for most women, for women who are highly self-critical, irritability may tax their ability to self-regulate and lead to more encompassing symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Mauas
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
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Cuadros JL, Fernández-Alonso AM, Cuadros-Celorrio ÁM, Fernández-Luzón N, Guadix-Peinado MJ, del Cid-Martín N, Chedraui P, Pérez-López FR. Perceived stress, insomnia and related factors in women around the menopause. Maturitas 2012; 72:367-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Karaoulanis SE, Daponte A, Rizouli KA, Rizoulis AA, Lialios GA, Theodoridou CT, Christakopoulos C, Angelopoulos NV. The role of cytokines and hot flashes in perimenopausal depression. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2012; 11:9. [PMID: 22490187 PMCID: PMC3348044 DOI: 10.1186/1744-859x-11-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An imbalance in the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the pathophysiology of perimenopausal depression. The aim of this study was to examine serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, in perimenopausal women suffering from depression. Furthermore, to assess whether serum cytokine levels are associated with the presence of hot flashes or the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We also evaluated the possible association of hot flashes and perimenopausal depression. METHODS Serum samples from 65 perimenopausal women, 41 with depression and 24 without depression, were assessed for serum IL-6, TNFα and IL-10 by conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Depression was evaluated by the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D 17) and a psychiatric interview. The presence and severity of hot flashes were examined using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). RESULTS Serum levels cytokines did not differ between depressed women and normal controls. Serum levels of cytokines did not change significantly in depressed women with hot flashes or in depressed women treated with SSRIs. Hot flashes were strongly associated (P < 0.0001) with perimenopausal depression. CONCLUSION The study supports the hypothesis that perimenopausal depression is not characterized by increased proinflammatory cytokines and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines. Women with perimenopausal depression suffer from more severe and more frequent hot flashes than women without perimenopausal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokratis E Karaoulanis
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Katerina A Rizouli
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Georgios A Lialios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Catherine T Theodoridou
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Nikiforos V Angelopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Hunter MS, Mann E. A cognitive model of menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. J Psychosom Res 2010; 69:491-501. [PMID: 20955869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hot flushes and night sweats (HF/NS) are commonly experienced by mid-aged women during the menopause transition. They affect approximately 70% of women but are regarded as problematic for 15-20% largely due to physical discomfort, distress, social embarrassment, and sleep disturbance. There is a need for effective and acceptable nonmedical treatments for menopausal symptoms due to the declining use of hormone therapy (HT) following publication of the Women's Health Initiative and other prospective studies which associated HT use with increased risk of stroke and breast cancer. HF/NS are an example of a physiological process embedded within, and moderated by, psychological processes, as evidenced by discrepancies between subjective experiences and physiologically measured symptoms. We describe a cognitive model of menopausal hot flushes that can explain symptom perception, cognitive appraisal, and behavioral reactions to symptoms. Theoretically, the model draws on symptom perception theory, self-regulation theory, and cognitive behavioral theories. The model can be used to identify the variables to target in psychological interventions for HF/NS and to aid understanding of possible mediating factors. As part of Phase II intervention development, we describe a cognitive behavioral treatment which links the bio-psycho-social processes specified in the model to components of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra S Hunter
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry at Guy's, King's College London, London, UK.
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Elavsky S, Gold CH. Depressed mood but not fatigue mediate the relationship between physical activity and perceived stress in middle-aged women. Maturitas 2009; 64:235-40. [PMID: 19781878 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2009] [Revised: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether depressed mood and fatigue mediate the relationships between physical activity, body mass index, menopausal hot flashes, and perceived stress. METHOD This study is a secondary analysis of data obtained from a sub-sample of peri- and postmenopausal women (N=212) from the TREMIN Research Program on Women's Health. RESULTS The hypothesized mediational model was tested using path analysis within a structural equation modeling framework in Mplus Version 5.1. In unadjusted analysis, the relationships between physical activity, menopausal hot flashes, and perceived stress were mediated by depressed mood; fatigue mediated the relationships between hot flashes, body mass index, and perceived stress. When adjusting for age, insomnia, menopausal and hormone use status, the mediational effects of depressed mood on stress remained significant only for physical activity, and fatigue mediated the relationship between hot flashes and stress. The adjusted model explained 70% of variance in perceived stress, 82% of variance in depressed mood, and 81% of variance in fatigue. CONCLUSION Depressed mood may partially explain the relationship between physical activity and perceived stress in middle-aged women, however further studies are needed to corroborate causality.
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Miller LJ, Girgis C, Gupta R. Depression and Related Disorders during the Female Reproductive Cycle. WOMENS HEALTH 2009; 5:577-87. [DOI: 10.2217/whe.09.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
For some women, times of reproductive transition represent times of high risk for the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms. In order to maintain emotional stability, the female brain must adapt to fluctuations in hormones that affect neurotransmitter functioning. Difficulty with this adaptation, along with stresses related to social role transitions, may confer heightened vulnerability to depression. In this review, we summarize data regarding the course, expression and risks of depression and related symptoms during puberty and menarche, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the perinatal period and perimenopause. We note treatment strategies that have been found to be effective for depressive symptoms during specific phases of the female reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Miller
- Laura J Miller, MD, Vice Chair for Academic Clinical Services Director, Women's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women's Hospital/Faulkner Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA, Tel.: +1 617 525 7469,
| | - Christina Girgis
- Christina Girgis, MD, Department of Veteran Affairs, Edward Hines, Jr. Hospital, P.O. Box 5000, Hines, IL 60141, USA
| | - Renu Gupta
- Renu Gupta, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 S. Wood Street, M/C 913, Chicago, IL 60612, USA, Tel.: +1 312 996 4685, Fax: +1 312 355 1095,
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Bauld R, Brown RF. Stress, psychological distress, psychosocial factors, menopause symptoms and physical health in women. Maturitas 2009; 62:160-5. [PMID: 19167176 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Relatively few studies have evaluated relationships between stress, psychological distress, psychosocial factors and menopause symptoms, and none have evaluated emotional intelligence (EI) in relation to menopause. In this study, direct and indirect relationships were evaluated between stress, psychological distress, psychosocial factors (e.g. social support, coping, EI), menopause symptom severity and physical health in middle-aged women. METHODS One hundred and sixteen women aged 45-55 years were recruited through women's health centres and community organizations. They completed a short questionnaire asking about stress, psychological distress (i.e. anxiety, depression), EI, attitude to menopause, menopause symptoms and physical health. RESULTS Low emotional intelligence was found to be related to worse menopause symptoms and physical health, and these associations were partly mediated by high stress, anxiety and depression, a negative attitude to menopause and low proactive coping. CONCLUSIONS Women with high EI appear to hold more positive attitudes to menopause and experience less severe stress, psychological distress and menopause symptoms and better physical health. These results suggest that women who expect menopause to be a negative experience or are highly stressed or distressed may be more likely to experience a more negative menopause.
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