Cognitive functioning in perimenopause: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of menopausal women. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters such as serum calcium and haemoglobin level of blood was estimated. Results indicated that mean values of body weight, BMI and hip circumference were significantly more among post menopausal women than that of pre menopausal and peri menopausal women whereas height of peri menopausal women was significantly more than that of pre menopausal and post menopausal women. On the other hand, waist hip ratio was significantly more among pre menopausal women than the other two groups of menopausal women. Mean value of serum calcium level was more in pre menopausal than that of peri menopausal and post menopausal women but significant difference was noticed among only in serum calcium level of peri menopausal and post menopausal women. More per cent of the pre menopausal women were having normal serum calcium (mg/dl) level than that of peri menopausal women and post menopausal women. Mean haemoglobin level in the blood of the menopausal women in the three stages did not differ significantly (p>0.05) and the mean value of haemoglobin of all the three groups of selected menopausal women was less than normal values. Whereas more per cent of pre menopausal women were found to be under normal haemoglobin category than that of peri menopausal and post menopausal women. On the whole the results indicated that women tend to gain body weight as they tend to reach towards the menopausal stage.

The authors studied premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women to determine if ultrasound bone velocity (UBV) on proximal phalanges of women reflect bone changes related to gonadal status and age. A total of 166 healthy women-64 postmenopausal women (mean age 58.7 +/- 9.4 years), 41 perimenopausal women (mean age 49.5 +/- 2.9 years), and 61 premenopausal women (mean age 36.8 +/- 7.1 years)-were studied. All the women underwent UBV study of the 2nd to 5th proximal phalanges on the nondominant hand and the mean value of all ultrasound measurements was calculated. The postmenopausal women had a UBV that differed significantly, one-way analysis of variance, from that of the perimenopausal women and premenopausal women (both P < 0.001). The UBV measurements of the perimenopausal women differed significantly from those of the premenopausal women (P < 0.01). Simple linear regression analysis of the relation between UBV and age showed that this was significant and negative in the overall group of women (r = -0.69; P < 0.0001), significant in the perimenopausal (r = -0.66; P < 0.001) and postmenopausal women (r = -0.69; P < 0.001) and nonsignificant in the premenopausal women (r = 0.08; P not significant). In the postmenopausal women, the correlation between UBV and years since menopause was larger (r = -0.71; P < 0.0001) than the correlation between UBV and chronological age. Ultrasound bone velocity of the phalanx, as a method for measuring changes in bone with age, has a precision that makes it possible to detect changes in bone mass in perimenopausal women and may perform similarly to other bone mass measurements.

The heterodimeric luteinizing hormone beta core fragment (hLH beta cf) is a highly stable urinary analyte reflective of circulating hLH. It is measured easily because of its high molar content and has none of the multiple isoforms and subunit dissociation problems of LH urinary measurements. As part of a long-term effort to develop new biochemical assays to stage women during the perimenopausal transition, we have examined the patterns of urinary excretion of this metabolite of hLH in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women. We measured the concentration of the hLH beta cf in 10 consecutive first morning void urine specimens from premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women. Day 1 of collection was the first day of menses in the cycling women. Postmenopausal women exhibited a widely fluctuating pattern of LH beta core fragment excretion, which is not correlated with hLH measured by immunofluorometric assay or with follicle-stimulating hormone measured by immunofluorometric assay. The postmenopausal group was easily distinguished from premenopausal women on the basis of an area-under-the-curve concentration function. Perimenopausal women displayed intermediate hLH beta cf concentrations; some clearly were in postmenopausal ranges, and others were in the premenopausal ranges. The pattern of excretion and concentrations of the hLH beta cf is significantly different between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Perimenopausal women exhibited intermediate changes. The capability to measure this type of stable urinary metabolite as a reflection of changes in dynamics of its parent circulating hormone offers new possibilities in the development and application of large-scale testing that does not require blood sampling.

Objective To estimate the effects of climacteric modifications on body weight and fat distribution.Methods From 8764 women attending the authors' Menopause Clinic, 1075 untreated, normal healthy women were selected and divided into three groups: premenopausal (n = 380), perimenopausal (n = 263) and postmenopausal (n = 432). The total body fat tissue mass and distribution were analyzed using the dual energy X-ray method.Results Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in perimenopausal and postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. The mean total body fat and the percentage of fat with respect to soft tissue were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups than in the premenopausal group. The amount of fat tissue and the regional fat percentage with respect to total fat tissue were higher in the trunk (p < 0.05) and arm (p < 0.05) regions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. In the postmenopausal group, the leg fat tissue was significantly (p < 0.05) less than in the premenopausal and perimenopausal groups. Total body and leg lean tissue was significantly (p < 0.01) less in postmenopausal than in premenopausal and perimenopausal women. In the premenopausal group, body weight and BMI were positively correlated with age (r = 0.37 and r = 0.54, respectively). No significant correlations were observed in the perimenopausal group. In postmenopausal women, body weight and BMI were loosely correlated with age (r = 0.13 and r = 0.11, respectively).In three groups of 63 age-matched women, with similar BMI, the percentage of total body fat with respect to soft tissue was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups than in the premenopausal group. Regarding body fat distribution, the percentage of fat with respect to total fat tissue was significantly higher in the trunk (p < 0.001) region in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. In the leg region, the percentage of fat with respect to total fat tissue was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the premenopausal group than in the postmenopausal group. In the arm region, a slight but not significant (p < 0.08) difference was shown in fat distribution among the three groups.Conclusions Climacteric changes rather than the aging process are relevant for prediction of body weight and fat distribution, especially for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, who show a shift to a central, android fat distribution.

Lipoprotein particles may provide better information about cardiovascular risk than standard cholesterol measures for women. Whether lipoprotein subclasses change with menopausal stage is unclear. Given the high prevalence of low cardiorespiratory fitness in midlife women and benefit of cardiovascular disease risk, it is also important to understand the effect of fitness on lipoprotein profiles. This study evaluated the influence of menopausal status and fitness on lipoprotein particles in healthy midlife women. Lipoprotein particles were measured in high- (n = 25) and low- (n = 13) fit perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women, and in high-fit premenopausal (n = 10), perimenopausal (n = 12), and late postmenopausal women (n = 13). There were larger low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P; 21.7 ± 0.06 vs. 21.3 ± 0.1 nm, p = 0.002), more large LDL-P (623.1 ± 32.8 vs. 500.2 ± 52.6 nmol/L, p = 0.045), and fewer small LDL-P (145.5 ± 31.4 vs. 311.5 ± 44.7 nmol/L, p = 0.001) in the high-fit group vs. the low-fit group. High-density lipoprotein particles (HDL-P) were larger (10.1 ± 0.1 vs. 9.7 ± 0.1 nm, p = 0.002) in the high-fit group, with more large (14.8 ± 0.7 vs. 11.0 ± 0.9 μmol/L,p = 0.002), medium (12.9 ± 0.8 vs. 8.4 ± 0.9 μmol/L, p = 0.002) HDL-P, and fewer small HDL-P (10.2 ± 1.1 vs. 15.4 ± 1.6 μmol/L, p = 0.009) compared with the low-fit group. High-fit postmenopausal women had more large LDL-P (662.9 ± 47.5 nmol/L) compared with premenopausal women (479.1 ± 52.6 nmol/L, p = 0.035), and more HDL-P (40.2 ± 1.1 µmol/L) compared with premenopausal (34.9 ± 1.5 μmol/L, p = 0.023) and perimenopausal women (35.4 ± 1.3 μmol/L, p = 0.033). High fitness positively influences lipoprotein particles in healthy perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women. In healthy fit women, menopause may not have a large influence on lipoprotein particles. Novelty: In highly fit women, menopause may not have a negative influence on lipoprotein particle subclasses. High fitness is associated with a less atherogenic lipoprotein profile in perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women.

BackgroundThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome in menopause varies globally. There is a paucity of data regarding knowledge of metabolic syndrome in menopause in South Africa.Objective(s)The study was designed to describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in perimenopausal and postmenopausal and the lipid changes that occur during the menopause transition.Study DesignA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, the gynaecological outpatient department, Pretoria, South Africa. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were included. Six hundred ninety menopausal women were enrolled in this study. The participants were evaluated by physical examination. Blood samples were also taken for biochemical assay. The researcher also took their blood pressure. Data compiled from the study were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Descriptive statistical analysis established the range, mean (including 95% confidence interval), and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Categorical variables were analysed using Fisher's exact test, and risk analysis of factors associated with Metabolic syndrome was performed by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval for both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. A 2-tailed statistical analysis yielding a p-value <.05 was taken as statistically significant.ResultsThe study consisted of 690 women (n=690), including 338 perimenopausal women (n=338; 49.0%) and 352 postmenopausal women (n=352; 51.0%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was noted to be 47% and 61.4% in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups, respectively. The mean waist circumference was higher than the cut-off value of 88cm for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. There were no statistically significant differences in lipid profiles between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The odds ratio for elevated triglycerides was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.32–1.01) and for low HDL levels was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.41–0.98). Perimenopausal women had significantly higher odds (OR 2.19, P<.0001) of experiencing hot flushes compared to postmenopausal women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (P=.3789) was not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. However, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in postmenopausal women compared to perimenopausal women. Sleep disorders (P<.0001) and vasomotor symptoms (P=.0198) showed significant correlations with the presence of metabolic syndrome. When comparing women with and without metabolic syndrome, both perimenopausal (HDL; P<.0001, triglycerides; P<.0001) and postmenopausal groups (HDL; P<.0001, triglycerides; P<.0001) demonstrated significant associations between dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome.ConclusionThis study reflects the current high burden of metabolic syndrome amongst perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in South Africa. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was noted to be higher in postmenopausal women as compared to perimenopausal women. There was a correlation between metabolic syndrome and age, sleep disorders, vasomotor symptoms, and dyslipidaemias.

In the present study we evaluated the effects of climacteric modifications on body weight and fat distribution. From women attending a menopause clinic we selected 2175 untreated, normal healthy women who were divided into three groups: premenopausal (n = 540), perimenopausal (n = 750) and postmenopausal (n = 885), and compared them with 354 postmenopausal women receiving different forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The total body fat tissue mass and distribution were analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in perimenopausal and postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. Mean total body fat and fat as a percentage of soft tissue were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups than in the premenopausal group. Fat tissue and regional fat tissue as a percentage of total fat tissue were higher in the trunk (p < 0.0001) and arms (p < 0.0001) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. In postmenopuasal women, leg fat tissue was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in premenopausal and perimenopausal groups. Total body and leg lean tissue were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in postmenopausal than in premenopausal and perimenopausal women. In age-matched women with similar BMI, total body fat as a percentage of soft tissue was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups than in the premenopausal group. As for body fat distribution, fat as a percentage of total fat tissue was significantly higher in the trunk (p < 0.0001) region in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women compared with the premenopausal group. In the legs, fat as a percentage of total fat tissue was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the premenopausal than in the postmenopausal group. In the arms a slight but not significant (p < 0.18) difference was shown in fat distribution between the three untreated groups. In age-matched HRT-treated postmenopausal women, the fat tissue was similar to that in the premenopausal group. The present results confirm that endocrine changes during the menopausal transition, rather than the aging process, are related to changes in body weight and fat distribution. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women show a shift to a central, android fat distribution that can be counteracted by HRT.

INTRODUCTION: One of the significant demographic changes noticed both in the developed and developing countries is the gradual increase in the ageing population. The average lifespan of a women in India is 65 years while in developed countries it is 80 years, so women of our country deserve special attention. A women, gradually transcends into perimenopause and after a couple of years into menopause in her reproductive period. Perimenopause includes the period beginning with the first clinical, biological and endocrinological features of the approaching menopause such as vasomotor symptoms, menstrual irregularities and ends 12 months after the final menstrual period. It refers to the time period in the late reproductive years usually late forty’s to early fifty’s. Menopause, consists of gradual transition from reproductive to the non-reproductive phase of life, which is a normal ageing phenomenon in women.The term menopause refers to a point in time that follows one year after the cessation of menstruation. The postmenopause describes those years following this point and this occurs between the age group of 45 and 60. Menopause is an example of endocrinal senescence. It is a normal biological event and it signifies the depletion of functional ovarian follicles that are responsible for estradiol production. Metabolic and physiological functions within the women’s body are affected due to hormonal deficiency including the cardiovascular system. Thus, this study was done to compare the autonomic functions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to assess any significant deviations in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and also to test the estrogen role in the modulation of autonomic functions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. The study is to compare the autonomic functions in perimenopausal women with the postmenopausal women. 2. To test the hypothesis that estrogen exerts regulatory influence on autonomic nervous system in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was undertaken to compare the Autonomic functions in the perimenopausal women with postmenopausal women. Prospective non-interventional type of study was done. The study period extended from may 2011-2012. The subjects were selected from Thanjavur Medical College Hospital and Raja Mirasudar Hospital, Thanjavur. This study was performed on healthy women of age 45-55 yrs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Perimenopausal period refers to a period, in which there would be declining of ovarian functions with menstrual irregularities, vasomotor symptoms that ends 12 months after the final menstrual period. Menopause: The permanent cessation of menstrual cycle for a period of one year or more. The nature of study was explained to all the subjects. Informed written consent was obtained from all the participants. The experimental protocol was approved by the Ethical committee. Inclusion Criteria: Healthy women of 45-55 yrs of age with 1. irregular menstrual cycle, 2. cessation of menstrual cycle, 3. Symptoms of menopause which includes flushing, sweating. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diabetics, 2. Hypertension, 3. Cardiovascular disorders, 4. Renal disorder, 5. Liver disorder, 6. Smoking, 7. Alcohol, 8. Oral pills, 9. Hormone replacement therapy. MATERIALS FOR THE STUDY: 1. Proforma to record the subject details and clinical examination findings, 2. Electrocardiograph, 3. ECG-paper, 4. ECG-jelly, 5. Sphygmomanometer, 6. Cotton, 7. Ice cold water, 8. Stethoscope. RESULTS: A prospective, non-interventional study was conducted in 80 subjects. Their age varied from 45-55 yrs. Subjects who self reported with the H/O menstrual irregularities, irritability, sleep disturbances were included in perimenopausal group and are considered as Group A. Subjects who self reported with H/O amenorrhea more than a year associated with vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats were included in postmenopausal group and are considered as Group B. The parameters evaluated in this study are sympathetic function tests which includes Pulse rate, Blood pressure, Orthostasis, Mean arithmetic mean, Cold pressor test, QTc. Parasympathetic function tests that includes Valsalva ratio, Expiration: Inspiration ratio, Standing: Lying ratio,30:15 ratio. Serum estrogen was done for both the groups. The mean and standard deviation values of all the parameters tested in postmenopausal women were compared with the perimenopausal women. The results were analyzed by the student’s t-test. The statistical significance was considered at P< 0.05. These parameters were correlated with serum estrogen level by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. CONCLUSION: The present study shows significant alteration in the Autonomic functions of postmenopausal women when compared with perimenopausal women. In this study, the result shows increased sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic activity in postmenopausal women. Parameters reflecting parasympathetic activity like valsalva ratio, 30:15 ratio, E:I ratio shows positive correlation with serum estrogen level in postmenopausal women. Estrogen levels are reduced in the postmenopausal women, when compared with perimenopausal women that exert a regulatory influence on autonomic functions. Cold pressor test reflecting sympathetic activity does not show significant increase in perimenopausal women. Standing / lying ratio reflecting parasympathetic activity does not show significant decrease in perimenopausal women. Assessment of sympathetic and parasympathetic functions, could therefore aid in early diagnosis of Autonomic dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Hence, estrogen may be administered early in them, which would prevent the cardiovascular complications.

National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference Statement: Management of Menopause-Related Symptoms

Perimenopausal Depression

BackgroundThe present study was intended to explore whether three proteins within MAPK signaling pathway (i.e. p38MAPK-1, HIF-1 and HO-1) were correlated with peri-menopausal women’s coronary lesion features and prognosis.MethodsAltogether 1449 peri-menopausal women were divided into non-coronary artery disease (CAD) group (n = 860) and CAD group (n = 589), including 167 pre-menopausal CAD populations and 422 post-menopausal CAD populations. General information about CAD risk parameters were gathered, including age, family history of CAD or hypertension or diabetes mellitus, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and so on. Coronary angiography results were judged, and CAD score was calculated with application of Genisin scoring method. Besides, detection of MAPK-1 levels was implemented with Strept Avidin-Biotin Complex (SABC) method, while HIF-1 and HO-1 expressions in the serum were determined utilizing ELISA detection kit. Correlations among protein expressions, characteristics of coronary lesions and prognosis of CAD populations were finally evaluated.ResultsHypertension, hyperlipoidemia, diabetes and smoking history were more prevalent among postmenopausal CAD women than premenopausal CAD women (P < 0.05). Furthermore, postmenopausal women seemed to be significantly associated with multiple (i.e. double and triple) vessel lesions and severe lesion types (type B and C), when compared with premenopausal CAD group (P < 0.05). Similarly, remarkably elevated expressions of p38MAPK-1, HIF-1 and HO-1 were found within postmenopausal CAD populations in comparison to premenopausal ones (P < 0.05). The internal CysC, hs-CRP, TG and LDL-C concentrations all accorded with the following tendency: postmenopausal CAD women > premenopausal CAD women > non-CAD women. Moreover, p38MAPK-1, HIF-1 and HO-1 expressions were up-regulated with increasing number of vessel lesions and severity of coronary lesions among peri-menopausal women. Besides, among both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal CAD groups, positive correlations could be observed between MAPK-1 and TG (r s = 0.271; r s = 0.476), between HIF-1α and LDL-C (r s = 0.077; r s = 0.470), as well as between HO-1 and CysC (r s = 0.492; r s = 0.190) or hs-CRP (r s = 0.569; r s = 0.542) (all P < 0.05). MAPK-1, HIF-1α and HO-1 were also, respectively, positively correlated with CysC (r s = 0.415), hs-CRP (r s = 0.137), and TG (r s = 0.142), regarding post-menopausal CAD women (all P < 0.05). Finally, only SBP and TG were regarded as independent risk factors for CAD prognosis (i.e. high Genisin score) among premenopausal women (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.18, P = 0.043; OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.01–3.33, P = 0.047).ConclusionsExpressions of p38MAPK-1, HIF-1 and HO-1 could serve as predictive roles for coronary lesions among peri-menopausal women.

Menopause, fat and lean distribution in obese women.

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of physical, psychological, and menopause-related symptoms and their association with minor psychiatric disorders in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women. This was a nested cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics, education, and climacteric symptoms were investigated. The 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire was used to screen for minor psychiatric disorders, with a score of 8 or higher indicating positive screening. We studied 324 Brazilian women aged 36 to 62 years (86 premenopausal women, 156 perimenopausal women, and 82 postmenopausal women). Mean (SD) age was 44.8 (3.6), 46.3 (4.6), and 53.3 (3.8) years, respectively (P < 0.001); 52.4% had 8 years or less of schooling (whereas 22.8% had 4 years or less). Forty-five (28.8%) perimenopausal women and 32 (39%) postmenopausal women were users of hormone therapy; 15 (17.4%) and 21 (13.5%) premenopausal and perimenopausal participants, respectively, were users of oral contraceptives. Hormone therapy and oral contraceptive users were excluded from the analysis of symptom prevalence. Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness were more prevalent among perimenopausal women (P < 0.001). Fatigue was the most frequent complaint in all groups (61%, 81%, and 88% in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively). The variables most frequently associated with positive findings during the screening for minor psychiatric disorders were very low education level and memory loss and irritability. Classic vasomotor complaints were weakly associated with nonpsychotic disease. In turn, perimenopausal women, but not postmenopausal women, were at greater risk of minor psychiatric disorders. Low education level, memory loss, irritability, and the menopausal transition represent risk factors for positive findings in a screening for minor psychiatric disorders.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in depression characteristics among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women with major depressive disorder. This study also evaluated these differences between postmenopausal women with major depressive disorder who are taking and not taking hormone therapy. Analyses conducted with data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression study focused on female outpatients with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder seeking treatment in 41 primary or psychiatric care settings across the United States. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared among women not taking hormone therapy who were premenopausal (n = 950), perimenopausal (n = 380), or postmenopausal (n = 562). These comparisons were also made between postmenopausal women (n = 768) taking (n = 171) or not taking (n = 562) hormone therapy. After adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical baseline differences, premenopausal women were more likely to present with irritability than were either perimenopausal or postmenopausal women and were more likely to have decreased appetite and less likely to have early-morning insomnia than were perimenopausal women. Postmenopausal women were more likely to have suicidal ideation and poorer physical functioning than were either of the other groups and were more likely to have sympathetic arousal and gastrointestinal symptoms than were premenopausal women. After adjusting for baseline differences, postmenopausal women taking hormone therapy had better physical functioning, fewer melancholic features, less sympathetic arousal, and more lack of involvement in activities than did women not taking hormone therapy. Menopause status and postmenopausal use of hormone therapy may influence the clinical presentation of major depressive episodes in women.

BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman&rsquo;s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the quality of life, cognitive functions, and serum vitamin D, B6, and B12 concentrations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal Polish women. Also, we correlated the assessment of the quality of life with these vitamin concentrations and cognitive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 287 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Serum levels of vitamin D, B6, and B12, cognitive functions using CNS Vital Signs software, and quality of life using WHO Quality of Life Brief were tested. RESULTS Almost all of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had normal concentrations of serum vitamin B12 (96%), 80% of them had normal B6 concentration, while only 9% had optimal serum vitamin D concentration. Postmenopausal women had lower Neurocognitive Index, psychomotor speed, motor speed, reaction time, and lower assessment of overall quality of life, physical health, and social relationships compared to perimenopausal women. In comparison to postmenopausal women, perimenopausal women had a lower serum vitamin B6 concentration, and the lower the concentration of this vitamin in serum they had, the lower they assessed their environment. Perimenopausal women assessed their social relationships the better, the better the visual memory, and the lower the processing speed they had. Postmenopausal women assessed the environment the better, the higher their Neurocognition Index was, and the better the reaction time they had. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of quality of life was associated with some cognitive functions in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.