Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine whether physical activity is associated with a reduction in menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, insomnia, numbness, fatigue, headaches, psychological symptoms, urogenital symptoms and physical symptoms). We assessed a homogenous group of inactive women, to identify the minimal level of physical activity necessary for relief of menopausal symptoms. METHODS: 401 women (58.2y) who were not taking hormone replacement therapy completed two questionnaires based on a 7-day recall of an average week for leisure time physical activity and menopausal symptoms. Women were divided into quintiles according to their physical activity scores and compared for menopausal symptoms using a MANCOVA with years since menopause and presence of a hysterectomy as co-factors. RESULTS: There was a significant group main effect of physical activity on menopausal symptoms (p < 0.05). Univariate results indicated significantly lower physical symptoms (i.e. weight gain, breast tenderness, aches and pains; by 22% p=0.01) and headache (by 44%; p=0.043) for women who were more physically active compared to inactive women. There were no statistically significant group differences for other menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the physical activity levels of our quintiles, a minimum of 5 bouts of 15 minutes of moderate intensity exercise in a week can reduce physical menopausal symptoms. To reduce the incidence of headache, between 2 to 4 bouts of 15 minutes of moderate intensity exercise in a week are recommended. There is no significant effect of physical activity level on hot flashes/night sweats, insomnia, limb numbness, fatigue, psychological symptoms or urogenital symptoms. Supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Published Version
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