Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is a complex physiological, self-perceived health condition caused by the reduction and termination of ovarian function, a process that results in a range of both psychological and physiological symptoms. The aim of this literature review was to synthesize the results of published studies on factors associated with menopausal symptoms in women during the transition to menopause and the postmenopausal period.Methods: This systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement. Primary studies published between 2007 and 2017 were identified through the following databases: PUBMED, SCOPUS, and CINAHL. In total, 3301 studies were identified and 279 were screened in full text. Of these, 54 studies were included for quality assessment using checklists from the Norwegian Institute for Public Health. A total of 22 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion in the results. These were thematically reviewed.Results: A wide range of determinants was sorted as socio-demographic predictors, reproductive factors, clinical characteristics, behavioral, and lifestyle characteristics, and their association with the following outcomes was examined: The prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms; sexual functioning; health indicators and health behaviors; health-related quality of life; physical performance; cognitive changes and attitudes; and the prevalence and age of natural menopause.Conclusions: The current state of knowledge regarding menopause indicates that a wide array of instruments and variables have been employed and assessed to further understanding about menopause-related symptoms. This systematic review provides information on factors that should be considered in the treatment of menopause-related changes that may be bothersome for menopausal women.

Highlights

  • Menopause is a complex physiological, self-perceived health condition caused by the reduction and termination of ovarian function, a process that results in a range of both psychological and physiological symptoms

  • Studies conducted in the United States (40,44) showed that lower educational status was associated with a higher risk of experiencing moderate to severe symptoms in the vasomotor domain of the Menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) (40) and the symptom triad consisting of sleep disturbances, depressed mood, and sexual problems (44)

  • Menopausal symptoms were assessed with the MENQOL as predictors of women’s attitudes toward menopause in one study with postmenopausal women in Iran (59)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Menopause is a complex physiological, self-perceived health condition caused by the reduction and termination of ovarian function, a process that results in a range of both psychological and physiological symptoms. Menopause is a complex physiological process during which ovarian function and the production of sex hormones slowly diminish (1). More than 50% of middle-aged women experience frequent menopause-related symptoms (3). These physiological changes result in a complex clinical picture and the experience of highly subjective symptoms. A national sample of 3005 adults between 57 and 85 years of age in the United States found that many older adults are sexually active (6), including women who experience an increase in menopause-related sexual difficulties (7-9)

Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call