Healthy Menopausal Women Research Articles

Interleukin-17, C-reactive protein, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte ratio, and lipid profiles in healthy menopausal women with or without hot flashes: A cross-sectional study.

The reciprocation between systemic inflammatory markers (SIMs), dyslipidemia, and hot flashes (HFs) can play a part in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction through menopause. This study intended to determine the association between some SIMs, lipids, and HFs in healthy menopausal women. We designed a cross-sectional study in which 160 healthy menopausal women aged 40-60 were enrolled. Concerning their HFs status, they were stratified into two groups by consecutive sampling: without HFs (n = 40) and with HFs (n = 120). In addition to clinical variables and HFs experience, we measured the fasting serum levels of SIMs and lipid profiles (LPs), including Interleukin-17 (IL-17), high- sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) in each group. Then, we calculated TC/HDL-C concerning the related variables and determined Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), according to Complete Blood Count (CBC) quantitative parameters in each group. Furthermore, we used logistic regression analysis to assess the association between SIMs, LPs, and HFs. We performed this study in a governmental teaching hospital, Guilan/Rasht, Iran, from April to September 2021. The two groups of menopausal women without and with HFs were not significantly different regarding the median of IL-17, hs-CRP, NLR, LMR, TG, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C, and the mean of TC and LDL-C. Based on multiple logistic regression, TG levels appeared to be associated with the incidence of HFs (B = 0.004, P = 0.040, Odds Ratio:1.004, 95%CI:1.000-1.009). NLR seemed to have an increasing impact on the HFs severity, according to ordinal logistic regression (B = 0.779, P = 0.005, Odds Ratio = 2.180, 95%CI:1.270-3.744). Furthermore, hs-CRP negatively correlated with TG (r = -0.189, P = 0.039) and TC/HDL-C (r = -0.268, P = 0.003) in menopausal women with HFs. This study indicated an association between SIMs, lipids, and HFs. These connections may suggest HFs as links between SIMs/LPs alterations and their outcomes.

Association of hair glucocorticoid levels with sleep quality indicators: a pilot study in apparently healthy perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Poor sleep quality is associated with different physical and mental health diseases. It is proposed that increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity is a potential contributor affecting sleep pattern and quality. We aimed to analyze the relationship between subjective sleep quality indicators and hair glucocorticoid levels among relatively healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. A total of 145 women aged 50-64 y.o. were enrolled in the cross-sectional pilot study. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, while stress level was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. Hair cortisol and cortisone levels were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistically significant positive relationship was found between hair cortisol concentration and Pittsburgh sleep quality index score. Similarly, statistically significant positive associations were observed between hair total glucocorticoid level and Pittsburgh sleep quality index, sleep disturbance, and Perceived Stress Scale scores. Subjects with prolonged sleep latency had significantly higher hair cortisol and total hair glucocorticoid concentrations compared with individuals whose sleep latency is not disturbed. Additionally, Chi-squared test indicated that lower hair cortisol concentration was significantly related to better sleep efficiency. Increased hair glucocorticoid (cortisol, cortisone) levels were found to be related with worse sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh sleep quality index score.

The Coagulation Parameters Among Healthy Menopausal Sudanese Women

Background: Menopause is a natural stage in life and part of the aging process. it marks when a woman’s period stops as her ovaries stop producing eggs. Many changes take place in the physiological parameters some of which are known to enhance the risk of vascular-related diseases such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. This study aimed to estimate the platelets count, PT, APTT, fibrinogen level D-dimer, and protein C level among Healthy Menopausal Sudanese Women. Material and methods: This was a case-control study conducted at the laboratory of the national university at Khartoum state during the period of December 2022 to April 2023. Apparently, healthy menopausal women who lost their menstrual period for more than one year were included as a case group, and apparently healthy women during the reproductive period were included as a control group. The platelets were counted by using Automated Hematology Analyzer, Sysmex KX 21N (series SN B 2010), PT, APTT by coagulometer (Automated Bio Bas), Fibrinogen level by using the coagulometer (Automated Bio Bas) by BioMed-Fibrinogen kite BioMed-Fibrinogen kite, I chroma was used for the D-dimer, protein C was measured by using (URIT 660 AESKULISA Protein C and S Microplate read. Results: In the case group the means of platelets count, PT, APTT, Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and Protein C were; (251.3±38.2), (16.9±2.1), (32.9±7.7), (381.0±269.1) (0.59±0.17) and (89.9±16.3) respectively. while in the control group, the means of platelets count, PT, INR, APTT, Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and Protein C were; (291.8±73.5), (13.5±1.5), (31.3±2.7), (212.5±77.3) (0.33±0.12) and (82.2±14.2) also respectively. when comparing the parameters means between the case and control group the results revealed; there was a significant decrease in platelets counts (p. v = 0.001), a significant increase in PT and fibrinogen levels (p. v = 0.000), and insignificant differences for the APTT, D-dimer, and protein C (p. v > 0.05). In addition to that, there was a negative correlation between the parameters and the age and the A menorrhea (p. v > 0.05) Conclusion: In the Sudanese menopausal women, there was a significant decrease in platelets counts, and a significant increase in PT and fibrinogen levels, with insignificant differences for the APTT, D-dimer, and protein C when compared between the case and control group, in addition, the parameters had a negative correlation with the age and the A menorrhea.

Association of Hormonal imbalance in menopausal women with cardiovascular disease in Erbil city

Menopausal women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is thought to be due to an imbalance in serum estradiol and total testosterone level. To find out the effect of menopause on sex hormone levels such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone in serum menopausal women and to elevate the relationship between these hormones and CVD. This case-control study included (224) participants (menopausal women with CVD and non-CVD) in the age range (of 40-69 years) who visited (The surgical specialty hospital cardiac center and Hawler teaching hospital). A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Fasting serum metabolic parameters and hormones were measured which included (E2, TT, P, SHBG) and (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL). Women with CVD represented 60.7%., who had previously been diagnosed by specializes in the cardiac center, and healthy menopausal women represented 39.3%. The mean value of E2 was significantly lower in menopausal women with CVD (20.066±1.773 Pg/ml vs 29.455±3.807 Pg/ml) along with serum progesterone level (0.234±0.0102 ng/ml vs 0.452±0.137 ng/ml) and SHBG level (31.705±1.085 nmol/L vs 37.191±1.804 nmol/L) compared to healthy menopausal women (for all, p<0.05). On the other hand, a significantly elevated level of total testosterone (17.970±1.28 nmol/L vs 10.552±.99nmol/L) was observed in menopausal women with CVD compared with healthy women (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the E2 negative correlation with LDL-C (p<0.01), and TT negative correlation with HDL-C (P<0.01). Low serum levels in terms of sex hormones, (E2, P, and SHBG) with high-level serum TT might be contributed to cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Ospemifene on Densitometric and Plasma Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women Reporting Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy (VVA).

Women reporting VVA symptoms were included. Bone health profile was investigated in 61 subjects treated with OSP (OSPG) (60 mg/day) and compared with a control group (CG) (n = 67) over 12 months. In the CG, BMD and T-score statistically decreased at the femoral neck (FN), total femur (TF), and lumbar spine (L1-L4). In the OSPG, BMD decreased significantly at FN but tended to remain stable at TF and L1-L4. No changes were observed in bone mineral markers after one year in either group, except BAP, which decreased in OSPG. Long-term OSP treatment improves bone mineral markers at TF and LS and slows bone loss at FN compared to the control group. Overall, OSP exerts a protective effect on bone loss in healthy menopausal women with VVA.

The Relationship Between Sexual Activity and Heart Rate Variability in Menopausal Women.

Background:Menopause is an important life stage for women, which can bring along sexual and cardiac problems. Increased heart rate variability is an indicator of parasympathetic activity and is associated with mental and physical health and life expectancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sexual activity (only penile–vaginal intercourse but not masturbation or non-coital sex with a partner) on heart rate variability in healthy menopausal women.Methods:We evaluated 130 menopausal patients aged 45-60 years, without chronic disease. The average weekly sexual activity numbers remembered in the last 1 year were questioned. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of sexual activity. The sexually active group was divided into subgroups as 1 per week and 2 or more per week. Menopause Rating Scale was applied for menopausal symptoms. Heart rate variability was analyzed from the 24-hour electrocardiography Holter recording.Results:Heart rate variability parameters were higher in the sexually active group than in the sexually inactive group (mean of the standard deviations of all the NN intervals for each 5 min segment of a 24-hour heart rate variability recording: P = .004; root mean square of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals, expressed in ms: P = .001; number of NN intervals exceeding 50 milliseconds: P = .011; percentage of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration >50 ms: P = .009; low frequency: P = .011; high frequency: P = .008, low frequency/high frequency: P = .018). When assessed by multiple linear regression analysis by adjusting for age, body mass index, and menopause duration, the variables mean of the standard deviations of all the NN intervals for each 5 min segment of a 24-hour heart rate variability recording, root mean square of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals, expressed in ms, and low frequency were independently associated with the number of sexual activities per week (B = 2.89 ± 1.02, 95% CI = 0.866-4.91, P = .005; B = 4.57 ± 1.83, 95% CI = 0.94-8.2, P = .014; and B = 1174.9 ± 592.2, 95% CI = 2.9-2346.9, P = .049, respectively).Conclusion:In healthy menopausal women, continued sexual activity with penile–vaginal intercourse is associated with better health outcomes on cardiac autonomic function through higher heart rate variability, an index of parasympathetic activity.

Concerns About Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy.

Following the release of the Women's Health Initiative data, women began to use compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (cBHT) in the misguided belief of greater safety and efficacy than traditional hormone therapy. New guidelines recommend government-approved hormone therapy for symptomatic healthy menopausal women younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause at the time of initiation. For women requesting bioidentical hormones, those similar to the hormones present before menopause, there are many government-approved hormone therapies with extensive pharmacokinetic, safety, and efficacy data provided with package inserts delineating efficacy, safety, and potential risks. For women requesting non-Food and Drug Administration-approved (cBHT), these cBHTs lack data on pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy and are not provided a label detailing risk. Their use should be restricted to women with allergies or dosing or formulations not available in government-approved therapies. Pellet therapy providing women with supraphysiologic hormone dosing raises even more safety concerns.

Blood formed elements of the women with uterine tumors as one of the criterion for assessment of severity of the pathology

The indicators for structural analysis of blood formed elements are prominent in the assessment of pathologies, diagnostics and the degree. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the ongoing alterations that reflect on the structural characteristics of blood formed elements based on the hormonal imbalance among menopausal women with uterine tumors. Blood samples from the women with benign (n=20), malignant (n=20) uterine tumors, and healthy menopausal women (control, n=20) were used. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used for the quantitative determination of hormones. The blood formed elements ultrastructure observations were conducted using transmission electron microscope. Compared to control (33.8±0.7 pg/mL), estradiol level was higher in benign (45.7±0.9 pg/mL) and malignant (70.7±3.7 pg/mL) cases (P< 0.001). Similar pattern was noted in testosterone levels [control=0.38±0.03 ng/mL, benign=0.55±0.04 ng/mL (P< 0.01), malignant=1.56±0.14 ng/mL (P< 0.001)] was higher in malignant cases. In contrast, progesterone levels were decreased in the disease cases [control=0.93±0.05 ng/mL, benign=0.44±0.003 ng/mL, malignant=0.31±0.02 ng/ml (P< 0.001)]. Assessments of the morphologic structure of erythrocytes revealed pathological forms of erythrocytes (poikilocytosis) in case of benign, as well as in malignant tumors. particularly target cells (codocytes), hamlet cells, teardrop cells (dacrocytes), sickle cell (drepanocytes) erythrocytes. Using ELISA and transmission electron microscopy our results demonstrate that in case of malignant uterine tumor quantitative/structural changes occur in blood formed elements indicating ongoing alterations in hormonal imbalance. Assessing these changes in structural characteristics would be useful in examining uterine pathologies and subsequent treatment plans

Resveratrol Enhances the Cytotoxic Activity of Lymphocytes from Menopausal Women.

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are the main sources of antioxidants and have positive effects on health through regulation of the redox balance. Accordingly, they represent a useful nutritional source for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Menopausal women have an increased risk of developing NCDs due to hormonal dysregulation and the ongoing aging process. Accordingly, a healthy lifestyle and good nutritional habits are of utmost importance in this population. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol, and it is used as a nutraceutical given its estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of RSV on the lymphocyte cytotoxicity in menopausal women. Lymphocytes from 13 healthy menopausal women (56.18 ± 4.24 years) were isolated, and then cocultured with hTERT-HME1, a breast cell line with a precancerous phenotype. The results showed that, when treated with RSV, lymphocytes significantly increased the TNF- production (p < 0.001), the formation of immune synapses (p = 0.009), and the target cell lysis (p = 0.002). No effects were detected in the lymphocyte total antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, RSV might enhance the immune surveillance in menopausal women by increasing the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes.

P079 Effect of sleepwear fibre type on menopausal sleep quality – Study protocol and preliminary data

IntroductionVasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances are common in menopausal women. Different fabric types affect thermal comfort through moisture absorption and thermal insulation. This study examined the impact of cotton and wool sleepwear on menopausal women’s sleep quality.MethodsThis is a randomized, crossover, repeated-measures and triple-blinded trial comparing the sleep quality and vasomotor symptoms of healthy menopausal women between cotton and wool sleepwear at 30°C, 50% relative humidity. Participants undergo 6 laboratory visits. After a screening visit and a familiarization night, participants are randomized to 4 nights (2 nights in cotton and 2 nights in wool sleepwear) during which polysomnography and actigraphy recordings are taken including objective hot flush events, room temperature and relative humidity measurements, as well as subjective questionnaires on clothing comfort, mood and vasomotor symptoms.ResultsEleven participants (age 51.2±4.7 years, BMI 26.8±2.9 kg.m-2, Insomnia Severity Index 11.1±5.5) completed all six visits so far. Reasons for exclusion: 3 didn’t have vasomotor symptoms; 1 on HRT, 5 had severe sleep disturbances, 3 on medications, 4 had diabetes, 1 asthma, and 1 had BMI>30. All sleep-related outcomes are pending analysis (blinding).DiscussionRecruitment is a major study challenge. Many participants found it hard to arrange a time to attend overnight studies due to family/work commitments. The COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s attitude as some were hesitant to attend the laboratory. Menopause transition status is an important time during women’s lifespan. Effective management, e.g., through appropriate sleepwear, would be helpful to improve menopausal women’s symptom and quality of life.

Human gut microbiome impacts skeletal muscle mass via gut microbial synthesis of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate among healthy menopausal women.

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that human gut microbiome plays an important role in variation of skeletal muscle mass (SMM). However, specific causal mechanistic relationship of human gut microbiome with SMM remains largely unresolved. Understanding the causal mechanistic relationship may provide a basis for novel interventions for loss of SMM. This study investigated whether human gut microbiome has a causal effect on SMM among Chinese community‐dwelling healthy menopausal women.MethodsEstimated SMM was derived from whole‐body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We performed integrated analyses on whole‐genome sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and serum short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as well as available host SMM measurements among community‐dwelling healthy menopausal women (N = 482). We combined the results with summary statistics from genome‐wide association analyses for human gut microbiome (N = 952) and SMM traits (N = 28 330). As a prerequisite for causality, we used a computational protocol that was proposed to measure correlations among gut metagenome, metabolome, and the host trait to investigate the relationship between human gut microbiome and SMM. Causal inference methods were applied to assess the potential causal effects of gut microbial features on SMM, through one‐sample and two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, respectively.ResultsIn metagenomic association analyses, the increased capacity for gut microbial synthesis of the SCFA butyrate was significantly associated with serum butyrate levels [Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) = 0.13, P = 0.02] and skeletal muscle index (SCC = 0.084, P = 0.002). Of interest was the finding that two main butyrate‐producing bacterial species were both positively associated with the increased capacity for gut microbial synthesis of butyrate [ Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (SCC = 0.25, P = 6.6 × 10−7) and Butyricimonas virosa (SCC = 0.15, P = 0.001)] and for skeletal muscle index [ F. prausnitzii (SCC = 0.16, P = 6.2 × 10−4) and B. virosa (SCC = 0.17, P = 2.4 × 10−4)]. One‐sample MR results showed a causal effect between gut microbial synthesis of the SCFA butyrate and appendicular lean mass (β = 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.029 to 0.051, P = 0.003). Two‐sample MR results further confirmed the causal effect between gut microbial synthesis of the SCFA butyrate and appendicular lean mass (β = 0.06, 95% confidence interval 0 to 0.13, P = 0.06).ConclusionsOur results may help the future development of novel intervention approaches for preventing or alleviating loss of SMM.

Influence of a new botanical combination on quality of life in menopausal Spanish women: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.

BackgroundThis study was designed to evaluate the beneficial effects of a botanical extract combination containing soy isoflavone extract (100mg), Aframomum melegueta seed dry extract (50 mg), and Punica granatum skin dry extract (100mg) on health-related Quality of Life in healthy Spanish menopausal women with hot flashes, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using the validated Cervantes Scale.Methods and resultsFifty-seven outpatient women (45–65 years) with menstrual problems associated with climacteric syndrome were enrolled from April 2018 to April 2019 in the context of a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Women were randomized to receive treatment with either the botanical combination (250 mg daily divided into two doses) or placebo for eight weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, health-related Quality of Life was assessed using the Cervantes Scale. Subjects treated with the botanical extract, compared to subjects in the placebo group, showed a significant improvement in the Global health-related Quality of Life score (38% [11.3–50.0]% vs. 18.8% [0–37.7]%; P = 0.04) on the Cervantes Scale and, specifically, in the menopause and health domain (13.6% [0–45.4]% vs. 40.7% [20.6–61.0]%; P = 0.05). By contrast, there were no significant changes in the psychic, sexuality, and couple relationship related domains of the Cervantes Scale. Patients who concluded the study did not report substantial side effects.ConclusionShort-term intake of the botanical combination improved the Global Quality of Life of climateric women, according to the Cervantes Scale. Since this is a pilot trial, results should be analysed with caution.Trial registrationNCT04381026; ClinicalTrial.gov (retrospectively registered).

Bone Mineral Density in Different Menopause Stages is Associated with Follicle Stimulating Hormone Levels in Healthy Women.

Although estradiol (E2) has been believed to be the most critical factor in the menopause-associated decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), the role of increasing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during menopause is relatively unclear. We determined the extent to which hip and lumbar spine BMD differ among the stages of menopause in healthy women, and whether BMD is associated with FSH and E2 levels. A cross-sectional study of 141 healthy women classified as premenopausal (Pre; 38 ± 6 yrs; mean ± SD, n = 30), early perimenopausal (EPeri; 50 ± 3yrs, n = 31), late perimenopausal (LPeri; 50 ± 4yrs, n = 30), early postmenopausal (EPost; 55 ± 3yrs, n = 24), or late postmenopausal (LPost; 62 ± 4 yrs, n = 26), was conducted. Spine/hip BMD and sex hormones were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and enzymatic/colorimetric methods, respectively. Compared to EPeri, spine BMD was lower (p < 0.05) in LPeri, EPost, and LPost and hip BMD was lower (p < 0.05) in EPost and LPost. BMD was inversely associated with FSH (spine: r = −0.341; hip: r = −0.271, p < 0.05) and directly associated with E2 (spine: r = 0.274; hip: r = 0.256, p < 0.05). The menopause-related loss of spine and hip BMD is associated not only with low E2 but also higher FSH. Future studies are essential to delineating the mechanisms by which FSH regulates bone health in aging women.

Comparison of Postural Alignment of Osteopenic and Osteoporotic Women With Healthy Menopausal

Purpose: Menopause in women causes problems, including osteoporosis due to hormonal changes. Besides, osteoporosis in postmenopausal women may be associated with musculoskeletal disorders followed by changes in the alignment of the body, especially the spine. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the posture of osteopenic, osteoporotic, and healthy menopausal women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on postmenopausal women (age range, 45-65 years) referred to the Endocrinology and Rheumatology Clinic of Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Using the purposive sampling method, 90 people were selected as the study sample from this population and divided into three groups of 30 people: osteopenic, osteoporotic, and healthy. Then, the three groups were evaluated for body alignment (forward head, unequal shoulder, rounded shoulder, kyphosis, lordosis, and lower limb alignment). The obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Scheffe Post Hoc test at the significance level of 0.05, in SPSS v. 22. Results: The osteopenic and osteoporotic menopausal women significantly differed from the healthy menopause women in the following measures: forward head angle, curved neck angle, unequal shoulder (P=0.003), kyphosis, lordosis, varus knee, flat foot (P=0.006), and pelvic tilt (P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the decrease in bone density at the osteopenic and osteoporotic levels can affect the postural alignment of the head, shoulders, and neck and the curvature of the spine in postmenopausal women in the three study groups. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the postural evaluation and screening of people prone to osteoporosis, to provide preventive training programs and exercises to improve their physical condition

Serum ischemia-modified albumin level returns to its premenopausal level with 1-year hormone therapy in healthy menopausal women.

IntroductionTo assess the effect of hormone therapy (HT) on serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in healthy menopausal women.Material and methodsThirty surgical menopausal women who were admitted to our menopausal polyclinic during a 1-year period and diagnosed with menopause and planned to have HT for menopausal symptoms were enrolled in this prospective study. The serum İMA levels were recorded before and after (3 months, 6 months, 12 months later) hormone treatment (2 mg estradiol hemihydrate).ResultsThe mean age of women was 47.60 ± 2.34 years. The mean serum IMA levels were 0.610 ± 0.096 absorbance units (ABSU) at the beginning and 0.484 ± 0.080 ABSU after 3 months of hormone therapy. Following 6 months of hormone therapy, serum IMA level was 0.546 ± 0.075, and reached 0.580 ± 0.089 ABSU following 12 months of therapy.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that HT may not block the menopause induced ischemia process. Although HT had a positive effect on serum IMA levels following 3 months’ use, serum IMA levels returned to baseline levels after 12 months’ use. Based on this study’s findings, long-term use of HT may not have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease protection.

Hematological and Oxidative Stress Markers Analysis for Detection and Prediction of Osteoporosis in Post-menopausal Women

The main purpose of this work was to analyze some biological and oxidative stress markers to predict and diagnose osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For the experiment, we have chosen 20 healthy menopausal women as control and 20 menopausal women who had osteoporosis. Some biochemical, hematological, and oxidative stress parameters were measured. The sensitivity and specificity of oxidative stress biomarkers in serum, erythrocytes, and leucocytes were estimated using Receiver Operating Charac

Effects of a Combination of Foeniculum vulgare, Melissa officinalis Extract, and Nigella saliva Powder on Healthy Menopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Menopause is a critical period with frequent sexual disorders. Objectives: The current study assessed the therapeutic effect of a combination of the aerial part of Melissa officinalis, fennel fruit extract, and Nigella sativa seed powder on the sexual dysfunction of postmenopausal women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 48 menopausal women from April 2015 to October 2017. The participants included the menopausal women referring to the clinic of Gorgan health centers aged between 41 and 54 years with natural menopause (amenorrhea for at least 12 months) and discomfort in sexual activity. They were randomized into two treatment groups. Group 1 (n = 27) received 1000 mg capsules (Melissa officinalis, fennel extract, and Nigella sativa powder), and group 2 (n = 21) received a placebo (1000 mg starch capsules (in an eight-week course of treatment (one capsule per day for each group). The variables in the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire were compared in the two groups before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of sexual dysfunction in the domains of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were not significantly different between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Despite many studies on the effectiveness of Melissa, Foenculum, and Nigella, this study showed that a combination of Foeniculum vulgare, Melissa officinalis extract, and Nigella sativa seed powder does not improve the sexual function of postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, and it might be the synergism effect of this combination.

Vaginal Microbiota: Age Dynamic and Ethnic Particularities of Algerian Women

The composition of the vaginal microbiota is a key element for maintaining gynecological and reproductive health. With the aim of obtaining an accurate overview of the vaginal microbiota of Algerian women, in terms of their age and ethnic group, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene targeted metagenomic analysis of 100 vaginal samples taken from healthy childbearing and menopausal women. These data were used to establish the pattern of the vaginal microbiota during reproductive and postreproductive phases. Hormone levels were correlated to changes in microbial composition for menopausal women. The ethnic comparison revealed a particular microbiota profile for Algerian women, with a dominance of CST III and CST I. A rapid qPCR method developed by the authors was successfully used to identify the vaginal bacterial pattern for a customized gynecological management.

Nonpharmacological therapies for the management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide, and for many, therapy results in treatment-induced menopause. Menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors are often more severe, frequent, and of greater duration compared with natural menopause. Hot flushes and night sweats pose a significant burden for many women, with limited therapeutic options as menopausal hormone therapy is contraindicated. Guidelines recommend non-hormonal pharmacological agents including clonidine, gabapentin, and some antidepressants. However, some women may be reluctant to use medications due to concerns about side effects. The aim of this narrative review was to appraise recent evidence for nonpharmacological treatments for vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors including cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnosis, yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes. A literature search was conducted. Studies were included if they were randomised and involved breast cancer survivors and nonpharmacological treatments for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Twelve studies met the criteria, and three studies of exercise in healthy menopausal women were included. Cognitive behavioural therapy reduces menopausal symptoms and perceived impact of hot flushes and night sweats in breast cancer survivors and is cost effective. The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for menopausal vasomotor symptoms in women with breast cancer is supported by two randomised controlled trials. Yoga and acupuncture may reduce vasomotor symptom frequency and/or burden. Studies of exercise as an intervention for vasomotor symptoms in healthy menopausal women have not shown benefit. Evidence for nonpharmacological interventions supports cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnosis in the management of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors.

Efficacy of Labisia pumila and Eurycoma longifolia standardised extracts on hot flushes, quality of life, hormone and lipid profile of peri-menopausal and menopausal women: a randomised, placebo-controlled study.

BackgroundInterest in herbal medicines and non-hormonal therapies for the treatment of menopausal symptoms has increased since the publication of adverse effects of estrogen replacement therapy. Vasomotor symptoms are the most characteristic and notable symptoms of menopause.ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in the frequency and severity of hot flush and associated vasomotor symptoms experienced by peri-menopausal and menopausal women supplemented with the herbal formulation (Nu-femme™) comprising Labisia pumila (SLP+®) and Eurycoma longifolia (Physta®) or placebo.DesignRandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week study enrolled 119 healthy women aged 41–55 years experiencing peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms and supplemented with Nu-femme™ or placebo. The primary endpoint was comparative changes between treatment groups in the change in the frequency and severity of hot flushes. The secondary objectives were to assess the changes in the frequency and severity of joint pain, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire domain scores. Concentrations of serum hormone, lipid profile, bone markers, sleep quality and vitality were also studied as secondary objectives.ResultsAt week 12, significant (P < 0.01) improvements in hot flush symptoms were observed in Nu-femme™ and placebo groups. Even though there was no significant difference between groups, higher percentage of improvement, 65%, was seen in Nu-femme™ compared to 60% in placebo. Significant improvements (P < 0.001) in MRS and MENQOL scores at weeks 12 and 24 were observed in both groups, respectively. Luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at weeks 12 and 24, respectively, compared to baseline in the Nu-femme™ group, with no significant changes observed in the placebo group. There were significant (P < 0.05) reductions in serum low-density lipid and triglycerides levels at week 12 in Nu-femme™ group, but no changes seen in placebo group. At the end of week 24, changes in haematology and clinical chemistry parameters remained within normal clinical ranges in both groups.ConclusionHerbal formulation consists of L. pumila and E. longifolia (Nu-femme™) may support reduction in hot flushes and improvements in hormone and lipid profile in healthy peri-menopausal and menopausal women.