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Dubey VP, Sureja VP, Kheni DB. Efficacy evaluation of standardized Rheum rhaponticum root extract (ERr 731 ®) on symptoms of menopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. J Biomed Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38646867 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Menopause is characterized by various physical, mental and emotional symptoms. ERr 731 ® is a standardized extract from Rheum rhaponticum root and has been clinically studied for its role in reducing menopausal symptoms. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ERr 731 ® supplementation in alleviating the severity of menopausal symptoms. In this review, we searched across three online databases up to March 2023, evaluated the quality of the included studies by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and assessed the risk of bias by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We then performed a meta-analysis using RevMan software to estimate the pooled mean difference (MD). The study protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023416808). After screening and evaluation, we included four high-quality studies (a total of 390 participants; the ERr 731 ® group: 193 participants; the control group: 197 participants) in the meta-analysis. The results showed that ERr 731 ® supplementation significantly reduced the Menopause Rating Scale score (MD: -15.12; P < 0.001), compared with control therapy. Sensitivity analysis revealed no effect of individual studies on the overall pooled estimate or overall observed heterogeneity. The current review provides evidence that ERr 731 ® supplementation is effective in reducing menopause symptoms. Potential bias and high heterogeneity in the results warrant further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal P Dubey
- Department of Scientific and Medical Affairs, Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015, India
| | - Varun P Sureja
- Department of Scientific and Medical Affairs, Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015, India
| | - Dharmeshkumar B Kheni
- Department of Scientific and Medical Affairs, Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015, India
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Elavsky S, Burda M, Cipryan L, Kutáč P, Bužga M, Jandackova V, Chow SM, Jandacka D. Physical activity and menopausal symptoms: evaluating the contribution of obesity, fitness, and ambient air pollution status. Menopause 2024; 31:310-319. [PMID: 38377450 PMCID: PMC10959689 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The menopausal transition is accompanied by transient symptoms that have been linked to subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD); CVD has also been linked to air pollution. Physical activity (PA) reduces CVD, improves body composition, and can reduce menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the links between PA and menopausal symptoms and whether obesity, fitness, and air pollution status play a role in this relationship. METHODS Women (40-60 y; N = 243; mean [SD] age, 47.8 [5.6] y) from areas with high versus low air pollution enrolled in the Healthy Aging in Industrial Environment Program 4 prospective cohort study completed psychological, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and menopausal status screening followed by a 14-day prospective assessment of menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale) using a mobile application. Daily PA was assessed objectively across 14 days via Fitbit Charge 3 monitor. General linear mixed models were conducted and controlled for age, menopausal status, day in the study, wear time, and neuroticism. RESULTS Peri/postmenopausal women ( β = 0.43, P < 0.001) and those residing in a high-air-pollution environment ( β = 0.45, P < 0.05) reported more somatovegetative symptoms. Hot flashes alone were associated with peri/postmenopausal status ( β = 0.45, P < 0.001), and for women residing in a high-air-pollution environment, lower reporting of hot flashes was observed on days when a woman was more physically active than usual ( β = -0.15, P < 0.001). No associations were found for cardiorespiratory fitness and visceral fat with any of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS PA may enhance resilience to hot flashes, especially when residing in high-air-pollution environments where we also observed higher reporting of somatovegetative menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steriani Elavsky
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Burda
- Institute for Research and Applications of Fuzzy Modeling, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic IT4Innovations
| | - Lukáš Cipryan
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kutáč
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Bužga
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Jandackova
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Sy-Miin Chow
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, USA
| | - Daniel Jandacka
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
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Zong Y, Mao T, Yao P, Liang J, Lai Y, Chen Z, Chen S, Huang L, Guo Y, Zhu M, Zhao J, Liu Y, Li Y, Guo K, Tang H, Ke X, Zhou Y. Effects of Guizhi and Erxian Decoction on menopausal hot flashes: insights from the gut microbiome and metabolic profiles. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae016. [PMID: 38253409 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the influence of GED on the gut microbiota and metabolites using a bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. We tried to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of GED in the treatment of menopausal hot flashes. METHODS AND RESULTS 16S rRNA sequencing, metabonomics, molecular biological analysis, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms by which GED regulates the gut microbiota. GED significantly reduced OVX-induced hot flashes and improved disturbances in the gut microbiota metabolites. Moreover, FMT validated that the gut microbiota can trigger hot flashes, while GED can alleviate hot flash symptoms by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Specifically, GED upregulated the abundance of Blautia, thereby increasing l(+)-ornithine levels for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes. Additionally, GED affected endothelial nitric oxide synthase and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels in the hypothalamic preoptic area by changing the gut microbiota composition. CONCLUSIONS Our study illuminated the underlying mechanisms by which GED attenuated the hot flashes through modulation of the gut microbiota and explored the regulatory role of the gut microbiota on HSP70 expression in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus, thereby establishing a foundation for further exploration of the role of the gut-brain axis in hot flashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zong
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Ting Mao
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Peixun Yao
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Jingtao Liang
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Yawei Lai
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Zhenyue Chen
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Siyang Chen
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Lei Huang
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Yong Guo
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Min Zhu
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Jingbing Zhao
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Yaqian Liu
- Gynecology, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Dongguan 523057, China
| | - Yanfang Li
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Kaixin Guo
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Hui Tang
- The First Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510403, China
| | - Xuehong Ke
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, China
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Snyder M, Elkins GR. Characteristics of Users of a Digital Hypnotherapy Intervention for Hot Flashes: Retrospective Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e53555. [PMID: 38483465 PMCID: PMC10979336 DOI: 10.2196/53555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hot flashes are associated with a lower quality of life and sleep disturbances. Given the many consequences of hot flashes, it is important to find treatments to reduce them. Hypnotherapy, the use of hypnosis for a medical disorder or concern, has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in reducing hot flashes, but it is not routinely used in clinical practice. One solution to close this implementation gap is to administer hypnotherapy for hot flashes via a smartphone app. Evia is a smartphone app that delivers hypnotherapy for hot flashes. Evia has made hypnotherapy more widely accessible for women who are experiencing hot flashes; however, the app has yet to undergo empirical testing. Additionally, research on user characteristics is lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aims to (1) determine the average age, stage of menopause, and length of menopause symptoms for users of the Evia app; (2) determine the characteristics of hot flashes and night sweats for users of the Evia app; (3) determine the self-reported sleep quality of users of the Evia app; (4) determine the self-reported mental health of users of the Evia app; and (5) determine the relationship between hot flash frequency and anxiety and depression for users of the Evia app. METHODS This study analyzed data collected from participants who have downloaded the Evia app. Data were collected at 1 time point from a self-report questionnaire that assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of users. The questionnaire was given to users when they downloaded the Evia app. Users of the Evia app fill out a questionnaire upon enrolling in the program and prior to beginning the intervention. This included 9764 users. RESULTS Results showed that the mean age of users was 49.31 years. A total of 41.6% (1942/4665) of users reported experiencing 5 or more hot flashes per day, while 51.2% (1473/2877) of users reported having difficulty falling asleep each night and 47.7% (1253/2626) of users reported their sleep quality to be terrible. In addition, 38.4% (1104/2877) of users reported that they often feel anxious or depressed. There was a small, significant, and negative correlation between hot flash frequency and self-report frequency of anxiety and depression (r=-0.09). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the average age of app users is in line with the median age of natural menopause. A large percentage of users reported experiencing 5 or more hot flashes per day, reported difficulties with sleep, and reported experiencing depression and anxiety. These findings are in line with previous studies that assessed hot flash frequency and the consequences of hot flashes. This was the first study to report on the characteristics of users of the Evia app. Results will be used to optimize the hypnotherapy program delivered via the Evia app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Snyder
- 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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Drugs for menopausal symptoms. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2024; 66:33-8. [PMID: 38412276 DOI: 10.58347/tml.2024.1697a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
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Thurston RC, Maki P, Chang Y, Wu M, Aizenstein HJ, Derby CA, Karikari TK. Menopausal vasomotor symptoms and plasma Alzheimer disease biomarkers. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:342.e1-342.e8. [PMID: 37939982 PMCID: PMC10939914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying risk factors for Alzheimer disease in women is important as women compose two-thirds of individuals with Alzheimer disease. Previous work links vasomotor symptoms, the cardinal menopausal symptom, with poor memory performance and alterations in brain structure, function, and connectivity. These associations are evident when vasomotor symptoms are monitored objectively with ambulatory skin conductance monitors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether vasomotor symptoms are associated with Alzheimer disease biomarkers. STUDY DESIGN Between 2017 and 2020, the MsBrain study enrolled 274 community-dwelling women aged 45 to 67 years who had a uterus and at least 1 ovary and were late perimenopausal or postmenopausal status. The key exclusion criteria included neurologic disorder, surgical menopause, and recent use of hormonal or nonhormonal vasomotor symptom treatment. Women underwent 24 hours of ambulatory skin conductance monitoring to assess vasomotor symptoms. Plasma concentrations of Alzheimer disease biomarkers, including amyloid β 42-to-amyloid β 40 ratio, phosphorylated tau (181 and 231), glial fibrillary acidic protein, and neurofilament light, were measured using a single-molecule array (Simoa) technology. Associations between vasomotor symptoms and Alzheimer disease biomarkers were assessed via linear regression models adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, education, body mass index, and apolipoprotein E4 status. Additional models adjusted for estradiol and sleep. RESULTS A total of 248 (mean age, 59.06 years; 81% White; 99% postmenopausal status) of enrolled MsBrain participants contributed data. Objectively assessed vasomotor symptoms occurring during sleep were associated with significantly lower amyloid β 42/amyloid β 40, (beta, -.0010 [standard error, .0004]; P=.018; multivariable), suggestive of greater brain amyloid β pathology. The findings remained significant after additional adjustments for estradiol and sleep. CONCLUSION Nighttime vasomotor symptoms may be a marker of women at risk of Alzheimer disease. It is yet unknown if these associations are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Thurston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Pauline Maki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Yuefang Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Minjie Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Carol A Derby
- Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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Shah S, Pepin A, Jatar S, Hsueh J, Gallagher L, Danner MT, Zwart A, Ayoob M, Yung TM, Kumar D, Aghdam N, Leger PD, Dawson NA, Simeng S, Collins SP. Bothersome Hot Flashes Following Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer. Cureus 2024; 16:e55729. [PMID: 38586683 PMCID: PMC10998655 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves local cancer control in unfavorable localized prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy. ADT is known to cause hormonally related symptoms that resolve with testosterone recovery. Hot flashes are particularly burdensome. This study sought to evaluate the timeline of hot flashes following short-course ADT and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as well as its relationship with testosterone recovery. METHODS Institutional IRB approval was obtained for this retrospective review of prospectively collected data (IRB#: 2009-510). ADT was initiated three months prior to the start of SBRT. Hot flashes were self-reported via question 13a of the Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC)-26 prior to ADT initiation, the first day of robotic SBRT, and at each follow-up (one, three, six, nine, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months). The responses were grouped into three relevant categories (no problem, very small-small problem, and moderate-big problem). Scores were transformed to a 0-100 scale with higher scores reflecting less bother. Testosterone levels were measured at each follow-up. RESULTS From 2007 to 2010, 122 localized prostate cancer patients (nine low-, 64 intermediate-, and 49 high-risk according to the D'Amico classification) at a median age of 72 years (range 54.5-88.3) were treated with short course ADT (three to six months) and SBRT (35-36.25 Gy) at Georgetown University Hospital. Thirty-two percent were Black and 27% were obese. Seventy-seven percent of patients received three months of ADT. At baseline, 2% of men experienced hot flashes that were a "moderate to big problem" and that proportion peaked at the start of SBRT (45%) before returning to baseline (2%) nine months post-SBRT with a cumulative incidence of 52.4%. The median baseline EPIC-26 hot flash score of 94 declined to 50 at the start of SBRT but this returned to baseline (92) by six months post SBRT. These changes were both statistically and clinically significant (MID = 9.5083, p<0.01). Testosterone recovery (> 230 ng/dL) occurred in approximately 70% of patients by 12 months post SBRT. Resolution of hot flashes correlated with testosterone recovery. CONCLUSION Bothersome hot flashes occur in greater than 50% of men treated with neoadjuvant ADT. Resolution of hot flashes occurs in the majority of patients within one year after treatment. Reassurance of the temporary nature of hot flashes may assist in reducing patient anxiety. Measuring testosterone levels at follow-up visits may allow for anticipatory counseling that may limit the associated bother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Shah
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Abigail Pepin
- Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Simran Jatar
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica Hsueh
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsey Gallagher
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Malika T Danner
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Alan Zwart
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Marilyn Ayoob
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas M Yung
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Medicine, Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, USA
| | - Nima Aghdam
- Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Paul D Leger
- Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Nancy A Dawson
- Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Suy Simeng
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Sean P Collins
- Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
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Kim C, Schreiner PJ, Yin Z, Whitney R, Sidney S, Ebong I, Levine DA. Migraines, vasomotor symptoms, and cardiovascular disease in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Menopause 2024; 31:202-208. [PMID: 38350045 PMCID: PMC10940187 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and migraine headaches, hypothesized to be vasoactive conditions, are associated with greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events including strokes. METHODS We performed a secondary data analysis of a subset of women (n = 1,954) in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a population-based cohort, which began data collection at 18 to 30 y of age. We examined whether migraine headaches and VMS trajectories (characterized as minimal, increasing, and persistent) at CARDIA year 15 examination were associated with higher risk of CVD events and stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic) using Cox proportional hazards regression models and adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors (age, cigarette use, and levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, high- and low-density cholesterol, and triglycerides) and reproductive factors. RESULTS Among women with minimal VMS (n = 835), increasing VMS (n = 521), and persistent VMS (n = 598), there were 81 incident CVD events including 42 strokes. Women with histories of migraine and persistent VMS had greater risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.25; 95% CI, 1.15-4.38) after adjustment for age, race, estrogen use, oophorectomy, and hysterectomy compared with women without migraine histories and with minimal/increasing VMS. After adjustment for CVD risk factors, these associations were attenuated (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.73-3.10). Similarly, women with histories of migraine and persistent VMS had greater risk of stroke (HR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.35-7.34), but these associations were attenuated after adjustment for CVD risk factors (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.66-4.38). CONCLUSIONS Migraines and persistent VMS jointly associate with greater risk for CVD and stroke, although risk is attenuated with adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kim
- Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Pamela J. Schreiner
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zhe Yin
- Department of Biostatistics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Rachael Whitney
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephen Sidney
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Imo Ebong
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
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Forma E, Urbańska K, Bryś M. Menopause Hot Flashes and Molecular Mechanisms Modulated by Food-Derived Nutrients. Nutrients 2024; 16:655. [PMID: 38474783 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The causes of vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes, are not fully understood, may be related to molecular factors, and have a polygenic architecture. Nutrients and bioactive molecules supplied to the body with food are metabolized using various enzymatic pathways. They can induce molecular cell signaling pathways and, consequently, activate effector proteins that modulate processes related to hot flashes in menopausal women. In this review, we analyzed the literature data from the last 5 years, especially regarding genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, and selected molecular factors and cell signaling pathways that may potentially be related to hot flashes in women. These are the kisspeptin-GnRH pathway, adipocyte-derived hormones, aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, catechol estrogens and estrogen sulfotransferase, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and glucose availability. Then, single compounds or groups of food ingredients were selected that, according to experimental data, influence the course of the discussed molecular pathways and thus can be considered as potential natural therapeutic agents to effectively reduce the troublesome symptoms of menopause in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Forma
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karina Urbańska
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bryś
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Javernick JA. A Novel Nonhormonal Treatment for Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause. Nurs Womens Health 2024; 28:80-84. [PMID: 38161058 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause, more commonly called hot flashes and night sweats, affect up to 80% of individuals going through the menopausal transition. Hormone therapy with estrogen and often progesterone is the most effective treatment for these symptoms. Many people, however, cannot take estrogen or do not want to take hormones. Many individuals seek nonhormonal, over-the-counter treatment options that have little safety and efficacy information to support their use. In March 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved fezolinetant (Veozah), a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms of menopause. This article presents an overview of fezolinetant, including appropriate usage, adverse effects, its use in special populations, and implications for nursing practice.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Soecknick S. Stellate ganglion block with procaine in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes and sleep disturbances undergoing Endocrine Therapy. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36848. [PMID: 38215092 PMCID: PMC10783302 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer survivors under endocrine therapy (ET) suffer from side effects such as hot flashes and sleep disturbance accompanied by poor quality of life. Many quit ET early and reduce their survival rate. Guidelines recommend gabapentin next to yoga or acupuncture. The role of side effects related to compliance with ET over years require new and effective therapies. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has shown evidence of safety and efficacy and was found to be more effective than pregabalin without side effects. However, practical guidelines for the long-term use of SGB are still missing. We primarily used procaine instead of bupivacaine presuming effectiveness paired with lower toxic risks. Twenty-nine breast cancer survivors with severe hot flashes and sleep disturbance under ET received SGB with Procaine. Diaries recorded hot flashes and sleep quality scores up to week 24. All patients took part and none refused SGB. Each Patient received one SGB every 4 weeks without any side effects observed. Weekly scores were reduced from baseline by -33.6% (P < .01) (hot flashes) and -22.3% (P < .01) (sleep disturbances) after 4, and by -58.8% (P < .01) (hot flashes) and -50.8% (P < .01) (sleep disturbances) after twenty-for weeks. A wavelike reduction indicated a limited effect of a single SGB during continuous ET. We showed, that procaine in SGB is as effective as bupivacaine with lower risks and costs. High significant reductions in hot flashes and sleep disturbances after 1 and 6 months were found. We conclude that breast cancer survivors need individual treatment with SGB due to her personal impact. Hence, SGB should find its way to guidelines and daily routines as a valuable method for treating side effects in breast cancer survivors undergoing ET.
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Moeini R, Shirafkan H, Gorji N. Pomegranate effects on the health aspects of women during peri- and postmenopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2024; 38:368-383. [PMID: 37929766 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Pomegranate is widely used to preserve human health and help prevent many kinds of diseases. This study aims to review and assess the effects of pomegranate on women's health during and after menopause. PubMed, Web of science, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to the end of 2022 with no language or study type restriction. All types of clinical research studies (randomized clinical trial [RCT], pre-post, case report, and case series) were included. The Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool was used for quality assessment of RCTs. A summary of intervention's effects for each study was provided by calculating standardized mean differences and accompanying 95% confidence interval using random effect model. Weighted mean differences and heterogeneity between studies were assessed using Hedges's method and Cochran's Q test, respectively. Pomegranate can significantly improve hot flashes severity and menopause symptoms and decrease FSH. It significantly improves high-density lipoprotein but not low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, and weight. Most of our results are inconclusive, and the small sample sizes and the lack of blinding and randomization have led to an increased risk of bias. Pomegranate can decrease menopause symptoms, but more well-designed studies, with bigger sample sizes are needed to establish its other clinical benefits for menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Moeini
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hoda Shirafkan
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Narjes Gorji
- Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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15
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Rahman UA, Kashif TB, Usman M, Rana M, Hasanain M, Anjum MU, Cheema HA, Jaffar H, Bhattarai P. Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant, a neurokinin-3 antagonist, in treating vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36592. [PMID: 38115258 PMCID: PMC10727556 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause causes a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. While menopausal hormonal therapy has been used for managing postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) for quite a while, it has a considerably poor safety profile. OBJECTIVE To review and analyze existing data to evaluate the efficacy of the neurokinin-3 antagonist, fezolinetant, in treating postmenopausal VMS and to assess its safety profile. METHODS A thorough literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020, to find publications on the efficacy of fezolinetant for postmenopausal VMS. Changes in the frequency and severity scores of moderate/severe VMS and changes in the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS), Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) were the efficacy outcomes. Adverse events, drug-related treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs), drug-related dropouts, hepatotoxicity, endometrial hyperplasia or tumor, and uterine bleeding were all safety outcomes. We used Review Manager 5.4 for pooling risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. A P value of < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in mean daily VMS frequency at weeks 4 and 12 (MD, -2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.85 to -1.87; P < .00001, for week 12) and also a significant decrease in VMS severity scores in the treatment group. Furthermore, improvements in MENQoL, HFRDIS, and GCS scores were observed. There was no significant difference in adverse events while drug-related TEAEs (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.90-1.63; P = .21) showed a slight increase with fezolinetant. Drug-related dropouts were again similar across the 2 groups. Uterine bleeding had a lower incidence while endometrial events and hepatotoxicity showed a statistically insignificant, increasing trend in the fezolinetant group. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Fezolinetant can be a treatment option for postmenopausal VMS but warns of a risk increase in endometrial hyperplasia or tumors. The heterogeneity in the data being analyzed, short follow-up period, and small sample size in most of the included randomized controlled trials were the greatest limitations, which must be considered in further research and safety profile exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummi Aiman Rahman
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Talha Bin Kashif
- Department of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maham Rana
- Department of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hasanain
- Department of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair Anjum
- Department of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Huda Jaffar
- Department of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Pratik Bhattarai
- Department of Medicine, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal
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Davis SR, Taylor S, Hemachandra C, Magraith K, Ebeling PR, Jane F, Islam RM. The 2023 Practitioner's Toolkit for Managing Menopause. Climacteric 2023; 26:517-536. [PMID: 37902335 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2258783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Practitioner's Toolkit for Managing the Menopause, developed in 2014, provided an accessible desk-top tool for health-care practitioners caring for women at midlife. To ensure the Toolkit algorithms and supporting information reflect current best practice, the Toolkit has been revised in accordance with the published literature. METHODS A systematic search for guidelines, position and consensus statements pertaining to the menopause and published after 2014 was undertaken, and key recommendations extracted from the Clinical Practice Guidelines determined to be the most robust by formal evaluation. The peer-reviewed literature was further searched for identified information gaps. RESULTS The revised Toolkit provides algorithms that guide the clinical assessment and care of women relevant to menopause. Included are the reasons why women present, information that should be ascertained, issues that may influence shared decision-making and algorithms that assist with determination of menopausal status, menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal treatment options for symptom relief. As clear guidelines regarding when MHT might be indicated to prevent bone loss and subsequent osteoporosis in asymptomatic women were found to be lacking, the Toolkit has been expanded to support shared decision-making regarding bone health. CONCLUSIONS The 2023 Toolkit and supporting document provide accessible desk-top information to support health-care providers caring for women at midlife.The Toolkit has been endorsed by the International Menopause Society, Australasian Menopause Society, British Menopause Society, Endocrine Society of Australia and Jean hailes for Women's Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - S Taylor
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - C Hemachandra
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - K Magraith
- Cascade Road General Practice, TAS, Australia
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - P R Ebeling
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - F Jane
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R M Islam
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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18
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Iqbal AZ, Wu SK, Zailani H, Chiu WC, Liu WC, Su KP, Lee SD. Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake on Vasomotor Symptoms, Sleep Quality and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4231. [PMID: 37836515 PMCID: PMC10574492 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The menopausal transition is often accompanied with distressing manifestations, such as vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruptions, and depressive syndrome. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have emerged as a potential intervention to alleviate these symptoms. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of n-3 PUFAs supplementation on vasomotor symptoms, sleep quality, and depression among postmenopausal women. We conducted a systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials across the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases from inception to August 2023. Among the initial pool of 163 identified studies, nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into this systematic review. Notably, four studies detected potential benefits of n-3 PUFAs in improving hot flashes and night sweats. On the contrary, sleep quality outcomes displayed heterogeneity across the studies. Incorporating diverse scales, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-21, the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 for depression outcomes, we found inconclusive evidence of n-3 PUFA's impact on depression. Overall, the combined analysis of these studies did not provide substantial evidence to support the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs in improving vasomotor symptoms, sleep quality, and depression. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials with larger participant groups are crucial to validate and generalize these results. Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no: CRD42023421922.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Zafar Iqbal
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (A.Z.I.); (S.-K.W.); (H.Z.)
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Suet-Kei Wu
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (A.Z.I.); (S.-K.W.); (H.Z.)
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Halliru Zailani
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (A.Z.I.); (S.-K.W.); (H.Z.)
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei 242, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan;
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Healthcare Science, Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Shigehara K, Izumi K, Nakashima K, Kawaguchi S, Nohara T, Kadono Y, Mizokami A. Efficacy of keishibukuryogan for hot flashes in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy: a sub-analysis focusing on hormonal and cytokine levels. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:1273-1282. [PMID: 37680217 PMCID: PMC10481189 DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current study attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of keishibukuryogan (TJ-25) efficacy by focusing on hormonal and cytokine levels. This is a sub-analysis of serum hormonal and cytokine levels extracted from the single-arm prospective study. Methods Twenty-five participants were administrated TJ-25 at a dose of 2.5 g three times daily for 12 weeks, and competed for a diary of their hot flashes conditions. Various hormonal and cytokine values, including interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were measured at the baseline and 12-week visits. The correlation of hot flashes with hormonal and cytokine levels at baseline was investigated. As part of the responder analyses, all participants were divided into two groups based on the median baseline values of all hormones and cytokines at baseline, and the change amounts in strength and frequency of hot flashes from baseline to 12-week visits in both groups were compared. Furthermore, a correlation in change amounts (Δ values) by TJ-25 administration between hot flashes and each parameter was also conducted. Results Hot flashes intensity was inversely related to estradiol levels (r=-0.433, P=0.019), and frequency was inversely related to progesterone levels (r=-0.415, P=0.025). In the responder analyses, the effectiveness of TJ-25 for hot flash strength increased in the patients with higher levels of TNF-α at baseline (P=0.0372). TJ-25 was more efficient in frequency in the patients with higher levels of IL-8 (P=0.0312). TJ-25 efficacy, on the other hand, was not significantly associated with changes in any hormonal or cytokine levels between the baseline and 12-week visits. However, ΔIL-8 and ΔTNF-α were not significantly correlated with Δstrength and Δfrequency of hot flashes by TJ-25 administration. Conclusions Hot flashes were inversely correlated with estradiol and progesterone levels. TJ-25 was more effective in patients with higher TNF-α and IL-8 levels, with no significant change in serum levels caused by the treatment. The suggestive mechanism for the effects of keishibukuryogan is that this drug doesn't suppress the production of IL-8 and TNF-α, but may inhibit some actions of these cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kazufumi Nakashima
- Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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Sievert LL, Sharmeen T, Begum K, Muttukrishna S, Chowdhury O, Bentley GR. Frequency of Phytoestrogen Consumption and Symptoms at Midlife among Bangladeshis in Bangladesh and London. Nutrients 2023; 15:3676. [PMID: 37686708 PMCID: PMC10490262 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a longstanding interest in the relationship between diet and hot flash symptoms during midlife, especially in whether phytoestrogens ease menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness in relation to the intake of foods rich in phytoestrogens among Bangladeshi women aged 35 to 59 years who were living either in Sylhet, Bangladesh (n = 157) or as migrants in London (n = 174). Consumption ranges for phytoestrogens were constructed from food frequencies. We hypothesized that diets rich in isoflavones, lignans, and coumestrol would be associated with lower symptom frequencies. However, adjusted logistic regression results showed that with each incremental increase in general phytoestrogen consumption (scale of 0 to 10), the likelihood of hot flashes increased by 1.4%. Each incremental increase in lignan consumption raised the likelihood of hot flashes by 1.6%. In contrast, the odds of vaginal dryness decreased by 2%, with each incremental increase in phytoestrogen and lignan consumption, and by 4%, with each incremental increase in isoflavone consumption. Night sweats and trouble sleeping were not associated with phytoestrogen intake in logistic regressions. Our findings add to the conflicting data on relationships between phytoestrogens and symptoms associated with menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taniya Sharmeen
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Khurshida Begum
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Shanthi Muttukrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, T12 E7WX Cork, Ireland
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Zak R, Zitser J, Jones HJ, Gilliss CL, Lee KA. Sleep symptoms signaling the menopausal transition. J Clin Sleep Med 2023; 19:1513-1521. [PMID: 37086049 PMCID: PMC10394374 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To describe changes in sleep quality and associated sleep symptoms as women begin menopausal transition compared with premenopausal controls. METHODS In a repeated-measures design, we analyzed data collected every 2-6 months from a community-based sample of 223 women aged 40-50 (45.6 ± 2.3) years old over a 2-year period. Each 6-month visit included urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as a marker of ovarian function and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and other questionnaires (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale; Perceived Stress Scale). Menstrual cycle and vasomotor symptoms (Seattle Women's Health Symptom Checklist) were tracked every 2 months by phone. For women entering menopausal transition (n = 68) we used data from the two consecutive visits prior to their FSH rise and the next two visits. Data from the last four consecutive visits were used for controls remaining premenopausal (n = 155). RESULTS The transition group did not differ from controls on age, vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats), stress, or depression but did have a higher body mass index. Measures were stable over time for controls. However, the transition group experienced an increase in PSQI scores (initial PSQI = 5.7 ± 3.2 and final PSQI = 6.3 ± 3.8; P = .030) and frequency of trouble sleeping because of feeling too hot (P = .016), which lagged the FSH rise by 6 months with no notable change in report of hot flashes/night sweats. CONCLUSIONS Trouble sleeping because of feeling too hot, distinct from awareness of vasomotor symptoms, was the only uniform contribution to higher PSQI scores after the initial FSH increase and may signal the onset of the menopausal transition. CITATION Zak R, Zitser J, Jones HJ, Gilliss CL, Lee KA. Sleep symptoms signaling the menopausal transition. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(8):1513-1521.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Zak
- Sleep Disorders Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer Zitser
- Global Brain Health Institute, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Holly J. Jones
- The Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, and Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Catherine L. Gilliss
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kathryn A. Lee
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Myers JS, Siengsukon C, Sherman J, Shen X, Ptomey LT, Montgomery R, Bock K, Rice A, Parker WP, Maliski S. Androgen Deprivation and Sleep Disturbance: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study of Remote Assessment and Intervention. Cancer Nurs 2023; 46:259-269. [PMID: 35439217 PMCID: PMC9582038 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC) are at risk for cardiovascular comorbidities and cognitive changes. Interventional research involves in-person assessment of physical fitness/activity and cognitive function, which has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Androgen deprivation therapy-related hot flashes and nocturia increase risk for insomnia. Insomnia is associated with fatigue and may exacerbate ADT-related cognitive changes. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this mixed-methods pilot was to (1) determine feasibility/acceptability of remotely assessing physical fitness/activity, cognitive function, and sleep; (2) deliver telehealth cognitive behavioral training for insomnia (teleCBT-I) to improve sleep; and (3) garner qualitative feedback to refine remote procedures and teleCBT-I content. METHODS Fifteen men with PC receiving ADT completed a 4-week teleCBT-I intervention. Videoconferencing was used to complete study assessments and deliver the weekly teleCBT-I intervention. RESULTS Self-report of sleep quality improved ( P < .001) as did hot flash frequency ( P = .04) and bother ( P = .025). Minimal clinically important differences were detected for changes in insomnia severity and sleep quality. All sleep logs indicated improvement in sleep efficiency. Remote assessment of fitness/cognitive function was demonstrated for 100% of participants. Sufficient actigraph wear time allowed physical activity/sleep assessment for 80%. Sleep actigraphy did not demonstrate significant changes. CONCLUSIONS Remote monitoring and teleCBT-I are feasible/acceptable to men with PC on ADT. Further research to confirm teleCBT-I efficacy is warranted in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Preliminary efficacy for teleCBT-I interventions was demonstrated. Remote assessments of physical fitness/activity, sleep, and cognitive function may enhance clinical trial access for rural or economically disadvantaged PC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie S Myers
- Author Affiliations: University of Kansas School of Nursing (Drs Myers and Maliski); and Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Training (Dr Siengsukon and Ms Bock), Department of Internal Medicine (Mr Sherman, Dr Ptomey, and Ms Rice), Department of Radiation Oncology (Dr Shen), Biostatistics and Data Science (Dr Montgomery), and Urologic Surgery (Dr Parker), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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28
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29
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Carson MY, Thurston RC. Vasomotor symptoms and their links to cardiovascular disease risk. Curr Opin Endocr Metab Res 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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30
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Baker FC. Optimizing sleep across the menopausal transition. Climacteric 2023; 26:198-205. [PMID: 37011660 PMCID: PMC10416747 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2173569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Women frequently experience sleep disturbances, particularly night-time awakenings, as they transition menopause and enter postmenopause. Sleep is essential for optimal functioning and health. Persistent and distressing sleep disturbances across menopause can negatively impact daytime functioning and productivity, and increase risk for mental and physical health conditions. While multiple factors can disturb sleep, two unique factors in the context of menopause are vasomotor symptoms and the changing reproductive hormone environment. Vasomotor symptoms are associated with sleep disturbances and contribute significantly to awakenings and amount of time spent awake during the night. Even after accounting for vasomotor and depressive symptoms, lower estradiol and higher follicle stimulating hormone levels, indicative of menopause, are associated with sleep disturbance, particularly awakenings, suggesting that the hormone environment may directly affect sleep. Management strategies for clinically significant menopausal sleep disturbances include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, which is effective and durable in treating menopausal insomnia. Hormone therapy alleviates sleep disturbances, particularly in the presence of disruptive vasomotor symptoms. Sleep disturbances have a significant impact on women's functioning and health, and there is a need for further research of the underlying mechanisms to advance effective preventative and treatment strategies that ensure optimal health and well-being of midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Baker
- Center for Health Sciences and Human Sleep Research Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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31
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Kazama M, Terauchi M, Odai T, Kato K, Miyasaka N. Associations of fat mass index with hot flashes and lean mass index with insomnia in middle-aged women. Climacteric 2023; 26:161-166. [PMID: 36779531 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2173566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between body composition and physical and mental symptom severity in middle-aged women. METHODS The first-visit records of 554 women aged 40-64 years were examined. The fat mass index (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI) were defined as fat mass and lean mass divided by the height squared, respectively. The participants were divided into two groups according to their median values. RESULTS The only menopausal symptom with significantly different severity between the high and low FMI groups was hot flashes (HF) on the Menopausal Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. The factors associated with severe HF were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. After adjusting, the FMI (kg/m2) was independently positively associated with severe HF (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.15). Insomnia was the only menopausal symptom with significantly different severity between the LMI groups (defined as Athens Insomnia Scale score ≥10 points). The factors associated with moderate-to-severe insomnia were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. After adjusting, the LMI (kg/m2) was independently negatively associated with moderate-to-severe insomnia (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.94). CONCLUSIONS The FMI was positively associated with severe HF, whereas the LMI was negatively associated with moderate-to-severe insomnia in middle-aged women.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kazama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Terauchi
- Department of Women's Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Odai
- Department of Women's Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Kato
- Department of Women's Health, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Miyasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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32
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Mahon SM, Kaplan M, Esch M, Schadewald DM. Response to "Treatment-Induced Ovarian Insufficiency and Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors". Clin J Oncol Nurs 2023; 27:111-112. [PMID: 37677840 DOI: 10.1188/23.cjon.111-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
We thank Esch and Schadewald (2023) for their excellent article, "Treatment-Induced Ovarian Insufficiency and Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors," which described the many symptoms that can occur subsequent to tre.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marloe Esch
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE Hot flashes (HFs) are a prevalent feature of menopause. Hot flashes can be bothersome and affect quality of life. However, HFs have also been associated with the risk for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, providing current evidence on the effect of therapies to reduce HFs can help patients and providers with decision making. This review provides details on the scientific evidence to date related to the effect of physical activity (PA) and exercise to alter the HF experience in women. METHODS The PubMed database was searched between June 2020 and June 2022 for currently available evidence regarding the relation between PA and exercise and HFs. Our analysis included randomized control trials on exercise training, epidemiological studies, and studies evaluating acute exercise on the self-reported and objectively measured HF experience in addition to systematic reviews on the topic published as of June 2022. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The majority of evidence from randomized control trials indicates that aerobic and resistance exercise training lead to a decrease in subjectively experienced HFs. The limited available studies on acute exercise indicate that a bout of moderate-intensity exercise may decrease objectively measured and self-reported HFs but acute increases in PA intensity above accustomed levels may influence subjective HF experience. Some evidence suggests that for those with depression, habitual PA may be an effective way to reduce HF symptoms. Weighing the available evidence, for people who experience HFs, engaging in regular moderate-intensity PA, including aerobic and resistance exercise, may be an effective therapy to reduce HFs and women should be counseled on the benefits of regular, moderate exercise. However, significant gaps in knowledge remain about the optimal exercise prescription, effectiveness for a diverse population, meaning of differences between objective and subjective experience, and mechanisms that lead to changes in HFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Witkowski
- Department of Exercise & Sport Studies, Smith College, Northampton, MA
| | - Rose Evard
- Department of Exercise & Sport Studies, Smith College, Northampton, MA
| | | | - Quinn White
- Department of Exercise & Sport Studies, Smith College, Northampton, MA
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Abstract
Peripheral nerve blocks are becoming increasingly used as adjunctive treatment modalities for a variety of conditions refractory to medical management. Right or left stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) are a specific type of peripheral nerve block that target the sympathetic blockade of neuronal impulses using the injection of local anesthetic and steroids into nerve bundles in the cervical area. This review article is intended to summarize the common uses of stellate ganglion blocks and explain the procedural technique, which has evolved with technological advances in ultrasonography. The similarities between these disease processes are centered around sympathetic hyperactivity. This sympathetic overdrive state is created by increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), which causes a cascade of sympathetic sprouting resulting in increased norepinephrine (NE) systemically. Reversal of this cascade by local anesthetic injection into the stellate ganglion thereby reduces NGF and sympathetic sprouting subsequently lowering overall norepinephrine levels. This is the unifying theory by which SGB is able to provide resolution for the varied clinical conditions described in this article. This review article discusses the physiology of several conditions where stellate ganglion blocks are being investigated as an adjunct treatment modality, including anosmia, PTSD, long-COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, menopausal hot flashes, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Overall, the current literature supporting the use of stellate ganglion blocks for several esoteric conditions is limited; however, case reports to date have shown promising evidence-based results supporting their use as an adjunctive treatment among patients with refractory symptoms to existing treatment algorithms. In conclusion, SGB should be considered among patients with refractory symptoms for medical management in the conditions discussed in this article. Further research is needed to delineate which patients will benefit from the use of SGB, the use of subsequent blocks and timelines in between injections, and unilateral versus bilateral blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mashfee H Khan
- Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Yi Deng
- Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Krishna B Shah
- Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Scime NV, Shea AK, Faris P, Brennand EA. Impact of lifetime lactation on the risk and duration of frequent vasomotor symptoms: A longitudinal dose-response analysis. BJOG 2023; 130:89-98. [PMID: 35993429 PMCID: PMC9729369 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between lifetime lactation and risk and duration of frequent vasomotor symptoms (VMS). DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING USA, 1995-2008. SAMPLE 2356 parous midlife women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. METHODS Lifetime lactation was defined as the duration of breastfeeding across all births in months. We used generalised estimating equations to analyse risk of frequent VMS and Cox regression to analyse duration of frequent VMS in years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequent VMS (hot flashes and night sweats) were measured annually for 10 years, defined as occurring ≥6 days in the past 2 weeks. RESULTS Overall, 57.1% of women reported hot flashes and 43.0% reported night sweats during follow-up. Lifetime lactation was inversely associated with hot flashes plateauing at 12 months of breastfeeding (6 months: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-0.96; 12 months: AOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.93) and was inversely associated with night sweats in a downward linear fashion (6 months: AOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.08; 18 months: AOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67-1.02; 30 months: AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.97). Lifetime lactation was associated with shorter duration of hot flashes and night sweats in a quadratic (bell-shaped) fashion. The association was strongest at 12-18 months of breastfeeding and significant for hot flashes (6 months: adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.11-1.65; 18 months: AHR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.03; 30 months: AHR 1.18, 95% CI 0.83-1.68). CONCLUSIONS Longer lifetime lactation is associated with decreased risk and duration of frequent VMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V. Scime
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alison K. Shea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Faris
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Data & Analytics, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Erin A. Brennand
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Barnard ND, Kahleova H, Holtz DN, Znayenko-Miller T, Sutton M, Holubkov R, Zhao X, Galandi S, Setchell KDR. A dietary intervention for vasomotor symptoms of menopause: a randomized, controlled trial. Menopause 2023; 30:80-7. [PMID: 36253903 DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms disrupt quality of life. This study tested the effects of a dietary intervention on vasomotor symptoms and menopause-related quality of life. METHODS Postmenopausal women (n = 84) reporting at least two moderate-to-severe hot flashes daily were randomly assigned, in two successive cohorts, to an intervention including a low-fat, vegan diet and cooked soybeans (½ cup [86 g] daily) or to a control group making no dietary changes. During a 12-week period, a mobile application was used to record hot flashes (frequency and severity), and vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms were assessed with the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Between-group differences were assessed for continuous ( t tests) and binary ( χ2 /McNemar tests) outcomes. In a study subsample, urinary equol was measured after the consumption of ½ cup (86 g) of cooked whole soybeans twice daily for 3 days. RESULTS In the intervention group, moderate-to-severe hot flashes decreased by 88% ( P < 0.001) compared with 34% for the control group ( P < 0.001; between-group P < 0.001). At 12 weeks, 50% of completers in the intervention group reported no moderate-to-severe hot flashes at all. Among controls, there was no change in this variable from baseline ( χ2 test, P < 0.001). Neither seasonality nor equol production status was associated with the degree of improvement. The intervention group reported greater reductions in the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire vasomotor ( P = 0.004), physical ( P = 0.01), and sexual ( P = 0.03) domains. CONCLUSIONS A dietary intervention consisting of a plant-based diet, minimizing oils, and daily soybeans significantly reduced the frequency and severity of postmenopausal hot flashes and associated symptoms.
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DePree B, Houghton K, Shiozawa A, Esterberg E, King DD, Kim J, Mancuso S. Treatment and resource utilization for menopausal symptoms in the United States: a retrospective review of real-world evidence from US electronic health records. Menopause 2023; 30:70-9. [PMID: 36576444 DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to generate real-world evidence documenting use of prescription and nonprescription therapies recorded by health care providers for women experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause. METHODS This noninterventional, retrospective, observational cohort study used data from US patient medical records. Participating health care providers were gynecologists, internal medicine/family physicians, or advanced practice providers who typically saw three or more women per week presenting with menopausal symptoms and could identify eligible medical records; providers were recruited from local medical association directories and from listings from previously conducted research. Eligible women presented January 2016 through December 2019, were 40 to 60 years of age, and reported experiencing bothersome hot flashes at least twice within 24 hours. RESULTS A total of 283 health care providers provided data for 1,016 women. The most common symptoms at initial presentation were hot flashes (91.2%), sleep problems (49.9%), and vaginal dryness (47.0%). At least one therapy for menopausal symptoms was recorded for 883 women (86.9%), and 611 (60.1%) had documentation of prescription medication, most commonly hormone therapy (70.4%). Nearly 40% of women had no prescription medication documented, and approximately 13% had no therapy documented. Despite experiencing bothersome menopausal symptoms, approximately 50% delayed seeking care for more than 6 months. Women had a mean of 2.1 (SD, 2.0) office visits related to menopause from initial presentation to completion of review, and health care resource utilization did not vary by treatment status. Subgroup analyses indicated nominal differences in treatment use across ethnic groups and varying prescribing patterns for menopausal symptoms by practitioner type and US region. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of women with VMS remain untreated even when experiencing bothersome symptoms of menopause. Improved management of VMS is required to provide relief from the symptoms effectively and safely.
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Khosropanah A, Mehri Ardestani M, Rostami N, Hashemi F, Pasalar M, Hunter J, Heydarirad G. Effects of Chicory and Fumitory on Hot Flashes Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Integr Complement Med 2023; 29:31-41. [PMID: 36219736 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Hot flashes are unpleasant long-term complications of breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a traditional Persian medicine containing extracts of Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) and Fumaria parviflora L. (Fumitory) extract syrup (CFS) compared with placebo when used as intended. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting/Location: The Oncology Ward of Shahid Modarres Hospital (Tehran, Iran). Subjects: Breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone deprivation therapy. Interventions: Patients were randomly allocated to receive 5 mL CFS or placebo syrup three times a day, for 4 weeks. Outcome measures: The co-primary outcomes were self-reported daily hot flashes frequency and severity scores assessed using self-reported daily dairies, including 1 week of baseline data. Results: Of the 148 patients screened, 137 were eligible, and 96 were randomly allocated to receive either CFS (n = 48) or placebo (n = 48). All participants who returned their dairies were compliant and analyzed as randomized in the a priori per-protocol analysis. After 4 weeks of treatment, both the mean daily hot flashes frequency and severity score had reduced by 57% in the CFS group and 10% in the placebo group. The overall weekly mean daily hot flashes frequency (effect size ηp2 0.221, p < 0.001, n = 66) and severity scores (effect size ηp2 0.160, p = 0.001, n = 66) were significantly lower in the CFS group compared with the placebo group (one-within one-between repeated-measures analysis of variance adjusted for baseline). CFS was well tolerated, with similar proportions of serious and nonserious adverse events occurring in both groups. Conclusions: This is the first study to report the effects of chicory or fumitory for the treatment of hot flashes. The findings provide preliminary evidence that CFS can improve hot flashes in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone deprivation therapy. More research is warranted to confirm its effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms of action. Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20210226050506N1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Khosropanah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Mojgan Mehri Ardestani
- Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nematollah Rostami
- Department of Oncology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hashemi
- Department of Neonatal Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Pasalar
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Ghazaleh Heydarirad
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Conklin M, Santoro N. Neurokinin receptor antagonists as potential non-hormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2023; 17:26334941231177611. [PMID: 37388717 PMCID: PMC10302519 DOI: 10.1177/26334941231177611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasomotor symptoms of menopause (VMS), otherwise known as hot flashes, can significantly impact women's quality of life. Up to 87% of women report hot flashes during or after their menopause transition, and can last for a median duration of 7.4 years. The current mainstay of treatment and the most effective treatment for VMS is hormone therapy with estrogen. However, hormone therapy is not without risk, and the discovery of an effective nonhormonal treatment option with neurokinin B receptor antagonists for VMS provides an encouraging and potentially practice-changing treatment option for all women. This review will discuss the pathophysiology and mechanism of action, as well as review the current compounds in development targeting the neurokinin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Conklin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Feduniw S, Korczyńska L, Górski K, Zgliczyńska M, Bączkowska M, Byrczak M, Kociuba J, Ali M, Ciebiera M. The Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women-A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 15. [PMID: 36615817 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopause is a physiological change in any woman. Nevertheless, its symptoms could be difficult to accept, and hormone therapy can be sometimes unattractive or contraindicated. Vitamin E components are phytoestrogens, so they are believed to be useful in some indications including menopause. This review aimed to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin E in alleviating menopausal symptoms. The Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases were screened. All types of studies that assessed the effectiveness of vitamin E in alleviating menopausal symptoms were included. The PICO question was: "How does vitamin E supplementation affect menopausal symptom occurrence?" The PROSPERO ID number of this review is CRD42022328830. After quality assessment, 16 studies were included in the analysis. The studies were divided into three groups in which the influence of vitamin E on the genital syndrome of menopause, vasomotor symptoms and vascular and metabolic changes were assessed. Vitamin E influences postmenopausal hot flashes, vascular modulation, plasma lipid profile level and vaginal changes. Compared to vitamin E, estrogen administration leads to better clinical effects. Nevertheless, vitamin E might serve as additive to hormone therapy and its alternative in women with contraindications to estrogens. More quality data are necessary to draw final conclusions.
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Shirzadi M, Farshchian N, Nazarpour A, Eskandari S, Kahrari F, Abdollahpour Ranjbar H, Nazari S, Hekmati I, Farhang S. Escitalopram and progressive muscle relaxation training are both effective for the treatment of hot flashes in patients with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:393-399. [PMID: 34647858 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2021.1985452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Available treatments for hot flashes in patients with breast cancer are not always tolerable or effective for all patients. METHODS Patients diagnosed to have primary breast cancer were randomly allocated to receive 10 mg of escitalopram, placebo, or progressive muscle relaxation therapy. Patients were asked to report the frequency and duration of hot flashes during day and night, at baseline and after ten weeks of treatment, and completed the menopause rating scale. RESULTS Eighty-two patients were randomly assigned to receive escitalopram (n = 26), PMRT (n = 28), and placebo (n = 28). PMRT and escitalopram could effectively decrease number and duration of diurnal and nocturnal HFs in patients with breast cancer, with a better effect observed from escitalopram. They could both decrease the total score of MRS. CONCLUSION Both escitalopram ad PMRT can reveal nocturnal and diurnal HFs in terms of frequency and duration in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shirzadi
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Negin Farshchian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Arash Nazarpour
- Department of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Soudabeh Eskandari
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Kahrari
- Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Somayeh Nazari
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Sara Farhang
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, East Azerbaijan, Iran
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Choi SJ, Kim DI, Yoon SH, Choi CM, Yoo JE. Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial on Hominis placenta extract pharmacopuncture for hot flashes in peri- and post-menopausal women. Integr Med Res 2022; 11:100891. [PMID: 36338608 PMCID: PMC9634366 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2022.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture is widely used for climacteric symptoms. This study examined the efficacy and safety of pharmacopuncture with PLC (the extract of Hominis placenta) on hot flashes for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods This study was a randomized placebo-controlled single-blind trial, which recruited 128 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, randomly assigned to receive pharmacopuncture with PLC or normal saline (NS) for eight weeks. The primary outcome was the mean changes in the hot flash score (HFS) and the secondary outcomes were the mean changes in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and estradiol (E2) levels from baseline to eight weeks. Missing values were imputed using the last-observation-carried-forward method. Results After treatment (week 9), the HFS decreased significantly in both groups (p = 0.000). The residual HFS was 47.09 ± 41.39% and 56.45 ± 44.92 % in the PLC and control groups, respectively (p = 0.262). One month after the treatment (week 13), the score of the PLC group was reduced, but the score increased in the control group (p = 0.077). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean changes in MRS, FSH, and E2 between the two groups. No serious adverse events related to this trial were noted. Conclusion In this study, Hominis placenta extract pharmacopuncture did not differ significantly from NS in reducing the hot flash score. While this therapy appears safe, the potential for long-term effect of PLC extract needs to be examined in a large randomized controlled trial with appropriate controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ji Choi
- Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Guk University, Korean Medicine Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Il Kim
- Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Guk University, Korean Medicine Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author at: Department of Korean Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Guk University, Korean Medicine Hospital, 27 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Ho Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Min Choi
- Department of Korean Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Yoo
- Laon Korean Medicine Clinic, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Horesh D, Kohavi S, Shilony-Nalaboff L, Rudich N, Greenman D, Feuerstein JS, Abbasi MR. Virtual Reality Combined with Artificial Intelligence (VR-AI) Reduces Hot Flashes and Improves Psychological Well-Being in Women with Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2261. [PMID: 36421585 PMCID: PMC9690775 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Breast and ovarian cancers affect the lives of many women worldwide. Female cancer survivors often experience hot flashes, a subjective sensation of heat associated with objective signs of cutaneous vasodilatation and a subsequent drop in core temperature. Breast and Ovarian cancer patients also suffer from sleep difficulties and mental health issues. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Bubble, a novel artificial intelligence-virtual reality (AI-VR) intervention for the treatment of hot flashes in female breast or ovarian cancer patients. METHODS Forty-two women with breast and/or ovarian cancer participated in the study. The mean age was 47 years (range: 25-60 years). Patients suffered from hot flashes at different frequencies. They used Bubble, a virtual reality (VR) mobile psychological intervention based on elements from both cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The intervention took place in a VR environment, in a winter wonderland setting called Frosty. Patients were instructed to use Bubble at home twice a day (morning and evening) and when experiencing a hot flash. Participants were asked to use the application for 24 consecutive days. Before and after this 24-day period, patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing hot flashes, general psychiatric distress, perceived stress, illness perception, sleep quality, and quality of life. RESULTS Between pre- and post-intervention, participants reported a significant reduction in the daily frequency of hot flashes, stress, general psychiatric distress, several domains of QOL, and sleep difficulties, as well as an improvement in illness perception. In addition, they reported very high satisfaction with Bubble. Importantly, both age and baseline levels of psychopathology moderated the effect of Bubble on sleep difficulties. DISCUSSION This study showed preliminary evidence for the potential of VR interventions in alleviating hot flashes and accompanying mental distress among those coping with breast and ovarian cancer. VR is a powerful therapeutic tool, able to address mind-body aspects in a direct, vivid way. More studies are needed in order to fully understand the potential of this unique intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Horesh
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shaked Kohavi
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | | | | | - Danielle Greenman
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Pacyga DC, Chiang C, Li Z, Strakovsky RS, Ziv-Gal A. Parabens and Menopause-Related Health Outcomes in Midlife Women: A Pilot Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:1645-1654. [PMID: 35787012 PMCID: PMC10024061 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Parabens are antimicrobial agents prevalently found in daily-use products that can interfere with the endocrine and reproductive systems. In this study, we examined the cross-sectional associations of parabens with hot flashes, hormone concentrations, and ovarian volume in a subsample of 101 nonsmoking, non-Hispanic 45- to 54-year-old women from the Midlife Women's Health Study. Materials and Methods: Women self-reported their hot flash history and underwent a transvaginal ultrasound to measure ovarian volume. Participants provided blood for quantification of serum hormones (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay) and urine samples for measurements of urinary paraben biomarker levels (by high-performance liquid chromatography negative-ion electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry). Linear or logistic regression models evaluated associations of specific gravity-adjusted paraben biomarker concentrations with hot flashes, hormone concentrations, and ovarian volume. Results: We observed marginal associations of propylparaben, methylparaben, and ∑parabens biomarkers (molar sum of four parabens) with hot flashes and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations, and of these paraben biomarkers and ethylparaben with ovarian volume. For example, women tended to have 32% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.9 to 1.81), 40% (95% CI: 1.0 to 1.95), and 40% (95% CI: 0.98 to 2.01) higher odds of having recent, monthly, and mild hot flashes, respectively, for every two-fold increase in ∑parabens. Similarly, women tended to have 14.54% (95% CI: -0.10 to 31.32) higher FSH concentrations, but 5.67% (95% CI: -12.54 to 1.75) reduced ovarian volume for every two-fold increase in ∑parabens Conclusions: Overall, our preliminary findings suggest that urinary paraben biomarkers may be associated with menopause-related outcomes in midlife women. Additional studies in larger and diverse populations are needed to expand on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Catheryne Chiang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Metabolomics Lab, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Rita S. Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Ayelet Ziv-Gal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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Thurston RC, Chang Y. Menopausal vasomotor symptoms and adiponectin among midlife women. Menopause 2022; 29:1145-1149. [PMID: 35969883 PMCID: PMC10084729 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are prevalent symptoms that can have a negative impact on quality of life. VMS have also been linked to cardiovascular disease risk, yet the mechanisms underlying these associations have not been elucidated. Some initial works link VMS to adverse adipokine profiles or cytokines produced by adipose tissue. However, results are not entirely consistent and are based entirely on self-report VMS, which is influenced by a range of memory and reporting biases. The aim of this work was to test whether physiologically assessed VMS are associated with lower adiponectin, the most abundant adipokine in the body, controlling for confounding factors. We also consider whether adiponectin explains previously documented relationships between VMS and carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS A total of 300 peri- and postmenopausal nonsmoking women aged 40 to 60 years enrolled in the MsHeart study comprised the analytic sample. Women were free of hormone therapy or other medications impacting VMS, insulin-dependent diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants underwent ambulatory physiologic VMS monitoring, physical measures, a carotid ultrasound, and fasting phlebotomy. RESULTS More frequent physiologically assessed VMS were associated with lower adiponectin ( B [SE] = -0.081 [0.028], P = 0.004; or 0.081 lower μg/mL in adiponectin for each additional VMS over 24 hours), controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, insulin resistance, and waist circumference. Associations were not explained by endogenous estradiol. Adiponectin did not explain associations between VMS and carotid atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS Physiologic VMS were associated with lower adiponectin after considering potential confounders. The role of adipokines in VMS and in links between VMS and health warrants further attention.
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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
| | - Yuefang Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Kwon R, Chang Y, Kim Y, Cho Y, Choi HR, Lim GY, Kang J, Kim KH, Kim H, Hong YS, Park J, Zhao D, Rampal S, Cho J, Guallar E, Park HY, Ryu S. Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Risk of Early-Onset Vasomotor Symptoms in Premenopausal Women. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112276. [PMID: 35684078 PMCID: PMC9182895 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of alcohol consumption in the risk of vasomotor symptoms (VMS), the most cardinal climacteric symptoms, is not well established. We examined their relationship with early-onset VMS among premenopausal women. Moderately-to-severely bothersome VMS, the primary outcome, was assessed using the Korean version of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. The alcohol consumption categories included lifetime abstainer, former drinker, or current drinker, categorized as light, moderate, heavy, and very heavy. Compared with the lifetime-abstinence (reference), the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% CIs) for prevalent VMS in alcohol consumption of <10, 10−19, 20−39, and ≥40 g/day were 1.42 (1.02−1.99), 1.99 (1.27−3.12), 2.06 (1.19−3.57), and 3.52 (1.72−7.20), respectively (p trend <0.01). Compared with the lifetime-abstinence, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident bothersome VMS among average alcohol consumption of <10, 10−19, 20−39, and ≥40 g/day were 1.10 (0.85−1.41), 1.03 (0.70−1.51), 1.72 (1.06−2.78), and 2.22 (1.16−4.23), respectively (p trend = 0.02). Increased alcohol consumption positively and consistently showed a relationship with increased risk of both prevalent and incident early-onset VMS. Refraining from alcohol consumption may help prevent bothersome VMS in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Kwon
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Yoosoo Chang
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (S.R.); Tel.: +82-2-2001-5139 (Y.C.); +82-2-2001-5137 (S.R.)
| | - Yejin Kim
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Yoosun Cho
- Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea;
| | - Hye Rin Choi
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Ga-Young Lim
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Jeonggyu Kang
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
| | - Kye-Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea;
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Yun Soo Hong
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (Y.S.H.); (J.P.); (D.Z.); (E.G.)
| | - Jihwan Park
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (Y.S.H.); (J.P.); (D.Z.); (E.G.)
| | - Di Zhao
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (Y.S.H.); (J.P.); (D.Z.); (E.G.)
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence Based Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Juhee Cho
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (Y.S.H.); (J.P.); (D.Z.); (E.G.)
| | - Eliseo Guallar
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (Y.S.H.); (J.P.); (D.Z.); (E.G.)
| | - Hyun-Young Park
- Department of Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28159, Korea;
| | - Seungho Ryu
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea; (R.K.); (Y.K.); (H.R.C.); (G.-Y.L.); (J.K.); (J.C.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 04514, Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (S.R.); Tel.: +82-2-2001-5139 (Y.C.); +82-2-2001-5137 (S.R.)
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47
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Salin S, Savukoski S, Tulppo M, Pesonen P, Auvinen J, Suvanto E, Puukka K, Niinimäki M. Does climacteric status impact regulation of the autonomic nervous system at the age of 46 years? Climacteric 2022; 25:586-594. [PMID: 35383514 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2022.2052842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether an earlier-onset climacteric phase is associated with autonomic imbalance at the age of 46 years. METHODS This cross-sectional birth cohort study included 2661 women aged 46 years. Participants were divided into climacteric (n = 359) and preclimacteric (n = 2302) groups based on menstrual history and follicle stimulating hormone values. The mean heart rate (HR), low-frequency (LF) power, high-frequency (HF) power and LF/HF ratio were analyzed from heart rate variability recordings. The variables were compared between the groups using multivariable linear regression models, including body mass index, smoking and physical activity. The effects of hormone therapy and hot flashes on autonomic function were evaluated in sub-analyses. RESULTS Climacteric women had a lower mean HR in seated (71.9 ± 10.5 vs. 72.6 ± 10.4 bpm, p = 0.015) and standing (81.2 ± 12.8 vs. 83.6 ± 12.1 bpm, p = 0.002) positions compared to preclimacteric women, and the differences remained significant after the adjustments. In the sub-analyses, more frequent hot flashes were associated with a lower LF power and LF/HF ratio in the sitting position. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested an association between greater parasympathetic activation in women with more advanced climacteric status at the age of 46 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Salin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, OYS, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - S Savukoski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, OYS, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Tulppo
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - P Pesonen
- Infrastructure for Population Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - J Auvinen
- Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Centre for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - E Suvanto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, OYS, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - K Puukka
- Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,NordLab Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Niinimäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, OYS, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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48
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Tsoumani M, Nikolaou PE, Argyropoulou A, Tseti I, Mitakou S, Andreadou I. Novel Evidence-Based Combination of Plant Extracts with Multitarget Mechanisms of Action for the Elimination of Hot Flashes during Menopause. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041221. [PMID: 35209016 PMCID: PMC8874944 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hot flashes are considered the most bothersome complaint during menopause. Although hormone therapy is an effective option to relieve hot flashes, it has been associated with significant side effects. The aim of our study is to suggest a novel combination of different plant extracts with distinct mechanisms of action against hot flashes. We selected the rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae), the rhizome of Actaea racemosa L. (Ranunculaceae), the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) to produce extracts rich in bioactive phytochemicals and the seed oil of Oenothera biennis L. (Onagraceae). We investigated their estrogenic and antioxidant potential and their inhibitory effect against prostaglandin D2 receptor 1 (DP1) as a novel mechanistic pathway for vasodilation in hot flashes, alone or in combination. The phytochemical footprint of the extracts was analyzed using HPLC-PDA and UPLC-HRMS. We observed that the tested extracts possess different mechanisms of action. A. racemosa exerts a beneficial activation of the estrogen receptor, H. perforatum possesses the highest antioxidant capacity and the seed oil of O. biennis inhibits the DP1 receptor. The triple combination in the optimal doses pertains to efficacy against all three mechanisms of action, serves as a multitarget plant-based therapy and could serve as a novel strategy for the alleviation of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsoumani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (M.T.); (P.E.N.)
| | - Panagiota Efstathia Nikolaou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (M.T.); (P.E.N.)
| | - Aikaterini Argyropoulou
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Sofia Mitakou
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Ioanna Andreadou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (M.T.); (P.E.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-727-4827
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49
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Yu S, He X, Shi H, Chen Y, Liu Z. Effectiveness of electro-press needle for menopause-associated hot flashes: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28597. [PMID: 35147087 PMCID: PMC8830863 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hot flashes (HF) are a prevalent symptom associated with menopause affecting up to 85% of women aged 40 to 65 years. Previous studies indicated that acupuncture might relieve the symptom of HF significantly; however, its effectiveness has not been clarified quantitatively. Electro-press needles (EPN) is a novel acupuncture that combines a shallow tiny needle with an electrical transdermal stimulator. Either the needle or the electrical stimulator could function in the treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of EPN in comparison with no intervention in relieving HF of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. METHODS/DESIGN This study will be a 2-arm randomized waitlist controlled trial. According to the ratio of 1:1 and block randomization, a total of 122 patients with moderate or severe HF will be randomly allocated to either EPN group or waitlist control group. The EPN group will receive 3 sessions of EPN treatment each week in consecutive 6 weeks, 18 sessions in total. The waitlist control group will get no intervention over the first 6 weeks. All the patients will be followed up in the next 24 weeks. The primary outcome will be the percentage of the participants whose 24-hour mean HF is 50% less than the baseline at Week 6. Secondary outcomes will include HF score, HF frequency, HF severity, the Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire Score. DISCUSSION This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EPN treatment to alleviate HF symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, excluding self-healing factors. The limitations of the trial design are its single-center scope, lack of placebo control and impossible to blind the acupuncturists and patients.Trial registration: This clinical trial has been registered in Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: NCT04995107; date of registration: Aug 6, 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudan Yu
- Department of Acupuncture, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Acupuncture, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hangyu Shi
- Department of Acupuncture, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine, Greenlane, Aukland, New Zealand
| | - Zhishun Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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50
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Samargandy S, Matthews KA, Brooks MM, Barinas-Mitchell E, Magnani JW, Thurston RC, El Khoudary SR. Trajectories of Blood Pressure in Midlife Women: Does Menopause Matter? Circ Res 2022; 130:312-322. [PMID: 35113663 PMCID: PMC8814466 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether changes in blood pressure (BP) over women's midlife are more driven by chronological aging or the menopause transition has been debated. We sought to determine whether women can be classified into distinct trajectory groups based on pattern and level of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP, pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) over the menopause transition, and to assess whether menopause-related factors predict the group and level of BP measures. METHODS Participants were from the SWAN (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify women who shared distinct BP trajectories over time relative to menopause onset and to assess associations of menopause-related factors with trajectory group and level of BP measures. An accelerated rise relative to menopause onset suggests a menopause contribution. RESULTS The study included 3302 multiracial and multiethnic women with BP measures over 17 follow-up visits (baseline age [SD]: 46.3 [2.7]). Women were classified into either low, medium, or high trajectory group in each BP measure. The low SBP, PP, and MAP trajectories (in 35%, 53%, and 28% of the cohort, respectively) were rising slowly before menopause but showed a significant accelerated rise 1 year after menopause, indicating a menopause contribution. The remaining BP trajectories were rising up until menopause and either continued with the same rise or declined after menopause. A younger menopause age predicted the low SBP, PP, and MAP trajectories. A greater follicle-stimulating hormone level predicted lower SBP and PP levels, while vasomotor symptoms occurrence predicted higher SBP, PP, and MAP levels over time. Estradiol did not predict trajectory or level of any BP measure. CONCLUSIONS Distinct BP trajectories over the menopause transition exist that revealed a group of women whose SBP, PP, and MAP trajectories are consistent with a menopause contribution. Our findings support frequent monitoring of BP during the menopause transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Samargandy
- Department of Community Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Maria M. Brooks
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Jared W. Magnani
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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