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Choi HR, Chang Y, Park J, Cho Y, Kim C, Kwon MJ, Kang J, Kwon R, Lim GY, Ahn J, Kim KH, Kim H, Hong YS, Park J, Zhao D, Cho J, Guallar E, Park HY, Ryu S. Early-onset vasomotor symptoms and development of depressive symptoms among premenopausal women. J Affect Disord 2024; 354:376-384. [PMID: 38503358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) and the onset of depressive symptoms among premenopausal women. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 4376 premenopausal women aged 42-52 years, and the cohort study included 2832 women without clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline. VMSs included the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; a score of ≥16 was considered to define clinically relevant depressive symptoms. RESULTS Premenopausal Women with VMSs at baseline exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with women without VMSs at baseline (multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratio 1.76, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.47-2.11). Among the 2832 women followed up (median, 6.1 years), 406 developed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Women with versus without VMSs had a significantly higher risk of developing clinically relevant depressive symptoms (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72; 95 % CI 1.39-2.14). VMS severity exhibited a dose-response relationship with depressive symptoms (P for trend <0.05). LIMITATIONS Self-reported questionnaires were only used to obtain VMSs and depressive symptoms, which could have led to misclassification. We also could not directly measure sex hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS Even in the premenopausal stage, women who experience hot flashes or night sweats have an increased risk of present and developed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. It is important to conduct mental health screenings and provide appropriate support to middle-aged women who experience early-onset VMSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Rin Choi
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Research, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoosoo Chang
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungeun Park
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoosun Cho
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanmin Kim
- Department of Statistics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03063, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jung Kwon
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonggyu Kang
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea
| | - Ria Kwon
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Research, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Young Lim
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Research, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiin Ahn
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea
| | - Kye-Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Soo Hong
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; McKusick-Nathans Institute, Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jihwan Park
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Di Zhao
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Juhee Cho
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Republic of Korea; Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eliseo Guallar
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hyun-Young Park
- Department of Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungho Ryu
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Republic of Korea.
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Kochersberger A, Coakley A, Millheiser L, Morris JR, Manneh C, Jackson A, Garrison JL, Hariton E. The association of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on the severity of menopause symptoms: a study of 68,864 women. Menopause 2024; 31:476-483. [PMID: 38652870 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002349] [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: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate if and how race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with the severity of menopause symptoms in a large, diverse sample of women. METHODS For this cross-sectional study conducted between March 24, 2019, and January 13, 2023, a total of 68,864 women were enrolled from the Evernow online telehealth platform. Participants underwent a clinical intake survey, which encompassed demographic information, detailed medical questionnaires, and a modified Menopause Rating Scale. The modified scale was adapted for ease of use online and is available in the supplementary material along with the full intake. Symptom severity was evaluated using a multivariate binomial generalized linear model, accounting for factors such as race, ethnicity, age, body mass index, smoking status, bilateral oophorectomy status, and SES. Odds ratios (OR) and CIs were calculated based on the linear regression coefficients. RESULTS Of the participants, 67,867 (98.6%) were included in the analysis after excluding outliers and those with unknown oophorectomy status. The majority of respondents identified as White (77.4%), followed by Hispanic (9.0%), Black (6.7%), two or more races/ethnicities (4.4%), Asian (1.2%), Indigenous/First Nations (0.8%), Middle Eastern (0.3%), and South Asian (0.2%). Notably, individuals identifying as Black (hot flashes OR, 1.91; 97.5% CI, 1.75-2.09; P < 0.001), Hispanic (skin/hair changes OR, 1.58; 97.5% CI, 1.45-1.71; P < 0.001), Indigenous/First Nations (painful sex OR, 1.39; 97.5% CI, 1.19-2.75; P = 0.007), Middle Eastern (weight changes OR, 2.22; 97.5% CI, 1.25-4.37; P = 0.01), or with two or more races/ethnicities (skin/hair changes OR, 1.41; 97.5% CI, 1.26-1.58; P < 0.001) reported higher levels of symptom severity compared with their White counterparts. Conversely, Asian and South Asian participants reported lower symptom severity. Even after incorporating SES into the linear model, racial and ethnic groups with lower SES (Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and multiple ethnicities) exhibited slight shifts in OR while maintaining high statistical significance (Black [hot flashes OR, 1.87; 97.5% CI, 1.72-2.04; P < 0.001], Hispanic [skin/hair changes OR, 1.54; 97.5% CI, 1.42-1.68; P < 0.001], Indigenous/First Nations [painful sex OR, 1.74; 97.5% CI, 1.17-2.70; P = 0.009], multiple ethnicities [skin/hair changes OR, 1.41; 97.5% CI, 1.26-1.58; P < 0.001]). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the relationship between race and ethnicity and the severity of menopause symptoms is not solely explained by differences in SES but is itself an independent factor. Understanding and addressing social, cultural, and economic factors are crucial to reduce disparities in menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eduardo Hariton
- Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, CA
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3
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Kleis-Olsen AS, Farlov JE, Petersen EA, Schmücker M, Flensted-Jensen M, Blom I, Ingersen A, Hansen M, Helge JW, Dela F, Larsen S. Metabolic flexibility in postmenopausal women: Hormone replacement therapy is associated with higher mitochondrial content, respiratory capacity, and lower total fat mass. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14117. [PMID: 38404156 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14117] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate effects of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women on factors associated with metabolic flexibility related to whole-body parameters including fat oxidation, resting energy expenditure, body composition and plasma concentrations of fatty acids, glucose, insulin, cortisol, and lipids, and for the mitochondrial level, including mitochondrial content, respiratory capacity, efficiency, and hydrogen peroxide emission. METHODS 22 postmenopausal women were included. 11 were undergoing estradiol and progestin treatment (HT), and 11 were matched non-treated controls (CONT). Peak oxygen consumption, maximal fat oxidation, glycated hemoglobin, body composition, and resting energy expenditure were measured. Blood samples were collected at rest and during 45 min of ergometer exercise (65% VO2peak). Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest and immediately post-exercise. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity, efficiency, and hydrogen peroxide emission in permeabilized fibers and isolated mitochondria were measured, and citrate synthase (CS) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) activity were assessed. RESULTS HT showed higher absolute mitochondrial respiratory capacity and post-exercise hydrogen peroxide emission in permeabilized fibers and higher CS and HAD activities. All respiration normalized to CS activity showed no significant group differences in permeabilized fibers or isolated mitochondria. There were no differences in resting energy expenditure, maximal, and resting fat oxidation or plasma markers. HT had significantly lower visceral and total fat mass compared to CONT. CONCLUSION Use of hormone therapy is associated with higher mitochondrial content and respiratory capacity and a lower visceral and total fat mass. Resting energy expenditure and fat oxidation did not differ between HT and CONT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Kleis-Olsen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J E Farlov
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E A Petersen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Schmücker
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Flensted-Jensen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - I Blom
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Ingersen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Section of Sport Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - J W Helge
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - F Dela
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Geriatrics, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - S Larsen
- Xlab, Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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van Zwol-Janssens C, Jiskoot G, Schipper J, Louwers YV. Introducing a value-based healthcare approach for women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): Recommendations for patient-centered outcomes in clinical practice. Maturitas 2024; 184:107971. [PMID: 38492525 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.107971] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a set of clinician and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and present the initial findings of a value-based healthcare (VBHC) program in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS Employing a four-phase approach, we identified the most crucial domains for patients with POI and translated these into PROMs. Prior to each visit, patients completed questionnaires to evaluate: depression (BDI-II), menopausal symptoms (GCS), work ability (WAS) and infertility (FertiQoL). During the visits, cardiovascular health assessments and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans to measure bone mineral density were performed. Data at intake is presented, and comparisons are drawn between women using and those not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) were evaluated by a questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 267 POI patients completed the PROM questionnaires, of whom 58.1 % were using HRT at intake. Over half of the patients (53.5 %), had a BDI-II score of 14 or higher, indicating mild to severe depression. The mean total GCS score was 20.9 (SD 11.3). The median work ability score was 7.5 (IQR 6.0-8.0) and the mean FertiQoL score 63.9 (SD 15.7). Additionally, 22.7 % of patients presented with hypertension, 6.2 % with hypercholesterolemia, and almost 50 % had low bone mass. Patients rated the VBHC program with a mean of 8.6 (SD 1.2). CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the necessity of a multidisciplinary VBHC program incorporating standardized screening and psychological treatment. We advocate for the implementation of patient-centered outcomes for clinical practice, which have been found to be highly relevant by patients with POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa van Zwol-Janssens
- Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Geranne Jiskoot
- Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jits Schipper
- Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne V Louwers
- Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Reeves AN, Lewis TT, Hood MM, Thurston RC, Avis NE, Burnett-Bowie SAM, Cortés YI, Neal-Perry G, Harlow SD. Does everyday discrimination account for the increased risk of vasomotor symptoms in Black women?: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Menopause 2024; 31:484-493. [PMID: 38595299 PMCID: PMC11126360 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002357] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats, are hallmark symptoms of the menopause transition. Previous research has documented greater frequency, duration, and severity of VMS in Black women compared with women from other racial/ethnic groups, even after accounting for other factors. This analysis examined the association between discrimination and VMS and the extent to which discrimination accounts for the disproportionate burden of VMS in Black women. METHODS Using available discrimination and VMS data from the SWAN cohort study (n = 2,377, 48% White, 32% Black, 6% Japanese, 4% Chinese, and 9% Hispanic women) followed approximately yearly in midlife from premenopause (42-52 y) through postmenopause (~20 y), we assessed concurrent associations between discrimination and VMS frequency in the past 2 weeks using weighted generalized mixed models. We also assessed associations between chronic discrimination across first four visits and VMS trajectories from premenopause to postmenopause using weighted multinomial logistic regression. Models were adjusted for known risk factors for VMS. RESULTS Higher levels of discrimination were associated with concurrent reporting of any (odds ratio [OR], 1.57 [1.31-1.89]) and frequent (≥6 d) VMS (OR, 1.55 [1.21-1.99]). After adjustment, associations remained significant for any (OR, 1.30 [1.09-1.54]) but not frequent VMS. For any VMS trajectories, chronic discrimination was associated with "continuously high" (OR, 1.69 [1.03-2.77]) and "high pre-FMP-decline post-FMP" (OR, 1.70 [1.01-2.88]) versus "FMP-onset low" trajectories. After adjusting for discrimination, odds of reporting any, frequent, and of being in the "continuously high" any VMS trajectory remained elevated for Black versus White women. CONCLUSIONS Discrimination is associated with greater concurrent risk of any (but not frequent) VMS, and chronic discrimination is associated with a continuously high reporting of any VMS over time, independent of known risk factors. Adjusting for discrimination attenuates but does not eliminate the increased risk of VMS for Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Reeves
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
- Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Michelle M Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Rebecca C. Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Nancy E. Avis
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Genevieve Neal-Perry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
| | - Siobán D. Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
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Nappi RE, Johnson KA, Stute P, Blogg M, English M, Morga A, Scrine L, Siddiqui E, Ottery FD. Treating moderate-to-severe menopausal vasomotor symptoms with fezolinetant: analysis of responders using pooled data from two phase 3 studies (SKYLIGHT 1 and 2). Menopause 2024; 31:512-521. [PMID: 38626380 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002354] [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: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were to further characterize the efficacy of fezolinetant for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause using responder analysis and to investigate whether efficacy, not adjusted for placebo, resulted in clinically meaningful within-patient change. METHODS This prespecified analysis used pooled data from two phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (SKYLIGHT 1 and 2). Responders were those experiencing ≥50%, ≥75%, ≥90%, or 100% reduction in VMS frequency from baseline to weeks 4 and 12. Responder analysis was performed for patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to evaluate participants achieving a clinically meaningful within-patient change (not placebo adjusted) at week 4 and 12 versus baseline. Single responders were based on outcomes of VMS frequency, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance-Short Form 8b Total Score, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) Total Score, and MENQoL VMS Domain Score. Double and triple responder analyses combined VMS frequency plus one or more of the PRO. Patient Global Impression of Change VMS was deemed a suitable anchor measure for meaningful within-patient change in VMS frequency. RESULTS A greater proportion of fezolinetant-treated versus placebo-treated participants had ≥50%, ≥75%, ≥90%, or 100% reduction in VMS frequency from baseline to weeks 4 and 12. A greater proportion of responders were observed in the fezolinetant groups versus placebo at week 12 in all four single responder analyses. In the double and triple responder analyses, odds ratios were supportive of a beneficial effect for both doses of fezolinetant versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS Fezolinetant was associated with significantly higher within-patient clinically meaningful improvement in important PRO, including VMS frequency, PROMIS SD SF 8b Total Score, MENQoL Total Score, and MENQoL VMS Domain Score.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Martin Blogg
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Northbrook, IL
| | | | - Antonia Morga
- Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emad Siddiqui
- Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, United Kingdom
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Schultz NM, Morga A, Siddiqui E, Rhoten SE. Psychometric Evaluation of the MENQOL Instrument in Women Experiencing Vasomotor Symptoms Associated with Menopause. Adv Ther 2024; 41:2233-2252. [PMID: 38396203 PMCID: PMC11133125 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02787-z] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire has been developed to assess QOL specific to menopause. The objective of the current study was to assess the psychometric properties, sensitivity to change, and clinically meaningful within-patient change of the MENQOL using data from the fezolinetant SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies in individuals with VMS. METHODS Individuals aged ≥ 40 to ≤ 65 years with moderate-to-severe VMS (≥ seven hot flashes/day) were enrolled. In addition to MENQOL, eight patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were used for the psychometric evaluation. All PRO assessments were completed at weeks 4 and 12 during the treatment period, and most were completed at baseline. Psychometric analyses included factor analysis and reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change assessments. The within-patient threshold for a clinically meaningful change in MENQOL was derived. RESULTS In total, 1022 individuals were included from SKYLIGHT 1 and 2. Mean MENQOL total score at baseline was 4.30, improving to 3.16 at week 12. The confirmatory factor analysis supported established MENQOL domain structure, including the overall score. The internal consistency of the MENQOL overall and domain scores was supported using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, and MENQOL construct validity was supported for overall and domain scores. Item-to-item and item-total correlations were generally sufficient, and moderate test-retest reliability was noted. The scales against which construct validity and responsiveness for MENQOL domains were examined were moderately related to the MENQOL domains in general, providing additional support for acceptable measurement properties of MENQOL in this population. A reduction in MENQOL overall score of ≥ 0.9 points was identified as responding to treatment (a clinically important threshold). Thresholds of 2.0 points for the vasomotor domain and 0.9 for the psychosocial domain were estimated, in addition to distribution-based threshold estimates of 0.8 and 1.2 for the physical and sexual domains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The psychometric properties of the MENQOL overall and domain scores support use of this instrument to capture experiences among individuals with moderate-to-severe VMS associated with menopause and assess related endpoints in clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT04003155 and NCT04003142.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonia Morga
- Medical Affairs, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, KT15 2NX, UK.
| | - Emad Siddiqui
- Medical Affairs, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, KT15 2NX, UK
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8
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Witkowski S, White Q, Shreyer S, Garcia RL, Brown DE, Sievert LL. Acute increases in physical activity and temperature are associated with hot flash experience in midlife women. Menopause 2024:00042192-990000000-00330. [PMID: 38814193 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study determined the association between acute changes in physical activity, temperature, and humidity and 24-hour subjective and objective hot flash experience. METHODS Data collection occurred during the cooler months of the year in Western Massachusetts (October-April). Women aged 45-55 across three menopause stages (n = 270) were instrumented with ambulatory monitors to continuously measure hot flashes, physical activity, temperature, and humidity for 24 hours. Objective hot flashes were assessed via sternal skin conductance, and subjective hot flashes were recorded by pressing an event marker and data logging. Physical activity was measured with wrist-worn accelerometers and used to define sleep and wake periods. Logistic multilevel modeling was used to examine the differences in physical activity, humidity, and temperature in the 10 minutes preceding a hot flash versus control windows when no hot flashes occurred. The odds of hot flashes were considered separately for objective and subjective hot flashes as well as for wake and sleep periods. RESULTS Data from 188 participants were included in the analyses. There was a significantly greater odds of a hot flash following acute increases in physical activity for objective waking hot flashes (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.47; P < 0.001) and subjective waking hot flashes (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.0-1.33; P = 0.03). Acute increases in the actigraphy signal were associated with significantly higher odds of having an objective (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.35; P < 0.01) or subjective (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.52-2.01; P < 0.001) sleeping hot flash. Increases in temperature were significantly related to the odds of subjective sleeping hot flashes only (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.15-1.62; P < 0.001). There was no evidence for a relationship between humidity and odds of experiencing any hot flashes. CONCLUSION These results indicate that acute increases in physical activity increase the odds of hot flashes that are objectively measured and subjectively reported during waking and sleeping periods. Temperature increases were only related to subjectively reported nighttime hot flashes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quinn White
- Statistical & Data Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA
| | - Sofiya Shreyer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
| | - Randi L Garcia
- Statistical & Data Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA
| | - Daniel E Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI
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Shiozawa A, Mancuso S, Young C, Friderici J, Tran S, Trenz HM. Comparison of Healthcare Costs for Women with Treated Versus Untreated Vasomotor Symptoms Due to Menopause. Adv Ther 2024; 41:1885-1895. [PMID: 38467985 PMCID: PMC11052820 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02821-0] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study objective was to estimate all-cause healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and medical and pharmacy costs for women with treated versus untreated vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using US claims data from Optum Research Database (study period: January 1, 2012-February 29, 2020). Women aged 40-63 years with a VMS diagnosis claim and ≥ 12 and ≥ 18 months of continuous enrollment during baseline and follow-up periods, respectively, were included. Women treated for VMS were propensity score matched 1:1 to untreated controls with VMS. Standardized differences (SDIFF) ≥ 10% were considered meaningful. A generalized linear model (gamma distribution, log link, robust standard errors) estimated the total cost of care ratio. Subgroup analyses of on- and off-label treatment costs were conducted. RESULTS Of 117,582 women diagnosed with VMS, 20.5% initiated VMS treatment and 79.5% had no treatment. Treated women (n = 24,057) were matched to untreated VMS controls. There were no differences in HCRU at follow-up (SDIFF < 10%). Pharmacy ($487 vs $320, SDIFF 28.4%) and total ($1803 vs $1536, SDIFF 12.6%) costs were higher in the treated cohort. Total costs were 7% higher in the treated cohort (total cost ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.10, P < 0.001). The on-label treatment pharmacy costs ($546 versus $315, SDIFF 38.6%) were higher in the treated cohort. Off-label treatment had higher medical costs ($1393 versus $1201, SDIFF 10.4%). CONCLUSIONS Most women with VMS due to menopause were not treated within 6 months following diagnosis. While both on- and off-label treatment increased the total cost of care compared with untreated controls, those increases were modest in magnitude and should not impede treatment for women who report symptom improvement as a result of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Shiozawa
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc., 1 Astellas Way, Northbrook, IL, 60062, USA.
| | - Shayna Mancuso
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc., 1 Astellas Way, Northbrook, IL, 60062, USA
| | - Christopher Young
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc., 1 Astellas Way, Northbrook, IL, 60062, USA
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10
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Thurston RC. Trauma and its implications for women's cardiovascular health during the menopause transition: Lessons from MsHeart/MsBrain and SWAN studies. Maturitas 2024; 182:107915. [PMID: 38280354 PMCID: PMC10922894 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.107915] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Trauma exposure, whether experienced during childhood or adulthood, is prevalent among women. While experiences of trauma are well known to impact mental health, emerging research also links them to women's physical health. The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) and the MsHeart/MsBrain studies, two separate studies devoted to studying midlife women's health, have contributed importantly to the understanding of the implications of trauma to women's health at midlife and beyond. Specifically, findings from these studies have revealed that both childhood and adult trauma exposure are associated with poorer cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health in women, including greater subclinical cardiovascular disease, indicators of cerebral small vessel disease, and increased risk for clinical cardiovascular disease events. When considering trauma types, findings have pointed to the particular importance of sexual and interpersonal violence, such as childhood sexual abuse, intimate-partner violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault to women's vasculatures. Further, using a range of measures of menopausal vasomotor symptoms, the SWAN and the MsHeart/MsBrain studies have also shown that women with greater trauma exposure have more objectively assessed and self-reported vasomotor symptoms. Finally, although links between trauma exposure and health are not typically explained by post-traumatic stress disorder, work also points to the additional importance of post-traumatic stress disorder to women's cardiovascular and brain health. Collectively, these studies have underscored the importance of trauma to the occurrence of menopausal symptoms, to cardiovascular health, and to women's brain health at midlife and beyond. Future directions and implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
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11
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Santoro N, Nappi RE, Neal-Perry G, English M, King DD, Yamaguchi Y, Ottery FD. Fezolinetant treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause: effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in two phase 3 studies (SKYLIGHT 1 and 2). Menopause 2024; 31:247-257. [PMID: 38517210 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002340] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist, fezolinetant, according to several intrinsic (individual related) and extrinsic (external influence) factors that may influence the frequency and severity of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) using pooled 12-week data from SKYLIGHT 1 and 2. METHODS SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 were two phase 3, randomized, double-blind studies conducted from July 2019 to August 2021 (SKYLIGHT 1) or April 2021 (SKYLIGHT 2). Participants were initially randomized to receive daily doses of placebo, fezolinetant 30 mg, or fezolinetant 45 mg. After 12 weeks, placebo participants were rerandomized to receive fezolinetant 30 mg or 45 mg, whereas those receiving fezolinetant continued on the same dose. Change in VMS frequency from baseline to week 12 was used to assess efficacy according to several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Overall efficacy and safety were also investigated. RESULTS Overall, 1,022 individuals were included. Fezolinetant was efficacious in reducing VMS frequency across all intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Efficacy was most notable for participants who self-identify as Black (least squares mean difference for fezolinetant 45 mg versus placebo, -3.67; 95% CI, -5.32 to -2.01), current smokers (-3.48; -5.19 to -1.77), and current alcohol users (-3.48; -4.42 to -2.54). Overall efficacy was -2.51 (95% CI, -3.20 to -1.82) for fezolinetant 45 mg versus placebo. Similar findings were observed for the fezolinetant 30 mg dose. Comparable incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events were observed for placebo (132 of 342 individuals [38.6%]), fezolinetant 30 mg (132 of 340 individuals [38.8%]), and fezolinetant 45 mg (135 of 340 individuals [39.7%]). CONCLUSIONS None of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors analyzed substantially reduced the efficacy response to fezolinetant in SKYLIGHT 1 and 2. These data provide additional confidence for using fezolinetant in a diverse population of individuals with VMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanette Santoro
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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12
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Cervera-Juanes R, Zimmerman KD, Wilhelm L, Zhu D, Bodie J, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Modulation of neural gene networks by estradiol in old rhesus macaque females. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01133-z. [PMID: 38509416 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The postmenopausal decrease in circulating estradiol (E2) levels has been shown to contribute to several adverse physiological and psychiatric effects. To elucidate the molecular effects of E2 on the brain, we examined differential gene expression and DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in the nonhuman primate brain following ovariectomy (Ov) and subsequent subcutaneous bioidentical E2 chronic treatment. We identified several dysregulated molecular networks, including MAPK signaling and dopaminergic synapse response, that are associated with ovariectomy and shared across two different brain areas, the occipital cortex (OC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). The finding that hypomethylation (p = 1.6 × 10-51) and upregulation (p = 3.8 × 10-3) of UBE2M across both brain regions provide strong evidence for molecular differences in the brain induced by E2 depletion. Additionally, differential expression (p = 1.9 × 10-4; interaction p = 3.5 × 10-2) of LTBR in the PFC provides further support for the role E2 plays in the brain, by demonstrating that the regulation of some genes that are altered by ovariectomy may also be modulated by Ov followed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These results present real opportunities to understand the specific biological mechanisms that are altered with depleted E2. Given E2's potential role in cognitive decline and neuroinflammation, our findings could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics to slow cognitive decline. Together, this work represents a major step toward understanding molecular changes in the brain that are caused by ovariectomy and how E2 treatment may revert or protect against the negative neuro-related consequences caused by a depletion in estrogen as women approach menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cervera-Juanes
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Kip D Zimmerman
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Larry Wilhelm
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Dongqin Zhu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Jessica Bodie
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Steven G Kohama
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Henryk F Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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13
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Pleasant V. Gynecologic Care of Black Breast Cancer Survivors. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2024; 16:84-97. [PMID: 38725438 PMCID: PMC11081127 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-024-00527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Black patients suffer from breast cancer-related racial health disparities, which could have implications on their gynecologic care. This review explores considerations in the gynecologic care of Black breast cancer survivors. Recent Findings Black people have a higher risk of leiomyoma and endometrial cancer, which could confound bleeding patterns such as in the setting of tamoxifen use. As Black people are more likely to have early-onset breast cancer, this may have implications on long-term bone and heart health. Black patients may be more likely to have menopausal symptoms at baseline and as a result of breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, Black patients are less likely to utilize assisted reproductive technology and genetic testing services. Summary It is important for healthcare providers to be well-versed in the intersections of breast cancer and gynecologic care. Black breast cancer survivors may have unique considerations for which practitioners should be knowledgeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Versha Pleasant
- University of Michigan Hospital, Mott Children & Women’s Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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14
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Mehta JM, Manson JE. The menopausal transition period and cardiovascular risk. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024; 21:203-211. [PMID: 37752349 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The menopausal transition period spans, on average, 2-8 years before the final menstrual period and is associated with an increase in clinical and subclinical cardiovascular risk. In this Review, we discuss the metabolic and cardiovascular changes that occur during the menopausal transition period and the role of ovarian ageing, chronological ageing and other ageing-related risk factors in mediating these changes. Disentangling the relative contributions of chronological and reproductive ageing to cardiovascular risk is challenging, but data from longitudinal studies in women transitioning from premenopause to post-menopause have provided valuable insights. We also discuss evidence on how cardiovascular risk is altered by premature or early menopause, surgical menopause, and vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms. Whether targeted interventions can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and subclinical disease during the menopausal transition, thus delaying or preventing the onset of cardiovascular events, remains to be determined. Furthermore, we consider the recommended strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction in women undergoing menopausal transition using the framework of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, and discuss the cardiovascular risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy. Finally, we also discuss novel therapies that might benefit this population in reducing cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya M Mehta
- Allegheny General Hospital Internal Medicine, Primary Care Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Bonga KN, Mishra A, Maiti R, Padhy BM, Meher BR, Srinivasan A. Efficacy and Safety of Fezolinetant for the Treatment of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: A Meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:393-402. [PMID: 38227939 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of fezolinetant for treating vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause. DATA SOURCES PubMed/MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov , EMBASE, Cochrane Database, Scopus, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched through June 2023 for publications and randomized controlled trials on fezolinetant compared with placebo in menopausal women who experienced moderate-to-severe VMS. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION Our literature search identified 330 articles, of which five studies with six reports were included in our meta-analysis per our eligibility criteria. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane's RoB 2 (Risk of Bias version 2) tool, quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach, and outcome measures data for effect size were pooled in random-effects model and rated. A total of 2,168 participants from five randomized clinical trials (six reports) were included. Fezolinetant significantly lowered VMS frequency, with pooled mean difference of 2.62 (95% CI, 1.84-3.41). The pooled mean difference for fezolinetant compared with placebo for the MENQOL (Menopause-Specific Quality of Life) measure was -0.60 (95% CI, -0.92 to -0.28), and the mean percentage improvement in VMS frequency was 22.51% (95% CI, 15.35-29.67). Fezolinetant was associated with improvement in sleep quality when compared with placebo. CONCLUSION Fezolinetant is effective in lowering moderate-to-severe VMS frequency and sleep disturbances in postmenopausal women. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO, CRD42023427616.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Nikhila Bonga
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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16
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Woods NF, Shaver JF, Berg JA. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Prevalence and Predictors. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 67:27-42. [PMID: 38126336 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000847] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has been proposed as a diagnosis by a consensus of clinicians and investigators. Our purpose for this paper is to review extant evidence about: 1) the breadth of symptoms and symptom clusters as related to the syndrome; 2) the prevalence of GSM (includes vulvar and vaginal atrophy); 3) factors that are associated with, predict, or explain the syndrome; and 4) what should be pursued for expanding meaningful evidence. Within recent literature, we found a wide range of prevalence estimates, likely a function of the differing populations studied, study design, and methods of data collection. Factors related to the prevalence of GSM included age and aging; reproductive aging stage; hormones, especially estrogen; and culture and language. We recommend further specification of diagnostic criteria for GSM; clarification of urinary symptoms in GSM; use of longitudinal study designs; validation of GSM-related measures; exploration of cultural equivalence of GSM measures; and assessing biases in completed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy F Woods
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joan F Shaver
- The University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Judith A Berg
- The University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, Arizona
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17
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Hurtado MD, Saadedine M, Kapoor E, Shufelt CL, Faubion SS. Weight Gain in Midlife Women. Curr Obes Rep 2024:10.1007/s13679-024-00555-2. [PMID: 38416337 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the evidence and clinical implications of weight and body composition changes during midlife in women and provide an overview of weight gain prevention and management in this population. RECENT FINDINGS Aging-related changes such as decreased energy expenditure and physical activity are important culprits for weight gain in midlife women. The hormonal changes of menopause also influence body adiposity distribution and increase central adiposity. These body changes can have health consequences including the development of cardiometabolic diseases, osteoarthritis, cancer, worsening in cognition, mental health, and menopause symptoms. Midlife women experience changes related to aging, menopause, and lifestyle which favor weight gain. Clinical practice should focus on early counseling and anticipatory guidance on the importance of dietary changes and physical activity to attenuate this phenomenon. Future research should focus on the longitudinal relationship between weight trends in midlife and health consequences and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Hurtado
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mariam Saadedine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ekta Kapoor
- Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Women's Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chrisandra L Shufelt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stephanie S Faubion
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Kuck MJ, Hogervorst E. Stress, depression, and anxiety: psychological complaints across menopausal stages. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1323743. [PMID: 38455517 PMCID: PMC10917984 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1323743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction With the number of menopausal women projected estimated to reach 1.2 billion by 2030 worldwide, it is critically important to understand how menopause may affect women's emotional well-being and how many women are affected by this. This study aimed to explore (i) the relationship between psychological complaints (depression, anxiety, poor memory) across different menopausal stages and (ii) investigate the correlation between resilience, self-efficacy, and perceived stress levels, with psychological complaints and whether this was associated with menopausal stage and/or age. Methods 287 respondents completed the Menopausal Quality of Life (MenQoL), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and General Self-efficacy (GSE) scales. Parametric and non-parametric analysis were used to analyse how bothered women were by self-reported poor memory and feelings of depression and anxiety, alongside perceived stress, resilience, and self-efficacy between women in different menopausal stages using STRAW criteria. The association between protective factors (self-efficacy and resilience) and psychological complaints was analysed with partial correlation analysis controlling for menopausal stages and/or age. Results A significant difference was found between the levels of perceived stress, and how bothered women were by feelings of depression and anxiety between early-perimenopausal and post-menopausal women. However, with the inclusion of age as a covariate, menopausal stage no longer predicted the level of self-reported stress and anxiety in menopausal women. There was also no difference between poor self-reported memory, or of self-efficacy or resilience between women in different menopausal stages. However, self-efficacy and resilience were associated with how bothered women were by feelings of depression and anxiety, and the experience of stress. Stress was the only variable to be associated with poor self-reported memory independent of age and/or menopausal status. Discussion Early perimenopausal women experienced the highest level of stress and were more severely bothered by feelings of depression and anxiety, with the poorest overall self-reported psychosocial quality of life. Post-menopausal women, however, reported to have similar experiences as premenopausal women. Age explained the associations between menopausal stage, stress and anxiety, but not between depression and different menopausal stages. Resilience and self-efficacy were associated with psychological complaints independent of menopausal stage and age, suggesting that therapies focusing on increasing resilience and self-efficacy may be beneficial to help target these psychological complaints at any time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jun Kuck
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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19
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Cano A, Nappi RE, Santoro N, Stute P, Blogg M, English ML, Morga A, Scrine L, Siddiqui E, Ottery FD. Fezolinetant impact on health-related quality of life for vasomotor symptoms due to the menopause: Pooled data from SKYLIGHT 1 and SKYLIGHT 2 randomised controlled trials. BJOG 2024. [PMID: 38320967 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of fezolinetant treatment on health-related quality of life using pooled data from SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies. DESIGN Prespecified pooled analysis. SETTING USA, Canada, Europe; 2019-2021. POPULATION 1022 women aged ≥40 to ≤65 years with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS; minimum average seven hot flushes/day), seeking treatment for VMS. METHODS Women were randomised to 12-week double-blind treatment with once-daily placebo or fezolinetant 30 or 45 mg. Completers entered a 40-week, active extension (those receiving fezolinetant continued that dose; those receiving placebo re-randomised to fezolinetant received 30 or 45 mg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mean changes from baseline to weeks 4 and 12 on Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) total and domain scores, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire specific to VMS (WPAI-VMS) domain scores, Patient Global Impression of Change in VMS (PGI-C VMS); percentages achieving PGI-C VMS of 'much better' (PGI-C VMS responders). Mean reduction was estimated using mixed model repeated measures analysis of covariance. RESULTS Fezolinetant 45 mg mean reduction over placebo in MENQoL total score was -0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.75 to -0.39) at week 4 and -0.47 (95% CI -0.66 to -0.28) at week 12. Reductions were similar for 30 mg. MENQoL domain scores were also reduced and WPAI-VMS scores improved. Twice as many women receiving fezolinetant reported VMS were 'much better' than placebo based on PGI-C VMS assessment. CONCLUSIONS Fezolinetant treatment was associated with improvement in overall QoL, measured by MENQoL, and work productivity, measured by WPAI-VMS. A high proportion receiving fezolinetant felt VMS were 'much better' based on PGI-C VMS responder analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cano
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rossella E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology - Menopause Unit, Fondazione Policlinico IRCCS S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nanette Santoro
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Marci L English
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Northbrook, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Faith D Ottery
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Northbrook, Illinois, USA
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Travis KJ, Huang AJ, Maguen S, Inslicht S, Byers AL, Seal KH, Gibson CJ. Military Sexual Trauma and Menopause Symptoms Among Midlife Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:411-417. [PMID: 37957529 PMCID: PMC10897107 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual assault and/or sexual harassment during military service (military sexual trauma (MST)) can have medical and mental health consequences. Most MST research has focused on reproductive-aged women, and little is known about the long-term impact of MST on menopause and aging-related health. OBJECTIVE Examine associations of MST with menopause and mental health outcomes in midlife women Veterans. DESIGN Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS Women Veterans aged 45-64 enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare in Northern California between March 2019 and May 2020. MAIN MEASURES Standardized VA screening questions assessed MST exposure. Structured-item questionnaires assessed vasomotor symptoms (VMS), vaginal symptoms, sleep difficulty, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between MST and outcomes based on clinically relevant menopause and mental health symptom thresholds. KEY RESULTS Of 232 participants (age = 55.95 ± 5.13), 73% reported MST, 66% reported VMS, 75% reported vaginal symptoms, 36% met criteria for moderate-to-severe insomnia, and almost half had clinically significant mental health symptoms (33% depressive symptoms, 49% anxiety, 27% probable PTSD). In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and menopause status, MST was associated with the presence of VMS (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.26-4.72), vaginal symptoms (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.08-4.62), clinically significant depressive symptoms (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.45-7.10), anxiety (OR 4.78, 95% CI 2.25-10.17), and probable PTSD (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.27-19.99). Results did not differ when military sexual assault and harassment were disaggregated, except that military sexual assault was additionally associated with moderate-to-severe insomnia (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.72-5.88). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to MST is common among midlife women Veterans and shows strong and independent associations with clinically significant menopause and mental health symptoms. Findings highlight the importance of trauma-informed approaches to care that acknowledge the role of MST on Veteran women's health across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Travis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alison J Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sabra Inslicht
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy L Byers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Karen H Seal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn J Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Thurston RC. Vasomotor symptoms and cardiovascular health: findings from the SWAN and the MsHeart/MsBrain studies. Climacteric 2024; 27:75-80. [PMID: 37577812 PMCID: PMC10843629 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2196001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are often considered the classic menopausal symptom and are experienced by most women during the menopause transition. VMS are well established to be associated with decrements in quality of life during the menopause. More recent research also links VMS to poorer cardiovascular health. This review summarizes key insights about links between VMS and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk that come from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a longitudinal epidemiologic cohort study of the menopause transition, as well as from the MsHeart/MsBrain studies, clinical studies that leverage vascular imaging and brain imaging as well as wearable technologies that provide objective indicators of VMS. Using a range of methodologies and extensive consideration of confounders, these studies have shown that frequent and/or persistent VMS are associated with adverse CVD risk factor profiles, poorer underlying peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular health, and elevated risk for clinical CVD events. Collectively, the SWAN and MsHeart/MsBrain studies form complementary epidemiologic and clinical studies that point to the importance of VMS to women's cardiovascular health during the menopause transition and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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22
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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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24
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Lucena L, Santos-Junior JG, Tufik S, Hachul H. Effect of a lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene protocol on insomnia in postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:116-125. [PMID: 37495431 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.004] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insomnia and vasomotor symptoms are frequently experienced during the menopausal transition and in postmenopause, worsening sleep maintenance and quality of life. Our study evaluated the use of lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene guidance on quality of life, sleep patterns and self-reported hot flashes in postmenopausal women with insomnia diagnosis. METHODS This study is part of a larger experimental, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. We included 35 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia who were distributed in two groups: A Placebo group (sunflower oil) and an Aroma group (Lavandula angustifolia essential oil); both inhaled the oils before bedtime for 29 days. The groups received sleep hygiene guidelines and weekly follow-up. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the effect of the intervention, and a sleep diary was used to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) daily. Participants who complained of vasomotor symptoms at baseline kept a daily record of their frequency and intensity. RESULTS All participants benefited in almost all domains of quality of life and in the self-assessed TST and SE. The Aroma group achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life score over time. No differences were observed in respect of the hot flashes record and daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS The aromatherapy intervention was effective in improving the overall quality of life in the Aroma group. Moreover, the sleep diary and sleep hygiene instructions helped all participants to, respectively, self-assess and improve their sleep patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Lucena
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sergio Tufik
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Hachul
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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25
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Frankenthal D, Karni-Efrati Z, Zatlawi M, Keinan-Boker L, Bromberg M. Menopausal symptoms and attitudes toward hormone replacement therapy among Israeli women. J Women Aging 2024; 36:1-13. [PMID: 37319035 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2023.2222048] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Menopause occurs around midlife and is an inevitable component of women's aging. The study aimed to investigate the associations between the lifetime prevalence of menopausal symptoms and health-related characteristics among Israeli postmenopausal women aged 55-75 years. Additionally, this study aimed to estimate the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and women's attitudes toward this treatment. Data for this study were extracted from a cross-sectional national telephone survey conducted in Israel between 2018 and 2020. For the current study, only postmenopausal women aged 55-75 years were included. Multivariate analyses were used to identify demographic and health-related characteristics associated with menopausal symptoms. The study included 688 participants. Most (68.8%) reported one or more menopausal symptoms, specifically vasomotor symptoms (50.4%). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, menopausal symptoms were associated with moderate-high anxiety and/or depression symptoms (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.12-3.58) and with osteoporosis (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.08-2.92). Although most (78.3%) symptomatic women were bothered by their symptoms, 29.1% received any treatment for symptom relief and only 12.6% reported current or past use of HRT. The findings show that menopausal symptoms were associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety and/or depression symptoms and osteoporosis in the years following menopause. Most symptomatic women did not receive any treatment and the majority were against HRT. Knowledge and awareness about menopause and treatment options should be increased among Israeli women. Additionally, the promotion of positive attitudes toward menopause and HRT use among women and healthcare providers is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dvora Frankenthal
- Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC), Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ziv Karni-Efrati
- Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC), Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miri Zatlawi
- Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC), Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Lital Keinan-Boker
- Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC), Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Bromberg
- Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC), Ministry of Health, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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26
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Cervera-Juanes R, Zimmerman KD, Wilhelm L, Zhu D, Bodie J, Kohama SG, Urbanski HF. Modulation of neural gene networks by estradiol in old rhesus macaque females. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.572105. [PMID: 38187564 PMCID: PMC10769303 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The postmenopausal decrease in circulating estradiol (E2) levels has been shown to contribute to several adverse physiological and psychiatric effects. To elucidate the molecular effects of E2 on the brain, we examined differential gene expression and DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in the nonhuman primate brain following ovariectomy (Ov) and subsequent E2 treatment. We identified several dysregulated molecular networks, including MAPK signaling and dopaminergic synapse response, that are associated with ovariectomy and shared across two different brain areas, the occipital cortex (OC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). The finding that hypomethylation (p=1.6×10-51) and upregulation (p=3.8×10-3) of UBE2M across both brain regions, provide strong evidence for molecular differences in the brain induced by E2 depletion. Additionally, differential expression (p=1.9×10-4; interaction p=3.5×10-2) of LTBR in the PFC, provides further support for the role E2 plays in the brain, by demonstrating that the regulation of some genes that are altered by ovariectomy may also be modulated by Ov followed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These results present real opportunities to understand the specific biological mechanisms that are altered with depleted E2. Given E2's potential role in cognitive decline and neuroinflammation, our findings could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics to slow cognitive decline. Together, this work represents a major step towards understanding molecular changes in the brain that are caused by ovariectomy and how E2 treatment may revert or protect against the negative neuro-related consequences caused by a depletion in estrogen as women approach menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cervera-Juanes
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Center for Precision Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Kip D. Zimmerman
- Center for Precision Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Larry Wilhelm
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Dongqin Zhu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Jessica Bodie
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Steven G. Kohama
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Henryk F. Urbanski
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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27
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Streicher L. Is it time to rethink how menopause is defined? Menopause 2023; 30:1177-1178. [PMID: 37963305 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Streicher
- From the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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28
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Petrick JL, Joslin CE, Johnson CE, Camacho TF, Peres LC, Bandera EV, Barnard ME, Beeghly A, Bethea TN, Dempsey LF, Guertin K, Harris HR, Moorman PG, Myers ER, Ochs-Balcom HM, Rosenow W, Setiawan VW, Wu AH, Schildkraut JM, Rosenberg L. Menopausal hormone therapy use and risk of ovarian cancer by race: the ovarian cancer in women of African ancestry consortium. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1956-1967. [PMID: 37865688 PMCID: PMC10703895 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02407-7] [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] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies examining post-menopausal menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use and ovarian cancer risk have focused on White women and few have included Black women. METHODS We evaluated MHT use and ovarian cancer risk in Black (n = 800 cases, 1783 controls) and White women (n = 2710 cases, 8556 controls), using data from the Ovarian Cancer in Women of African Ancestry consortium. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of MHT use with ovarian cancer risk, examining histotype, MHT type and duration of use. RESULTS Long-term MHT use, ≥10 years, was associated with an increased ovarian cancer risk for White women (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.22-1.57) and the association was consistent for Black women (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.81-1.78, pinteraction = 0.4). For White women, the associations between long-term unopposed estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone use and ovarian cancer risk were similar; the increased risk associated with long-term MHT use was confined to high-grade serous and endometroid tumors. Based on smaller numbers for Black women, the increased ovarian cancer risk associated with long-term MHT use was apparent for unopposed estrogen use and was predominately confined to other epithelial histotypes. CONCLUSION The association between long-term MHT use and ovarian cancer risk was consistent for Black and White women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte E Joslin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Courtney E Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - T Fabian Camacho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lauren C Peres
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Elisa V Bandera
- Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Alicia Beeghly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Campus, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lauren F Dempsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristin Guertin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Holly R Harris
- Program in Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patricia G Moorman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Evan R Myers
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heather M Ochs-Balcom
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Will Rosenow
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - V Wendy Setiawan
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna H Wu
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joellen M Schildkraut
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lynn Rosenberg
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Todorova L, Bonassi R, Guerrero Carreño FJ, Hirschberg AL, Yuksel N, Rea C, Scrine L, Kim JS. Prevalence and impact of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause among women in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Nordic Europe: a cross-sectional survey. Menopause 2023; 30:1179-1189. [PMID: 37847872 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the prevalence and impact of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), related treatment patterns, and experiences in women. METHODS The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of moderate to severe menopause-related VMS among postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and four Nordic European countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) using an online survey. Secondary objectives assessed impact of VMS among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with moderate to severe VMS using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbances assessment, and questions regarding treatment patterns and attitudes toward symptoms and available treatments. RESULTS Among 12,268 postmenopausal women, the prevalence of moderate to severe VMS was about 15.6% and was highest in Brazil (36.2%) and lowest in Nordic Europe (11.6%). Secondary analyses, conducted among 2,176 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, showed that VMS affected quality of life across all domains measured and impaired work activities by as much as 30%. Greater symptom severity negatively affected sleep. Many women sought medical advice, but most (1,238 [56.9%]) were not receiving treatment for their VMS. The majority (>70%) considered menopause to be a natural part of aging. Those treated with prescription hormone therapy and nonhormone medications reported some safety/efficacy concerns. CONCLUSIONS Among women from seven countries, moderate to severe menopause-related VMS were widespread, varied by region, and largely impaired quality of life, productivity, and/or sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora Todorova
- From the Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Rogerio Bonassi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jundiaí School of Medicine, Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nese Yuksel
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carol Rea
- Brand & Integrated Research Solutions, IQVIA, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ludmila Scrine
- From the Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Janet S Kim
- Data Science, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc, Northbrook, IL
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30
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Kingsberg SA, Schulze-Rath R, Mulligan C, Moeller C, Caetano C, Bitzer J. Global view of vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbance in menopause: a systematic review. Climacteric 2023; 26:537-549. [PMID: 37751852 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2256658] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of vasomotor symptoms (VMS), sleep disturbance and VMS treatment in menopause. To assess the reproducibility of these differences, we systematically reviewed observational studies, published in 2000-2021, reporting the prevalence/incidence of VMS, sleep disturbance or treatment use in menopausal women stratified by race/ethnicity. We screened 3799 records from PubMed and Embase and included 27 papers (19 studies). No incidence data were found. Prevalence data varied widely, but some common patterns emerged. In all five studies comparing VMS between Black women and White, Hispanic and/or East Asian women, the prevalence was highest in Black women and lowest in East Asian women. The prevalence of sleep disturbance overall was compared among Black, White and East Asian women in two study populations, and was highest in White women in both papers. Sleep disturbance was more common than VMS in East Asian women. In all four studies comparing hormone therapy use between White women and Black and/or East Asian women, treatment use was more common in White women. These results highlight the need for individualized counseling and treatment, outreach to under-served minorities, and standardized definitions and outcome measures for VMS and sleep disturbance for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Kingsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - R Schulze-Rath
- Medical Affairs & Pharmacovigilance, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Mulligan
- Evidence Synthesis, Beacon Medical Communications, Brighton, UK
| | - C Moeller
- Medical Affairs & Pharmacovigilance, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Caetano
- Pharmaceuticals, Medical Affairs Women's Healthcare, Bayer AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Bitzer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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31
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Lello S, Paris I, Cagnacci A, Sartori D, Caruso S, Iop A. Vasomotor symptoms and management of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer: literature review with focus on the therapeutic potential of cytoplasmic pollen extract. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2162035. [PMID: 36591791 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2162035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective management of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer (BC) represents a critical but frequent unmet need. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of VMS in patients with BC and provides a synopsis of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches in relieving VMS with a focus on purified cytoplasm of pollen (PCP). METHODS The literature on VMS epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical burden, and CAM treatment in healthy women and patients with BC was reviewed. RESULTS VMS are common in patients with BC undergoing hormonal treatment and negatively impact quality of life, leading to treatment discontinuation in up to 25% of patients with detrimental impact on risk of BC recurrence and overall survival. CAM approaches to treat VMS in patients with BC include vitamin E, phytoestrogens, and black cohosh, even if there is a lack of solid evidence to guide clinicians in the choice of treatment. PCP, obtained according to standards of good manufacturing practice, has a definite pharmacological mechanism of action, is devoid of estrogen activity, and has shown clinical efficacy on menopause-associated symptoms with a favorable safety profile and high compliance. As such, it appears to represent a valid management option to improve quality of life in patients with pre- and postmenopausal BC. CONCLUSIONS Physicians should actively investigate the presence and impact of VMS in patients receiving therapy for BC. Additional and appropriately sized randomized clinical trials are needed to provide clear evidence on how to best meet the needs of patients with BC suffering from menopause-associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lello
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Paris
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Caruso
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo Iop
- University Local Health Authority Giuliano Isontina ASUGI, Trieste,Italy
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Hachul H, Hachul de Campos B, Lucena L, Tufik S. Sleep During Menopause. Sleep Med Clin 2023; 18:423-433. [PMID: 38501515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.06.004] [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] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Postmenopause is defined retrospectively after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. It represents the end of the reproductive period and ovarian failure. A decrease in estrogen leads to several changes in the short and long term. Among the early changes, vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) are particularly common, occurring in about 70% of women. In addition, there are changes in mood, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Insomnia occurs in almost 60% of postmenopausal women. Psychosocial aspects may also affect sleep. Proper diagnosis may lead to adequate treatment of sleep disturbances during menopause. Hormonal or other complementary therapies can improve sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hachul
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Ginecology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Leandro Lucena
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Tufik
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Li Y, Chang J, Shi G, Zhang W, Wang H, Wei L, Liu X, Zhang W. Effects of stellate ganglion block on perimenopausal hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1293358. [PMID: 38089617 PMCID: PMC10715304 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1293358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hot flashes are common symptoms afflicting perimenopausal women. A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is believed to be an effective treatment for hot flashes; however, more evidence is needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in relieving perimenopausal hot flashes. Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of SGB for the treatment of perimenopausal hot flashes. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Shanxi Bethune Hospital. Forty perimenopausal women with hot flashes were recruited from April 2022 to November 2022 and randomly assigned to receive either 6 consecutive SGB treatments or 6 consecutive saline placebo treatments. The primary outcome was the change in hot flash symptom score from baseline to 12 weeks after treatment. The secondary outcomes were the change in hot flash symptom score from baseline to 12 weeks after treatment and the post-treatment Kupperman Index (KI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. Results Of the 40 randomized subjects, 35 completed the study. All the variables were significantly improved. During 12 weeks of follow-up, the hot flash scores, Kupperman Menopause Scale scores, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale scores decreased significantly. Two subjects in the SGB treatment group experienced transient hoarseness, and the incidence of related adverse events was 10%. No related adverse events occurred in the control group. Conclusion Compared to the control treatment, SGB treatment was a safe and effective nonhormone replacement therapy that significantly relieved perimenopausal hot flashes and effectively improved sleep quality. Additional studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy of this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia Chang
- School of Nursing, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Gaoxiang Shi
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lingyun Wei
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
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Schultz NM, Morga A, Siddiqui E, Rhoten SE. Psychometric evaluation of the PROMIS SD-SF-8b instrument in individuals experiencing vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2023; 21:126. [PMID: 37990323 PMCID: PMC10662922 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-023-02206-x] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause frequently experience poor sleep quality. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance - Short Form 8b (PROMIS SD-SF-8b) has been developed to assess sleep disturbance. The study objective was to use data from the fezolinetant SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies in individuals with VMS to assess the psychometric properties of the PROMIS SD-SF-8b. METHODS Individuals (aged ≥ 40-≤65 years) with moderate-to-severe VMS (≥ 7 hot flashes/day) were enrolled. Besides PROMIS SD-SF-8b, eight other patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were used for the psychometric evaluation. All the PRO assessments were completed at weeks 4 and 12 during the treatment period and most were completed at baseline. Psychometric analyses included factor analysis and reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change assessments. The within-patient threshold for a clinically meaningful change in sleep disturbance was derived. RESULTS Overall, 1022 individuals were included from the SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies. Mean PROMIS SD-SF-8b total score at baseline was 26.80, which decreased to 22.68 at week 12, reflecting improved sleep disturbance. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed PROMIS SD-SF-8b domain structure. Internal consistency was excellent, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.915 and 0.935 and a McDonald's omega of 0.917. Item-to-item and item-total correlations were sufficient and moderate test-retest reliability was noted. The construct validity assessments showed that moderate Spearman rank correlations (r: 0.608 to 0.651) were observed between PROMIS SD-SF-8b total scores and measures of sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment, and that significant differences were noted in the total scores across PRO categories. The responsiveness of PROMIS SD-SF-8b total scores was supported by the results from the correlations in change scores and comparisons of mean change scores by PRO categories. Statistically significant differences in mean scores were observed between responder and non-responder PRO groups. A PROMIS SD-SF-8b total score of 8 points was identified as the within-patient threshold to use to confirm a meaningful change in sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS The psychometric properties of the PROMIS SD-SF-8b support its use to measure sleep disturbance in women with VMS due to menopause. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov numbers: NCT04003155 and NCT04003142.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Schultz
- Medical Affairs, Astellas Pharma, 1 Astellas Way, Northbrook, IL, 60062, USA.
| | - Antonia Morga
- Medical Affairs, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, UK
| | - Emad Siddiqui
- Medical Affairs, Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd, Addlestone, UK
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DePree B. Fezolinetant: A Potential Treatment for Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause. TOUCHREVIEWS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 19:69-72. [PMID: 38187079 PMCID: PMC10769482 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2023.19.2.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The most common symptom of menopause is vasomotor symptoms (VMS), which occur in more than 80% of postmenopausal women. Furthermore, VMS are the manifestation of menopause for which women most commonly seek treatment, namely, to address their impacted quality of life, including sleep, and work-and non-work-related productivity. VMS vary in frequency, intensity and duration. Hormone therapy (HT) has been our most effective treatment for VMS and has been approved for this indication by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite being a safe and effective treatment option, many patients and providers are hesitant to consider HT. Moreover, HT is contraindicated for some women. While many over-the-counter and non-HT options are available, we lack data on the efficacy and safety of most of these. This has left a void for women. Fezolinetant was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe VMS. So far, clinical trials have shown positive results in terms of safety and efficacy. Fezolinetant is a non-hormonal, neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist that works in the hypothalamus at the thermoregulatory centre. Blocking the non-hormonal neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist modulates hot flashes and night sweats. As early as 4 weeks from initiating fezolinetant, women experienced a statistically significant reduction of both severity and frequency of VMS per day, resulting in an improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara DePree
- Holland Hospital Women's Specialty Care, Holland, MI, USA
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Dennis N, Hobson G. Working well: Mitigating the impact of menopause in the workplace - A narrative evidence review. Maturitas 2023; 177:107824. [PMID: 37634294 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107824] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years there has been a much greater recognition by some employers of the need to support female employees experiencing the menopause. However, despite an increased awareness of the need to reduce the impact of menopause on the workforce, employers rarely have the opportunity to implement evidence-based interventions. OBJECTIVES This evidence review aims to provide an insight into the effectiveness of workplace programmes supporting women experiencing menopause symptoms, and to identify knowledge gaps as drivers for future research. METHODS A search for papers published in English between 2012 and 2023 was carried out on the PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase databases. Abstract review was used to screen initial returns before a subsequent full-text review determined the final studies included. RESULTS Twelve studies were selected for in-depth review: four conducted in the UK, seven in continental Europe and one in South America. The findings of the papers fell into five categories: work ability, improved symptom management, mental wellbeing and empowerment, increased openness about menopause in the workplace, and the impact of management/leadership. None of the included interventions were reported to give a significant improvement in measures of work ability. However, there were improvements in women's wellbeing, and their ability to manage symptoms. Interventions to improve workplace openness and managers' skills were well received by participants. CONCLUSIONS The evidence for effective workplace interventions for women experiencing menopause symptoms is currently lacking. There is considerable need for further high-quality evaluations of interventions designed to support women in the workplace.
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Faubion SS, Shufelt CL. Why is everyone talking about menopause? Maturitas 2023; 177:107777. [PMID: 37268456 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Faubion
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States of America; Mayo Clinic Women's Health, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Chrisandra L Shufelt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States of America; Mayo Clinic Women's Health, Rochester, MN, United States of America
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Gervais NJ, Gravelsins L, Brown A, Reuben R, Perovic M, Karkaby L, Nicoll G, Laird K, Ramana S, Bernardini MQ, Jacobson M, Velsher L, Foulkes W, Rajah MN, Olsen RK, Grady C, Einstein G. Disturbed sleep is associated with reduced verbal episodic memory and entorhinal cortex volume in younger middle-aged women with risk-reducing early ovarian removal. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1265470. [PMID: 37859979 PMCID: PMC10584319 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1265470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women with early ovarian removal (<48 years) have an elevated risk for both late-life Alzheimer's disease (AD) and insomnia, a modifiable risk factor. In early midlife, they also show reduced verbal episodic memory and hippocampal volume. Whether these reductions correlate with a sleep phenotype consistent with insomnia risk remains unexplored. Methods We recruited thirty-one younger middleaged women with risk-reducing early bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), fifteen of whom were taking estradiol-based hormone replacement therapy (BSO+ERT) and sixteen who were not (BSO). Fourteen age-matched premenopausal (AMC) and seventeen spontaneously peri-postmenopausal (SM) women who were ~10y older and not taking ERT were also enrolled. Overnight polysomnography recordings were collected at participants' home across multiple nights (M=2.38 SEM=0.19), along with subjective sleep quality and hot flash ratings. In addition to group comparisons on sleep measures, associations with verbal episodic memory and medial temporal lobe volume were assessed. Results Increased sleep latency and decreased sleep efficiency were observed on polysomnography recordings of those not taking ERT, consistent with insomnia symptoms. This phenotype was also observed in the older women in SM, implicating ovarian hormone loss. Further, sleep latency was associated with more forgetting on the paragraph recall task, previously shown to be altered in women with early BSO. Both increased sleep latency and reduced sleep efficiency were associated with smaller anterolateral entorhinal cortex volume. Discussion Together, these findings confirm an association between ovarian hormone loss and insomnia symptoms, and importantly, identify an younger onset age in women with early ovarian removal, which may contribute to poorer cognitive and brain outcomes in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. Gervais
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Laura Gravelsins
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alana Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebekah Reuben
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mateja Perovic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laurice Karkaby
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gina Nicoll
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kazakao Laird
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shreeyaa Ramana
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marcus Q. Bernardini
- Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Jacobson
- Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lea Velsher
- Genetics Program, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - William Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - M. Natasha Rajah
- Departments of Psychiatry and Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna K. Olsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Grady
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tema Genus, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Davis SR, Pinkerton J, Santoro N, Simoncini T. Menopause-Biology, consequences, supportive care, and therapeutic options. Cell 2023; 186:4038-4058. [PMID: 37678251 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Menopause is the cessation of ovarian function, with loss of reproductive hormone production and irreversible loss of fertility. It is a natural part of reproductive aging. The physiology of the menopause is complex and incompletely understood. Globally, menopause occurs around the age of 49 years, with geographic and ethnic variation. The hormonal changes of the menopause transition may result in both symptoms and long-term systemic effects, predominantly adverse effects on cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health. The most effective treatment for bothersome menopausal symptoms is evidence-based, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which reduces bone loss and may have cardiometabolic benefits. Evidence-based non-hormonal interventions are also available for symptom relief. Treatment should be individualized with shared decision-making. Most MHT regimens are not regulator approved for perimenopausal women. Studies that include perimenopausal women are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment options. Further research is crucial to improve menopause care, along with research to guide policy and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health, Commercial Rd., Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - JoAnn Pinkerton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Midlife Health, The University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Yang Y, Valdimarsdóttir UA, Manson JE, Sievert LL, Harlow BL, Eliassen AH, Bertone-Johnson ER, Lu D. Premenstrual Disorders, Timing of Menopause, and Severity of Vasomotor Symptoms. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2334545. [PMID: 37725375 PMCID: PMC10509727 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Although premenstrual disorders (PMDs) end at menopause, it is unclear whether they are associated with the timing and symptom severity of menopause. Objective To prospectively examine whether women with PMDs have increased risks of early menopause and menopause-related vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study was nested in the Nurses' Health Study II (data collected from questionnaire sent between June 1991 and June 2017). Analysis of menopause timing included participants who did not have natural or surgical menopause before study entry, while the analysis of VMS was restricted to women who provided information on VMS. Data were analyzed from August 2022 to March 2023. Exposures PMDs were identified by self-reported diagnosis and confirmed with symptom questionnaires from 1991 to 2005. Participants were age-matched to women without PMD diagnoses and confirmed absence of or minimal premenstrual symptoms. Main Outcomes and Measures During follow-up through 2017, timing of natural menopause was assessed biennially, and VMS were assessed in 2009, 2013, and 2017. The association of PMDs with early menopause was assessed by Cox proportional hazards models and with VMS by logistic regression models. Results Of 1220 included women with PMDs, the median (IQR) age was 40.7 (37.3-43.8) years; of 2415 included women without PMDs, the median (IQR) age was 41.7 (38.3-44.8) years. The median (IQR) follow-up in this study was 20.3 (17.8-22-2) years. Early natural menopause (menopause before age 45 years) was reported by 17 women with PMDs (7.1 per 1000 person-years) and 12 women without PMDs (2.7 per 1000 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.27-5.59). In addition, 795 women with PMDs (68.3%) and 1313 women without PMDs (55.3%) reported moderate or severe VMS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.32-2.14). There was no observed association between PMDs and mild VMS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.76-1.28). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of US women, PMDs were associated with increased risks of early menopause and moderate or severe VMS. PMDs may be indicative of underlying physiology linked to early menopause and VMS, suggesting a phenotype observable during the reproductive years that may allow clinicians to target women at risk of earlier menopause and subsequent health risks later in the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Yang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Unnur A. Valdimarsdóttir
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - JoAnn E. Manson
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Bernard Leslie Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A. Heather Eliassen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst
| | - Donghao Lu
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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DePree B, Shiozawa A, King D, Schild A, Zhou M, Yang H, Mancuso S. Association of menopausal vasomotor symptom severity with sleep and work impairments: a US survey. Menopause 2023; 30:887-897. [PMID: 37625086 PMCID: PMC10487384 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopausal vasomotor symptoms commonly disrupt sleep and affect daytime productivity. This online survey evaluated associations between vasomotor symptom severity and perceived sleep quality and work productivity. METHODS Participants were perimenopausal or postmenopausal US women aged 40 to 65 years with ≥14 vasomotor symptom episodes per week for ≥1 week in the past month. The women, who were recruited from Dynata panels via email invitation and categorized by vasomotor symptom severity based on the Menopause Rating Scale, were surveyed about sleep and work productivity and completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8b (primary outcome) and Sleep-Related Impairment Short Form 8a, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. RESULTS Among 619 respondents (mean age, 53 y; White, 91%; perimenopausal, 34%; postmenopausal, 66%; 57.5% were never treated for vasomotor symptoms), vasomotor symptoms were mild in 88, moderate in 266, and severe in 265. A majority (58% overall) were employed, including 64.8%, 49.6%, and 64.2% of women with mild, moderate, and severe VMS, respectively. Of the 90.8% who reported that vasomotor symptoms affect sleep (81.8%, 86.8%, and 97.7% of those with mild, moderate, and severe VMS), 83.1% reported sleep-related changes in productivity (75.0%, 73.2%, and 94.2%, respectively). Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8b mean T scores in the mild (T score, 53.5), moderate (57.3), and severe (59.8) VMS cohorts indicated more sleep disturbance than in the general population (T score, 50; overall P < 0.001 before and after controlling for confounding variables). Sleep-Related Impairment 8a results were similar. Vasomotor symptom severity was positively associated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index mean scores, presenteeism, absenteeism, overall work impairment, and impairment in general activities. CONCLUSIONS Greater vasomotor symptom severity was associated with more sleep disturbance, more sleep-related impairment, worse sleep quality, and greater impairment in daytime activities and work productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara DePree
- From the Women's Specialty Care, Holland Hospital, Holland, MI
| | - Aki Shiozawa
- Clinical Development, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL
| | - Deanna King
- Clinical Development, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL
| | - Arianne Schild
- Clinical Development, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL
| | - Mo Zhou
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Analysis Group, Inc, Boston, MA
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Analysis Group, Inc, Boston, MA
| | - Shayna Mancuso
- Clinical Development, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL
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Rhodes JR, Alldredge CT, Elkins GR. Magnitude of placebo response in clinical trials of paroxetine for vasomotor symptoms: a meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1204163. [PMID: 37599891 PMCID: PMC10436555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1204163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, are among the most common complaints for menopausal and postmenopausal women. As an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, paroxetine mesylate became the only non-hormonal treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), despite limited evidence for its efficacy. More specifically, there is uncertainty around paroxetine's unique benefit and the magnitude of the placebo response in clinical trials of paroxetine. Methods Relevant databases were searched to identify randomized clinical trials examining the efficacy of paroxetine to treat hot flashes. The primary outcomes of interest were hot flash frequency and hot flash severity scores. Data was extracted from the published results, and risk of bias assessments were conducted. Results Six randomized clinical trials that included a total of 1,486 women were coded and analyzed. The results demonstrated that 79% of the mean treatment response for hot flash frequency is accounted for by a placebo response, resulting in a mean true drug effect of 21% at most. Additionally, 68% of the mean treatment response for hot flash severity is accounted for by a placebo response, resulting in a maximum true drug effect of 32%. Discussion The results herein call into question the actual efficacy of the only FDA approved, non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes by demonstrating that a placebo response accounts for the majority of treatment responses for reductions in both hot flash frequency and severity. The findings provide evidence to reevaluate the use of paroxetine to treat postmenopausal hot flashes and emphasize the importance of considering effective, alternative treatments for vasomotor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. Rhodes
- Department of Psychology, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX, United States
| | - Cameron T. Alldredge
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Gary R. Elkins
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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Xing Y, Xuan F, Wang K, Zhang H. Aging under endocrine hormone regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1223529. [PMID: 37600699 PMCID: PMC10433899 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1223529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a biological process in which the environment interacts with the body to cause a progressive decline in effective physiological function. Aging in the human body can lead to a dysfunction of the vital organ systems, resulting in the onset of age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, which can seriously affect an individual's quality of life. The endocrine system acts on specific targets through hormones and related major functional factors in its pathways, which play biological roles in coordinating cellular interactions, metabolism, growth, and aging. Aging is the result of a combination of many pathological, physiological, and psychological processes, among which the endocrine system can achieve a bidirectional effect on the aging process by regulating the hormone levels in the body. In this paper, we explored the mechanisms of growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and estrogen in the aging process to provide a reference for the exploration of endocrine mechanisms related to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huifeng Zhang
- Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Johnson KA, Martin N, Nappi RE, Neal-Perry G, Shapiro M, Stute P, Thurston RC, Wolfman W, English M, Franklin C, Lee M, Santoro N. Efficacy and Safety of Fezolinetant in Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause: A Phase 3 RCT. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1981-1997. [PMID: 36734148 PMCID: PMC10348473 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are common, bothersome, and can persist for years before and after menopause. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess efficacy/safety of fezolinetant for treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week phase 3 trial with a 40-week active treatment extension (NCT04003142; SKYLIGHT 2), women aged 40 to 65 years with minimum average 7 moderate to severe VMS/day were randomized to 12 weeks of once-daily placebo, fezolinetant 30 mg, or fezolinetant 45 mg. Completers were rerandomized to fezolinetant 30/45 mg for 40 additional weeks. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were mean daily change from baseline to week 4 (W4) and W12 in VMS frequency and severity. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS Both fezolinetant doses statistically significantly reduced VMS frequency/severity at W4 and W12 vs placebo. For VMS frequency, W4 least squares mean (SE) reduction vs placebo: fezolinetant 30 mg, -1.82 (0.46; P < .001); 45 mg, -2.55 (0.46; P < .001); W12: 30 mg, -1.86 (0.55; P < .001); 45 mg, -2.53 (0.55; P < .001). For VMS severity, W4: 30 mg, -0.15 (0.06; P < .05); 45 mg, -0.29 (0.06; P < .001); W12: 30 mg, -0.16 (0.08; P < .05); 45 mg, -0.29 (0.08; P < .001). Improvement in VMS frequency and severity was observed by W1 and maintained through W52. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were infrequent, reported by 2%, 1%, and 0% of those receiving fezolinetant 30 mg, fezolinetant 45 mg, and placebo, respectively. CONCLUSION Daily fezolinetant 30 and 45 mg were efficacious and well tolerated for treating moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy Martin
- Employee of Astellas Pharma Global Development at the Time of the Study, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Rossella E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, and Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology – Menopause Unit, Fondazione Policlinico IRCCS S. Matteo, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Genevieve Neal-Perry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Marla Shapiro
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, Bern CH-3010, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca C Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wendy Wolfman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E2, Canada
| | - Marci English
- Global Development, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
| | - Catherine Franklin
- Employee of Astellas Pharma Global Development at the Time of the Study, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Misun Lee
- Biostatistics, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Shiozawa A, Thurston RC, Cook E, Yang H, King DD, Kristy RM, Mancuso S. Assessment of women's treatment preferences for vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 23:1117-1128. [PMID: 37650213 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2250916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several therapies for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause are available. Treatment preferences and willingness-to-pay for VMS treatment among US women with VMS were evaluated. METHODS An online survey of women with perimenopausal or postmenopausal VMS was conducted (3/15/21-4/23/21). A discrete choice experiment quantified the impact of 7 treatment attributes on VMS treatment choice: VMS frequency/severity reduction, sleep improvement, risk of breast cancer/cardiovascular events in 6 years, risk of short-term side effects, and out-of-pocket costs. Preference weights (PWs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and reported. RESULTS Among 467 women, 86.5% and 87.8% reported moderate to very severe VMS and sleep problems during the preceding month, respectively. Sleep improvement (PW: 0.843; 95% CI: 0.721, 0.965) and reduction in VMS frequency (PW: 0.658; 95% CI: 0.520, 0.796) and severity (PW: 0.628; 95% CI: 0.500, 0.756) most influenced treatment preference; risk of cardiovascular events (PW: 0.150; 95% CI: 0.069, 0.232) or breast cancer (PW: 0.401; 95% CI: 0.306, 0.496) in 6 years had lesser effect. Willingness-to-pay was an additional $35-$46/month for substantially improved sleep, 80% VMS frequency reduction, and reduction from severe to mild VMS. CONCLUSIONS Sleep improvement and reductions in VMS frequency/severity were the most important treatment attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Shiozawa
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca C Thurston
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Clinical and Translational Science and Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erin Cook
- Analysis Group, Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Deanna D King
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Rita M Kristy
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Shayna Mancuso
- Medical Affairs US, Astellas Pharma, Inc, Northbrook, IL, USA
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Gibson CJ, Shiozawa A, Epstein AJ, Han W, Mancuso S. Association between vasomotor symptom frequency and weight gain in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Menopause 2023; 30:709-716. [PMID: 37314873 PMCID: PMC10309105 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002198] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The menopause transition is associated with weight gain in women. We examined whether changes in vasomotor symptom (VMS) frequency precede weight changes. METHODS This longitudinal retrospective analysis included data from the multisite, multiethnic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Women in premenopause or perimenopause aged 42 to 52 years at baseline self-reported VMS frequency (hot flashes/night sweats) and sleep problems at up to 10 annual visits. Menopause status, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were compared across visits. The primary objective was to measure the association between VMS frequency and weight gain using a lagged approach with first-difference regression models. Secondary objectives were to statistically quantify mediation by sleep problems and moderation by menopause status and explore the association between cumulative, 10-year VMS exposure and long-term weight gain. RESULTS The primary analysis sample included 2,361 participants (12,030 visits; 1995-2008). Increased VMS frequency across visits was associated with subsequently increased weight (0.24 kg), body mass index (0.08 kg/m 2 ), and waist circumference (0.20 cm). Cumulative exposure to a high frequency of VMS (≥6 d/2 wk) over 10 consecutive annual visits was associated with increases in weight measures, including a 3.0-cm increase in waist circumference. Contemporaneous sleep problems mediated no more than 27% of waist circumference increases. Menopause status was not a consistent moderator. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that increases in VMS, onset of a high frequency of VMS, and persistent VMS symptoms over time may precede weight gain in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J. Gibson
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | - Wei Han
- Astellas Pharma, Inc., Northbrook, IL
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Prior JC, Cameron A, Fung M, Hitchcock CL, Janssen P, Lee T, Singer J. Oral micronized progesterone for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flushes a Phase III Canada-wide randomized placebo-controlled 4 month trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9082. [PMID: 37277418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35826-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tested progesterone for perimenopausal hot flush ± night sweat (vasomotor symptom, VMS) treatment. It was a double-blind, randomized trial of 300 mg oral micronized progesterone@bedtime versus placebo for 3-months (m) after a 1-m untreated baseline during 2012/1-2017/4. We randomized untreated, non-depressed, screen- and baseline-eligible by VMS, perimenopausal women (with flow within 1-year), ages 35-58 (n = 189). Participants aged 50 (± SD = 4.6) were mostly White, educated, minimally overweight with 63% in late perimenopause; 93% participated remotely. The 1° outcome was 3rd-m VMS Score difference. Participants recorded VMS number and intensity (0-4 scale)/24 h on a VMS Calendar. Randomization required VMS (intensity 2-4/4) of sufficient frequency and/or ≥ 2/week night sweat awakenings. Baseline total VMS Score (SD) was 12.2 (11.3) without assignment difference. Third-m VMS Score did not differ by therapy (Rate Difference - 1.51). However, the 95% CI [- 3.97, 0.95] P = 0.222, did not exclude 3, a minimal clinically important difference. Women perceived progesterone caused decreased night sweats (P = 0.023) and improved sleep quality (P = 0.005); it decreased perimenopause-related life interference (P = 0.017) without increased depression. No serious adverse events occurred. Perimenopausal night sweats ± hot flushes are variable; this RCT was underpowered but could not exclude a minimal clinically important VMS benefit. Perceived night sweats and sleep quality significantly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerilynn C Prior
- Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, Endocrinology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2775 Laurel Street, Suite 4111, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.
- British Columbia Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Andrea Cameron
- Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, Endocrinology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2775 Laurel Street, Suite 4111, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Fung
- Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, Endocrinology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2775 Laurel Street, Suite 4111, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Etobicoke General Hospital, William Osler Health System, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
| | - Christine L Hitchcock
- Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, Endocrinology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2775 Laurel Street, Suite 4111, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Hitchcock Consulting, Oakville, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Janssen
- Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, Endocrinology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2775 Laurel Street, Suite 4111, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Terry Lee
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joel Singer
- School of Population and Public Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Carson MY, Thurston RC. Vasomotor symptoms and their links to cardiovascular disease risk. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2023; 30:100448. [PMID: 37214424 PMCID: PMC10198127 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2023.100448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hot flashes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are common and bothersome symptoms of the menopause transition. In addition to negatively impacting quality of life, VMS have been associated with multiple indicators of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including an unfavorable CVD risk factor profile, increased subclinical CVD, and elevated risk of CVD events. Several facets of VMS have been associated with CVD risk, including the frequency, timing, duration, and severity of VMS. VMS may signify poor or degrading cardiovascular health among midlife women and indicate women who warrant focused CVD prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Y. Carson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Thurston
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update the evidence-based Nonhormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. METHODS An advisory panel of clinicians and research experts in women's health were selected to review and evaluate the literature published since the Nonhormonal Management of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: 2015 Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society. Topics were divided into five sections for ease of review: lifestyle; mind-body techniques; prescription therapies; dietary supplements; and acupuncture, other treatments, and technologies. The panel assessed the most current and available literature to determine whether to recommend or not recommend use based on these levels of evidence: Level I, good and consistent scientific evidence; Level II, limited or inconsistent scientific evidence, and Level III, consensus and expert opinion. RESULTS Evidence-based review of the literature resulted in several nonhormone options for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms. Recommended: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentin, fezolinetant (Level I); oxybutynin (Levels I-II); weight loss, stellate ganglion block (Levels II-III). Not recommended: Paced respiration (Level I); supplements/herbal remedies (Levels I-II); cooling techniques, avoiding triggers, exercise, yoga, mindfulness-based intervention, relaxation, suvorexant, soy foods and soy extracts, soy metabolite equol, cannabinoids, acupuncture, calibration of neural oscillations (Level II); chiropractic interventions, clonidine; (Levels I-III); dietary modification and pregabalin (Level III). CONCLUSION Hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and should be considered in menopausal women within 10 years of their final menstrual periods. For women who are not good candidates for hormone therapy because of contraindications (eg, estrogen-dependent cancers or cardiovascular disease) or personal preference, it is important for healthcare professionals to be well informed about nonhormone treatment options for reducing vasomotor symptoms that are supported by the evidence.
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50
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Geukes M, Anema JR, Vermeer M, van Aalst MP, Oosterhof H. Evaluation of a workplace educational intervention on menopause: A quasi-experimental study. Maturitas 2023; 174:48-56. [PMID: 37270889 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.05.005] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of a workplace educational intervention on menopause on self-efficacy regarding working during the climacteric. METHODS Quasi-experimental design, with one intervention and one control group. Women aged 40 to 67, working in one of the two participating departments of a large municipality in the Netherlands, were recruited to participate in the study. The allocation of participants to intervention or control group was done at the departmental level. The main component of the multifaceted intervention consisted of educational workshops on menopause and work. The primary outcome was score on the Self-Efficacy to Manage Symptoms Scale. Secondary outcomes were scores on other self-efficacy scales, knowledge about the menopausal transition, menopausal symptoms, beliefs and behaviours and work-related variables. Differences between groups were analysed with Pearson's chi-square, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to correct for baseline and potential confounders. RESULTS Data from 54 women were analysed, 25 in the intervention group and 29 in the control group. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the mean score on the Self-Efficacy to Manage Symptoms Scale was higher in the intervention group than in the control group: 6.52 (SD 1.45) versus 5.84 (SD 1.51), respectively, adjusted mean difference 0.75 (95 % CI 0.03-1.46, p = 0.040). The educational intervention increased self-reported knowledge (scored on the range 1-10) (adjusted mean difference 0.7, 95 % CI 0.26-1.15, p = 0.002) and resulted in a lower level of presenteeism (i.e., less impaired work performance) due to menopausal symptoms, measured by the Dutch Stanford Presenteeism Scale (adjusted mean difference 2.15, 95 % CI 0.13-4.18, p = 0.038), compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS This educational workplace intervention study shows promising positive effects on self-efficacy regarding working during the climacteric, knowledge about the menopausal transition and presenteeism due to menopausal symptoms. This is especially true for women already experiencing menopausal symptoms, while premenopausal women were harder to engage in the intervention. A larger study, with longer follow-up, preferably a randomized controlled trial, is needed to investigate the clinical relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Geukes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (ZGT), Post box 7600, 7600 SZ Almelo, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes R Anema
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Centre, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marloes Vermeer
- ZGT Academy, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (ZGT), Post box 7600, 7600 SZ Almelo, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Henk Oosterhof
- Roosevelt Kliniek, Olof Palmestraat 22, 2616 LS Delft, The Netherlands.
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