Menopausal Women Research Articles

Study on gut microbiota and metabolomics in postmenopausal women.

Menopausal syndrome, occurring during the menopausal stage in women, manifests as symptoms stemming from decreased estrogen levels, such as hot flashes, insomnia, mental disorders (anxiety, depression), and osteoporosis. The bulk of studies have indicated alterations in the gut microbiota of those experiencing menopause syndrome compared to healthy women. However, This article focuses on the alterations in gut microbiota in perimenopausal women. Our study utilized 16s rRNA sequencing to determine the differences in the gut microbiota and metabolites among 44 menopausal syndrome women. The distribution of gut microbiota in postmenopausal women varies based on the level of follicle stimulating hormone, with changes in gut microbiota abundance taking precedence over symptom onset. Fecal metabolites reveal changes in several metabolites, including Amino acid metabolism (Tyrosine, Tryptophan), Lipid metabolism (Alpha linolenic acid metabolism), and other metabolites. Disturbances in lipid metabolism, triggered by hormonal level fluctuations, can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

Prevalence of cardiometabolic outcomes in women who underwent salpingo-oophorectomy to prevent hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis.

Risk reduction salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is usually performed in women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers, resulting in surgical menopause, which is more associated with a high risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease than in premenopausal and natural menopausal women. This study assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in women who underwent salpingo-oophorectomy as a preventive measure against HBOC. This meta-analysis assessed prevalence rates for four metabolic/cardiovascular conditions: myocardial infarction, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models were applied to all analyses, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with I². We used OpenMeta Analyst software for statistical analysis. A total of five retrospective studies and one observational study involving 1,320 patients were included. The average body mass index (BMI) was 25.97kg/m2 and the average waist circumference was 87.94cm. The analysis across a mean 4.94-year follow-up revealed prevalence rates for acute myocardial infarction of 1.5% (95% CI 0.3-2.7; P = 0.077; I²=56.25%), hypertension of 28% (95% CI 6.9-49.1; P < 0.001; I2 = 98.42%), hypercholesterolemia of 27.2% (95% CI 6.8-47.6; P < 0.001; I²=98.67%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus of 3.3% (95% CI 1.1-5.5; P < 0.001; I²=82.44%). Our findings suggest that there is no marked increase in cardiovascular risk among women with HBOC undergoing RRSO.

The novel estrogen receptor beta agonist EGX358 and APOE genotype influence memory, vasomotor, and anxiety outcomes in an Alzheimer’s mouse model

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) prevalence and severity are associated with increased age, female sex, and apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype. Although estrogen therapy (ET) effectively reduces symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and anxiety, and can reduce dementia risk, it is associated with increased risks of breast and uterine cancer due to estrogen receptor alpha (ERβ)-mediated increases in cancer cell proliferation. Because ERβ activation reduces this cell proliferation, selective targeting of ERβ may provide a safer method of improving memory and reducing hot flashes in menopausal women, including those with AD. APOE genotype influences the response to ET, although it is unknown whether effects of ERβ activation vary by genotype.MethodsHere, we tested the ability of long-term oral treatment with a novel highly selective ERβ agonist, EGX358, to enhance object recognition and spatial recognition memory, reduce drug-induced hot flashes, and influence anxiety-like behaviors in female mice expressing 5 familial AD mutations (5xFAD-Tg) and human APOE3 (E3FAD) or APOE3 and APOE4 (E3/4FAD). Mice were ovariectomized at 5 months of age and were then treated orally with vehicle (DMSO) or EGX358 (10 mg/kg/day) via hydrogel for 8 weeks. Spatial and object recognition memory were tested in object placement (OP) and object recognition (OR) tasks, respectively, and anxiety-like behaviors were tested in the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM). Hot flash-like symptoms (change in tail skin temperature) were measured following injection of the neurokinin receptor agonist senktide (0.5 mg/kg).ResultsEGX358 enhanced object recognition memory in E3FAD and E3/4FAD mice but did not affect spatial recognition memory. EGX358 also reduced senktide-induced tail temperature elevations in E3FAD, but not E3/4FAD, females. EGX358 did not influence anxiety-like behaviors or body weight.DiscussionThese data indicate that highly selective ERβ agonism can facilitate object recognition memory in both APOE3 homozygotes and APOE3/4 heterozygotes, but only reduce the magnitude of a drug-induced hot flash in APOE3 homozygotes, suggesting that APOE4 genotype may blunt the beneficial effects of ET on hot flashes. Collectively, these data suggest a potentially beneficial effect of selective ERβ agonism for memory and hot flashes in females with AD-like pathology, but that APOE genotype plays an important role in responsiveness.

Right to Menopause

Menopause often leads to a dual form of discrimination rooted in age and gender. Frequently overlooked, the side effects of menopause compel many women to leave their jobs due to discrimination or the psychological and physical challenges hindering their work. Recent British legal rulings in favour of women claiming workplace discrimination indicate a growing recognition of menopause as an “invisible” factor contributing to women’s labour market exclusion in the UK. In Spain, despite approximately four million menopausal women, a 2020-2022 search in the Spanish legal database CENDOJ found limited evidence of those claiming disability or impairment due to menopause-related issues as obstacles to their work. This paper conducts an emotion discourse analysis (Koschut, 2018 and 2020) of a representative set of legal decisions in English and Spanish concerning menopause as a workplace hindrance. We aim to examine how employment courts perceive and address this disabling condition that affects women’s well-being and self-esteem. By analysing the macrostructure of both language subcorpora, we unveil the legal narrative and identify lexical characteristics and emotional undertones as linguistic and cognitive tools that stigmatize or ignore this temporary female condition. The present analysis sheds light on the positions taken by judges and the evaluations made by all parties involved in these cases.

Whose menopause revolution? Investigating the UK’s ‘Davina effect’ and the contemporary menopause market

Having made two documentaries about menopause, broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK 2021 and 2022, enduringly popular British TV presenter Davina McCall’s films are perceived to have had such a social impact that she now has the rare distinction of having an ‘effect’ named after her. The first film, Sex, Myths and the Menopause, is credited with diminishing the stigma historically surrounding menopause, while extolling the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for some to treat menopause symptoms. Hence, when requests for HRT spiked after the first film, ‘the Davina effect’ was adopted by the media to explain the widespread ensuing HRT shortage. This article is not focused on interrogating the films themselves but unpacking the media narrative that followed in the uses of the term ‘the Davina effect’. Its corpus comprises UK press coverage of the ‘menopause revolution’ and of the Davina documentaries; textual analysis of the films; and testimonies and research drawn from the medical and health professions, while utilising existing media and cultural studies paradigms to provide conceptual context, situating the ‘Davina effect’ as the latest novel entry in a long-standing history of media effects debates. While the films have been praised for bolstering a new era of menopause awareness, this article considers how ‘the Davina effect’ instantiates and services how the so-called ‘menopause revolution’ (Gordon, 2021) has evolved largely in neoliberal terms, regularly centring the need to respond to the perceived crises of middle-class white women, rather than a more intersectional and inclusive conception of menopause. Furthermore, it apportions knowledge, fear and blame around HRT shortages in a manner which deflects attention from the larger economic, political and cultural contexts that have nurtured the ensuing alarm. Yet, importantly, the Davina effect may also facilitate a transgressive image of menopausal women as determinedly contesting their marginalisation.

Abstract 4138306: Impact of Early Menopause and Hormonal Replacement Therapy on Aortic Stenosis Progressio

Background: Early menopause is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in women. The present study aimed to examine the impact of early menopause and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) on the progression of aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: Thirty-three postmenopausal women (mean age 65 ± 10 years) with mild or moderate AS prospectively recruited in the PROGRESSA study (NCT01679431) were included in this sub-analysis. All patients underwent multidetector computed tomography and Doppler-echocardiography at least twice during follow-up to assess both anatomic and hemodynamic AS severity, based on aortic valve calcification (AVC), mean pressure gradient (MG), and aortic valve area indexed to body surface area (AVA). Annualized changes in AVC, MG and AVAi were calculated between baseline and the last follow-up. Results: Over a median follow-up of 2 [1-4] years, early menopausal women had a faster progression rate of AVC, MG, and AVAi compared to other women: (100[58-130] vs. 23[2-71] AU/year, p=0.03); (2.37[0.82-3.61] vs. 0.31[0.01-1.78] mmHg/year, p=0.04); and (-0.12[-0.23-0.002] vs. -0.004[-0.07-0.08] cm 2 /m 2 /year, p=0.08) respectively. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, AS severity at baseline, and comorbidities, early menopause remained significantly associated with faster AVC progression (p=0.003). Moreover, after comprehensive adjustment, women who received HRT (45%) had a slower progression rate of AVC (20[10-42] AU/year vs. 62[2-100], adjusted p=0.04). Conclusion: Early menopause is associated with faster progression of AS, both anatomically and hemodynamically. However, the use of HRT is associated with slower progression of AS. Integrating female-specific risk factors, particularly menopausal history and hormonal therapy status, into the clinical management of AS could enhance patient care.

Quality of Life Among Natural Menopausal Women and Early Surgical Menopausal Women: A Study from Greece

Background/Objectives: The general health and well-being of middle-aged women have become a major public health issue worldwide. More than 80% of women experience physical or psychological symptoms during the transition to menopause. This study aims to compare the effect of menopause on quality of life (QOL) in two groups of women undergoing natural and surgical menopause. Methods: The sample consisted of 100 female patients from a Greek hospital in Athens, with an average age of 44.5 years, half of whom had natural menopause, while the remaining women had iatrogenic menopause after surgery for any reason other than malignancy. A questionnaire related to the QOL in menopause was used to collect the data. The scale used to evaluate the QOL of women is the Utian QOL Scale (UQOL), translated into Greek. Results: From the analysis of the data, it was found that there is no statistically significant difference between the QOL of women with natural and surgical menopause. Menopausal symptoms, psychosocial and sexual health, as well as the general health of the two groups, showed similar rates (OR: 63.7–66.6, p = 0.248). The only statistically significant difference found was in weight gain, with natural menopausal women having greater weight gain compared to surgically menopausal women (p = 0.041). Conclusions: Menopausal symptoms are associated with a decrease in women’s QOL. However, QOL is affected regardless of the type of menopause transition. This study was not registered.

PREVENÇÃO DO ENVELHECIMENTO CUTÂNEO NA MENOPAUSA

Menopause, in the transition phase that generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, causes significant hormonal changes that affect a woman's physical and emotional health and quality of life. The reduction in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone especially impacts the skin, making it thinner, drier and less elastic, which facilitates the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. This process intensifies the search for aesthetic treatments aimed at revitalizing the skin and strengthening self-esteem. Among these interventions, radiofrequency (RF) and the use of dermocosmetics stand out, which stimulate fibroblasts and promote collagen production, being effective in facial, body and intimate rejuvenation. This study reviews scientific articles, dissertations, scientific journals, which were published between 2020 and 2024, with the aim of identifying treatments that prevent the signs of skin aging and promote skin health, seeking to offer effective aesthetic care alternatives for menopausal women.

Association of Changes in Relevant Indicators With Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

ABSTRACTThe essence of menopause is ovarian failure, decreased estrogen volatility, and deficiency leading to multiple related symptoms and an increased risk of metabolic disease in women, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. This study screened 773 eligible postmenopausal and perimenopausal women from an initial pool of 1187 participants, and various physiological and biochemical indices were measured and analyzed to assess differences across three age groups (40–44 years, 45–49 years, 50–54). We found no significant difference in the rate of cardiovascular disease between postmenopausal and perimenopausal women, while the rate of osteoporosis was higher in postmenopausal women compared to perimenopausal women. The disease of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women was associated with age (p &lt; 0.05). We also found that postmenopausal women and perimenopausal women had significant effects on follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), total cholesterol (TC), lumbar spine BMD (T1), femoral neck BMD, The bone density (T2) of the right femur was significantly affected. There are significant differences in FSH, LH, E2, TC, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), L2–L4, T1, Neck of femur decrease, and T2 in women of different ages. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between age and E2 and metabolic indicators showed that age has a greater impact on the risk of postmenopausal and perimenopausal females. This study can help further understand the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis in perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Relieves Periodontitis by Inhibiting Alveolar Bone Loss and Inflammation.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a commonly used strategy for treating menopausal symptoms, while its relation with periodontitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential effects of HRT on periodontitis, mainly in aspects of bone loss and inflammation. The alveolar bone height (ABH), alveolar bone thickness (ABT), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured in menopausal women with periodontitis who had received HRT or had not received HRT by cone beam computed tomography. Based on a rat model of periodontitis, the alveolar bone loss was evaluated by micro-computed tomography and bone-related biochemical markers. The expression/levels of inflammatory markers were measured to reflect periodontal inflammation. Although the differences were not all significant in each premolars/molars, the mesial/distal ABH and buccal/lingual ABT were lower, and the mesial/distal BMD was higher in patients in the HRT group than those in the control group. In a rat model of periodontitis, the alveolar bone loss was relieved by HRT. Additionally, HRT significantly weakened the elevation of inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in periodontitis rats. HRT contributes to the remission of periodontitis by inhibiting alveolar bone loss and inflammation.

Switch to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors during the Menopausal Transition is Associated with Accelerated Body Composition Change in Women with HIV.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and the menopausal transition have separately been associated with body composition changes in women with HIV (WWH), but their interaction is unknown. From 2006-2019, 1131 non-pregnant WWH with viral suppression [(419 who switched to INSTI (INSTI+); 712 who did not switch (INSTI-)] and 887 women without HIV (WWOH) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study were included. Mixed effect models were used to evaluate change in waist circumference (WC) and BMI by menopausal phase defined using anti-Müllerian hormone, a biomarker of ovarian reserve. During premenopause, WWH had increases in WC (INSTI+: 0.01cm per 6 month (mo); 95%CI:-0.29,0.32 and INSTI-: 0.22cm per 6mo;95%CI:-0.01,0.44) that were not statistically significantly different from WWOH; there was also little difference by INSTI status. In late perimenopause, INSTI+ had faster increases in WC (0.37cm per 6mo;95%CI:0.15,0.60) while INSTI- had smaller increases (0.14cm per 6mo;95%CI:-0.06,0.34) compared to WWOH. In menopause, INSTI+ had faster increases peaking at 43mo then declining while INSTI- had smaller increases (0.14cm per 6mo;95%CI:-0.02,0.30). Compared to INSTI-, in late perimenopause, INSTI+ had 0.26 cm per 6mo (95%CI:0.02,0.50) faster linear increases in WC and in menopause, INSTI+ was associated with faster increases peaking at 41mo. BMI trajectories were similar to WC in late peri- and menopausal women. Switching to an INSTI-based regimen during late peri- and menopause is associated with faster increases in WC and BMI when compared to women who did not switch. Menopausal status should be considered when switching to an INSTI.

Early Diagnosis of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Asymptomatic Type 2 Diabetic Normotensive Menopausal Women: A Global Pulse Wave Velocity Study

AbstractArterial stiffness serves as a cardiovascular disease marker, aiding in the early identification of high-risk patients. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of arterial stiffness, measured by global pulse wave velocity (gPWV), among diabetic normotensive menopausal women (DPMW) and its correlation with levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). We recruited 641 consecutive DPMW diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 5 years. The control group (CG) consisted of 300 normotensive, normoglycemic menopausal women. Normal gPWV was defined as a velocity ≤7.1 m/s. We enrolled 641 DPMW with a mean age of 57 ± 12 years. The CG comprised 300 normotensive, normoglycemic postmenopausal women with a mean age of 56 ± 4 years. Among DPMW, 29 (4.5%) exhibited increased gPWV compared with 4 (1.3%) in the CG (p &lt; 0.01). Of the 225 (35.1%) DPMW with HbA1c &gt; 7.5%, 23 (10.2%) had increased gPWV. In contrast, among the 416 (64.9%) DPMW with HbA1c &lt; 7.5%, only 6 (1.4%) had increased gPWV (p &lt; 0.0001). Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities were detected in 208 (32.4%) DPMW, with 11 (5.3%) of them exhibiting increased gPWV (p = 0.6). There was a higher prevalence of increased gPWV in asymptomatic normotensive DPMW, with a significant association between increased gPWV and elevated HbA1c levels. However, there was no correlation between increased gPWV and abnormal ECG findings, despite ECG being the sole test recommended by current guidelines for all diabetic patients. Early detection of elevated HbA1c levels and increased gPWV may identify asymptomatic DPMW at higher cardiovascular risk, highlighting the inadequacy of a simple ECG in assessing cardiovascular risk in this population.

Gambaran Kadar Asam Urat pada Wanita Usia Menopause di Desa Rancapanggung Kecamatan Cililin

gout attacks women who are generally women at the age of menopause. During menopause, women experience a decrease in the function of the ovaries, resulting in a decrease in the function of the hormone estrogen, so that during menopause, women are susceptible to an increase in uric acid levels in the blood. To find out the description of uric acid levels in menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. The research method used was descriptive observational, the sample consisted of 32 menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency. The data collection technique uses a frequency distribution table with direct uric acid examination of menopausal women. The results of the study showed the frequency distribution of uric acid levels in menopausal women, most of the respondents had high uric acid levels because previously most of the respondents had a history of gout. Most respondents had high uric acid levels in the age range 50 years and above.The high levels of uric acid in menopausal women in the Rancapanggung Village area, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency are mostly in the age range 50 years and above.

An In Vivo Model of Estrogen Supplementation Concerning the Expression of Ca2+-Dependent Exchangers and Mortality, Vitality and Survival After Myocardial Infarction in Ovariectomized Rats

Background: Ischemic-reperfusion damage of cardiomyocytes due to myocardial infarction (MI) often leads to the death of an individual. Premenopausal women have been observed to have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men of the same age. In menopausal women, this trend is significantly reversed, and the risk of CVD increases up to 10-fold. Estrogens affect the development and function of the heart muscle, and as they decrease, the risk and poor prognosis of CVD increase. This study is focused on the effects of estrogen supplementation on morbidity, vitality, and NCX1 expression after MI on a model system. Methods: In this study, female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 58), which were divided into three experimental groups (NN—control group, non-supplemented; OVX-N—ovariectomized, non-supplemented; OVX-S—ovariectomized, supplemented), received left thoracotomy in the fourth intercostal space. The left anterior descendent coronary artery was ligated 2 mm from its origin with an 8.0 suture. An immunohistological analysis as well as an RT-PCR analysis of NCX1 expression were performed. Results: A higher survival rate was recorded in the OVX-N group (86%) in comparison with the OVX-S group (53%) (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, higher NCX1 expression 7 days/14 days after MI in the OVX-S group in comparison with the NN and OVX-N (p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.05) groups was recorded. Seven days after MI, a significantly higher expression (p &lt; 0.005) of mRNA NCX1 in the OVX-N group was also recorded in comparison with the NN group. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive description of the effect of estrogen supplementation on NCX1 expression and overall vitality in ovariectomized rats that survived MI.

Changes in Quality of Life and Estrogen Menopausal Women Through Hypnotherapy

Background: Menopausal women's quality of life is affected by ovarian estrogen decline, symptoms &amp; complaints: Physical, Psychological, Vasomotor and Sexual. Estrogen hormone replacement will have an impact on the occurrence of carcinoma, so it is necessary to introduce alternative treatment hypnotherapy as a substitute for pharmacological treatment. Objective: to measure the potential of hypnotherapy in improving the quality of life of menopausal women. Population: Menopausal female Materials and Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental, Design: with a control approach (pre-posttest). Menopausal female respondents (45-60 years old) from Malang City, treatment group 75 and control 75 respondents. The treatment was carried out 2 times with an interval of 4 weeks. The activity was held in March – June 2023. Results: MenQoL modification scale questionnaire (44 items) from 30 respondents: Validity Test: r= 0.958-0.998 (Valid) and Reliability Test r=1.00 (Very High). Hypnotherapy Effect Test (Wilcoxon): MenQoL Experimental p-value 0.000 (significantly different); MenQol Control p-value 0.357 (no significant difference) and Experimental Estrogen: p-value 0.000 (significantly different); Estrogen Control p-value 0.000 (significant difference). Test the difference (∆) between the pre and post mean: Experimental MenQoL -31.58 &lt; Control MenQoL 3.95 and Experimental Estrogen 236.972,18 &gt; Control Estrogen -90.223,31. Experimental MenQoL Normalization Gain Test with an improvement value of 86.6%; MenQoL Control worsening 57.3% and Experimental Estrogen with an improvement value of 68 %; Estrogen Control with an improvement value of only 20 %. Conclusion: Hypnotherapy has an impact on improving the quality of life of menopausal women through increased MenQoL and Estrogen. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: Improvement Menopausal Quality of life.

Comparing Urtica dioica to Placebo on Vaginal Cytology and pH in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

IntroductionDecreased estrogen in the period of menopause causes thinning of the vaginal lining, a rise in vaginal acidity, and a drop in vaginal maturation levels. Menopausal women are seeking treatment for bothersome vaginal symptoms, opting for herbal treatments instead of hormone therapy due to their side effects or contraindications. MethodsIn 2021-2022, a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 84 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 from Golestan who had the eligibility criteria and sought services from comprehensive health centers. The qualified females were given 5% vaginal cream containing Urtica dioica extract and a placebo for a duration of 8 weeks. Analysis of data was performed with SPSS. Vaginal PH and maturation value were measured before, as well as four and eight weeks following the intervention. ResultsBefore the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean (SD) scores of the vaginal pH and VMV between the two groups. During the fourth and eighth weeks post-intervention in the Urtica dioica group, the mean (SD) vaginal pH scores were 4.8 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 1.0, while the mean (SD) VMV scores were 50.8 ± 8.8 and 51.3 ± 8.9, respectively. There was a significant difference between the intervention group and the placebo group (P<0.001). ConclusionsAfter using Urtica dioica vaginal cream for eight weeks, postmenopausal women displayed higher vaginal maturation value and lower vaginal pH.

Impact of Rosa damascena extract capsule on the sexual function of menopausal women: a randomized clinical trial

Impact of Rosa damascena extract capsule on the sexual function of menopausal women: a randomized clinical trial

Effect of walking and bone joint exercise on enhancing bone remodeling in menopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

Osteoporosis increases fracture risk and reduces quality of life in menopausal women. Although physical activity, such as walking and bone joint exercise, is known to help maintain bone health, its effectiveness needs further examination. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of physical activity, in particular walking and bone joint exercise, on enhancing bone remodeling in menopausal women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among menopausal women and allocated into three groups: walking, bone joint exercise, and control groups. The intervention was provided for eight weeks, with the outcomes measured before and after the intervention. The study assessed five bone remodeling biomarkers: estrogen, parathyroid hormone (PTH), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and bone mineral density (BMD). The paired sample student t-test and ANOVA were used to assess the effects of the interventions. The results indicated that, compared to pre-intervention, both walking and bone joint exercise significantly increased the estrogen (p=0.026 and p=0.023, respectively), decreased RANKL (p=0.019 and p=0.002, respectively), decreased PTH levels (p=0.022 and p=0.048, respectively) and increased the BMD scores (p=0.001 and p&lt;0.001, respectively). In the control group, none of the remodeling biomarkers significantly changed except the mean level of TNF-α, which was increased significantly (p=0.001). This study highlights that structured exercise, such as walking and bone joint exercise, can significantly enhance bone remodeling markers in menopausal women. Therefore, implementing such physical activities into management may provide benefits to menopausal women.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Insomnia Severity Among Menopausal Women: A Scoping Review

This review explores the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on menopausal women suffering from insomnia. The transition to menopause is often accompanies by sleep disturbances, which significantly affect women’s quality of life. This review applies a scoping approach to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on CBT-I interventions for insomnia among menopausal women. The included studies examined variations in the number of CBT-I sessions, the duration of interventions, and their delivery methods (face-to-face, online, or telephone-based). The results consistently showed that CBT-I significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia severity in menopausal women. CBT-I was particularly effective compared to other interventions such as sleep restriction therapy and sleep hygiene education. Sleep quality improvements were observed to persist for up to six months after treatment. These findings support the use of CBT-I as a first-line intervention for insomnia in menopausal women, offering a sustainable solution with fewer side effects compared to pharmacological treatments. However, the review also highlights the need for further research on CBT-I’s efficacy in diverse populations, as most studies focused on predominantly white and well-educated women.

Evaluation of serum apolipoprotein concentrations and atherogenic indices in menopausal and premenopausal women in Nkwelle-Ezunaka

Background of study: The hormonal change in menopause affects lipid metabolism which could lead to dyslipidaemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Aim of study: To evaluate the levels of apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, Castelli risk index-1, Castelli risk index-11, atherogenic index of plasma and atherogenic coefficient in menopausal and premenopausal women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study ninety females were selected which consisted of 45 premenopausal, and 45 menopausal women using simple random sampling technique. Levels of apolipoprotein A1 and B were determined spectrophotometrically using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Atherogenic indices were calculated with their respective formulas. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean levels of apo B (134.83±28.90 vs 130.73±30.55; p&gt;0.05), apo A1, atherogenic index of plasma, Castelli risk index-1, Castelli risk index-11 and atherogenic coefficient in the menopausal women compared with the premenopausal women but the mean values of both groups were outside the normal range of apo B, Castelli risk index-1, atherogenic index of plasma and atherogenic coefficient. Conclusion: Apo B, atherogenic index of plasma, Castelli risk index-1 and atherogenic coefficient are better indicators of cardiovascular risk.