Menopause-related Symptoms Research Articles

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation do not influence menopause-related symptoms: Results of the Women's Health Initiative Trial

BackgroundIt is unknown whether supplementation with calcium and vitamin D has an impact on menopause-related symptoms. MethodsAs part of the Women's Health Initiative Calcium/Vitamin D Supplementation Trial (CaD), women were randomized at 40 clinical sites to elemental calcium carbonate 1000mg with vitamin D 400IU daily or placebo. At the CaD baseline visit (year 1 or year 2) and during a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, participants provided data on menopause-related symptoms via questionnaires. Generalized linear mixed effects techniques were used to address research questions. ResultsAfter excluding participants with missing data (N=2125), we compared menopause-related symptoms at follow-up visits of 17,101 women randomized to CaD with those of 17,056 women given the placebo. Women in the CaD arm did not have a different number of symptoms at follow-up compared to women taking the placebo (p=0.702). Similarly, there was no difference between sleep disturbance, emotional well-being, or energy/fatigue at follow-up in those who were randomized to CaD supplementation compared to those taking the placebo. ConclusionsOur data suggest that supplementation with 1000mg of calcium plus 400IU of vitamin D does not influence menopause-related symptoms over an average of 5.7 years of follow-up among postmenopausal women with an average age of 64 at the WHI baseline visit.

Use of Alternative Medications for Menopause-Related Symptoms in Three Major Ethnic Groups of Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

This cross-sectional study investigated the use of alternative medications to alleviate menopause-related symptoms among Malay, Chinese, and Indian women of Ipoh city. The prevalence, types, effectiveness, and associated factors were determined. The prevalence of alternative medication use was 41.4%. Evening primrose oil (EPO) was the most popular medication used (18.1%), followed by soy-based products (12.3%), green tea (6.8%), and gingko (5.8%). The medication was reported to be highly effective by 58.3% of soya bean diet users and 41.1% of EPO users. Significant variables associated with the use were Chinese or Indian ethnicity (P < .001), age between 50 and 54 years (P < .01), lower self-health rating (P < .05), education level of diploma or professional degree (P < .05), employment as professionals or entrepreneurs (P < .05), and the use of hormone replacement therapy (P < .05). Regression analysis showed that Chinese and Indians had significantly higher odds for the use than Malays (Chinese: odds ratio [OR] = 4.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.392-7.837; Indians: OR = 3.248, 95% CI = 1.586-6.654).

Whole plant foods intake is associated with fewer menopausal symptoms in Chinese postmenopausal women with prehypertension or untreated hypertension.

Nutritional factors have been suggested to be associated with menopausal symptoms (MS). However, the role of overall diet in MS has seldom been examined in Asian populations. This study aims to examine the association of dietary patterns with MS in Chinese postmenopausal women. This was a cross-sectional study of 726 women with prehypertension or untreated hypertension who attended the screening visit for a soy trial. Dietary data were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire containing 85 food items. Principal components factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns based on 11 food groups. Factors were rotated by orthogonal transformation. Menopause-related symptoms were assessed by a 20-item validated and structured checklist. Three dietary patterns were identified: processed foods, whole plant foods, and animal foods. Higher tertile of whole plant foods (P for trend <0.05) or lower tertile of processed foods (P for trend <0.05) was associated with fewer MS in a dose-dependent manner. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that whole plant foods scores were negatively associated with MS scores, even after adjustments for a range of potential confounders (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analyses showed that whole plant foods intake was associated with a significant reduction in risk for nonvasomotor symptoms only. Our study demonstrates that high intake of whole plant foods is independently associated with fewer nonspecific MS. Further evidence from well-designed prospective studies is required to confirm this finding.

Kinesiotherapy effect on quality of life, sexual function and climacteric symptoms in women with fibromyalgia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the kinesiotherapy in the quality of life, sexual function and menopause-related symptoms and compare in climacteric women with and without fibromyalgia (FM). MethodologyThe group was composed of 90 climacteric women divided in 2 groups: FM (47) and control (43). The patients were analyzed on their quality of life (Utian Quality of Life [UQoL]), sexual function (Sexual Quotient-Female Version [SQ-F] questionnaire) and intensity of the climacteric symptoms (Blatt–Kupperman menopausal index [BKMI]). Both groups performed pelvic floor kinesiotherapy, composed of 20 sessions, twice a week. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Cohen's Kappa. ResultsIn the quality of life, an improvement was noticed in both groups for all domains analyzed. In the comparison between groups it was noticed a difference in the emotional (p=0.01), health (p=0.03) and sexual (p=0.001) domains with considerable gains verified in the control group. Improvement was also noticed in the sexual function. In the analysis between groups, FM group showed a lower score compared to the control group (p<0.001). With respect to the climacteric symptoms, there was no difference in the analysis between groups after the intervention (p<0.001). ConclusionsThe pelvic floor kinesiotherapy promotes a positive effect in the domains of quality of life, sexual function and climacteric symptoms in women with and without fibromyalgia in the climacteric period; however, fibromyalgia seems to be a limiting factor to achieve better results in some of the aspects evaluated.

Prevalence of menopausal related symptoms and their impact on quality of life among Egyptian women

To assess the prevalence of menopausal-related symptoms and to evaluate their impact on quality of life (QoL) among a sample of menopausal women from Egypt.A cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at the Gynecology department, Suez Canal University, Ismailia - Egypt. A total 1,214 women aged 40 - 70 years were recruited and studied using an interview questionnaire. The questionnaire contains four main items: socio-demographic data, menstruation status assessment, modified Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire.Mean age was 48.1 ± 10.3 years, with 26.6% of the studied participants were illiterates. According to menstruation status, 40.9% of the studied women were postmenopausal, 41.4% were premenopausal, while 17.7% were perimenopausal. Most of the studied participants have mild/moderate somatic symptoms. Mild/moderate depressive mode, irritability, and anxiety have been reported in 63%, 58.4%, and 58.2% of women, respectively. Postmenopausal women have significantly higher scores on MRS except for urogenital score that was higher in perimenopausal women. They also had significantly lower QoL score in all subscales of WHOQOL-BREF except for psychological domain that was lowest among perimenopausal women. MRS total score has significant negative correlation to all domains of WHOQOL questionnaire.Postmenopausal women have higher prevalence of menopausal symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life more than pre- and perimenopausal women. Those in the transition period (perimenopausal) have higher prevalence of psychological symptoms with higher impact on their psychological welfare.

Association between consultations with complementary/alternative medicine practitioners and menopause-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To examine the associations between consultations with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners and menopause-related symptoms.Methods A cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 10 011 women aged 59–64 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, conducted in 2010. Women, including those with hysterectomy, oophorectomy and natural menopause, were asked about their consultations with a range of CAM practitioners and menopause-related symptoms experienced.Results Acupuncturists were more likely to be consulted by women with hysterectomy experiencing night sweats (odds ratio, OR = 2.21), but were less likely to be consulted by those experiencing hot flushes (OR = 0.53). Acupuncturists were also more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy (OR = 3.11) and natural menopausal women (OR = 1.57) experiencing back pain. Massage therapists were more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy experiencing back pain (OR = 1.98), women with hysterectomy experiencing anxiety (OR = 1.52), and natural menopausal women experiencing back pain (OR = 1.54) and/or anxiety (OR = 1.29). Naturopaths/herbalists were more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy experiencing leaking urine (OR = 2.08). Chiropractors/osteopaths were more likely to be consulted by women across all menopausal status experiencing back pain (OR = 2.52, 2.31 and 2.25 for women with oophorectomy, hysterectomy and natural menopause, respectively).Conclusions There are substantial levels of CAM practitioners’ consultations amongst menopausal women, with a range of menopause-related symptoms associated with the use of specific CAM practitioner modalities. It is important that health-care providers are mindful of CAM practitioner use in order to ensure safe, effective and coordinated treatment and support for menopausal women in their care.

S-equol: a potential nonhormonal agent for menopause-related symptom relief.

Many women suffering from vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are now seeking nonpharmaceutical treatments for symptom relief. Recently, S-equol, an intestinal bacterial metabolite of the soybean isoflavone daidzein has received attention for its ability to alleviate VMS and provide other important health benefits to menopausal women. S-equol is found in very few foods and only in traces. About 50% of Asians and 25% of non-Asians host the intestinal bacteria that convert daidzein into S-equol. Clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of an S-equol-containing product found that VMS were alleviated but these trials were limited in scope and primarily involved Japanese women for whom hot flashes are a minor complaint. The only trial in the United States evaluating hot flashes found symptoms were significantly reduced by S-equol, but the study lacked a placebo group, although it did include a positive control. The daily dose of S-equol used in most trials was 10 mg, and because the half-life of S-equol is 7-10 hours, to maximize efficacy, it was taken twice daily. Subanalysis of epidemiologic studies suggests that equol producers are more likely to benefit from soyfood consumption than nonproducers with respect to both cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, although the data are inconsistent. The limited safety data for S-equol do not suggest cause for concern, especially with regard to its effects on breast and endometrial tissue. Further studies are needed before definitive conclusions of its effectiveness for VMS can be made, but the preliminary evidence warrants clinicians discussing the potential of S-equol for the alleviation of VMS with patients.

Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life in women in natural menopause. We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL using keywords such as acupuncture, hot flash, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life. Heterogeneity, moderator analysis, publication bias, and risk of bias associated with the included studies were examined. Of 104 relevant studies, 12 studies with 869 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. We found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency (g = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.21) and severity (g = -0.44; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.23) of hot flashes. Acupuncture significantly decreased the psychological, somatic, and urogenital subscale scores on the Menopause Rating Scale (g = -1.56, g = -1.39, and g = -0.82, respectively; P < 0.05). Acupuncture improved the vasomotor subscale score on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (g= -0.46; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.02). Long-term effects (up to 3 mo) on hot flash frequency and severity (g = -0.53 and g = -0.55, respectively) were found. This meta-analysis confirms that acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life (in the vasomotor domain) in women experiencing natural menopause.

Incorporation of Fenugreek and Sesame Seeds for Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of phytoestrogen rich foods to improve menopausal dietary quality in alleviating menopausal symptoms. A total of n=1000 women (aged 35–48 years) were scanned. Of these, a sub sample of n=30 women, based on their severity of menopause rating scale (was obtained from the Professor Heinemann from Center of Epidemiology and Health Studies in Berlin) were purposively enrolled. To these subjects nutrition health education (NHE) was provided for 2 months (reinforced at 15 days interval), focused on sources of phytoestrogen and importance of consumption of phytoestrogen rich foods. Before and after NHE intervention data was collected for serum level of gonadotropin hormones (FSH and LH) estimation and menopause rating scale. The study revealed that in urban Vadodara 17.1% had menopause related symptoms. The baseline data for women in perimenopause state (n=30) showed the 24% were obese, 20% were overweight, 8% were undernourished. After intervention daily consumption pattern of phytoestrogen foods has increased from 6.9% to 15.2%; and that for the fenugreek seeds increased from 12% to 24% and for sesame seeds increased from 11.5% to 48%. The menopause rating scale was reduced from 0–32 to 0–17 after intervention. The improvement in consumption pattern of phytoestrogen foods has effectively shown significant reduction in the severity of symptoms for forgetfulness, swelling and weight fluctuation (p=0.01). The results of serum gonadotropin estimation showed that mean FSH was reduced from 18.03±5.01 to 10.95±3.55 and mean LH from 19.95±4.92 to 14.1±4.55, though this was not up to a satisfactory level. Phytoestrogens being nonsteroidal compounds with estrogenic activity showed a significant reduction in alleviating menopausal symptoms.

Menopausal symptoms and its effect on quality of life in urban versus rural women: A cross-sectional study.

Aim and Objective:To analyze the menopause-related symptoms and its impact on quality of life in post-menopausal women from urban and rural area.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional 1-year study was carried among women of urban (n = 490) and rural (n = 380) areas, attending the outpatient department in the urban area and a house-to-house survey in rural areas, by interviews with the help of a pretested semi-structured standard questionnaire. For assessment of the menopausal symptoms menopause rating scale (MRS) and for quality of life, World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHO QOL-BREF) questionnaire was used.Results:There was a significant difference between the MRS total scores of the urban (14.67 ± 6.64) and rural (16.08 ± 7.65) group. The somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms were high in rural women than in urban women. The results were not significant for urogenital subscale. The mean raw scores of physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains was more in urban than in rural women. The mean transformed scores (4-20) of physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains was more in urban than in rural women. The mean transformed scores (0-100) including the physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains was more in urban than in rural women. The result was not significant for physical health.Conclusion:The high proportions and the scores of MRS were observed in both rural and the urban women. The severity of symptoms was found more distressing for rural women. The quality of life in urban society was average and better than in rural women.

Vitamin D levels and menopause-related symptoms.

This study aims to determine whether vitamin D levels are associated with menopause-related symptoms in older women. A randomly selected subset of 1,407 women, among 26,104 potentially eligible participants of the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D trial of postmenopausal women aged 51 to 80 years, had 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels measured at the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D trial baseline visit. Information about menopause-related symptoms at baseline was obtained by questionnaire and included overall number of symptoms and composite measures of sleep disturbance, emotional well-being, and energy/fatigue, as well as individual symptoms. After exclusions for missing data, 530 women (mean [SD] age, 66.2 [6.8] y) were included in these analyses. Borderline significant associations between 25(OH)D levels and total number of menopausal symptoms were observed (with P values ranging from 0.05 to 0.06 for fully adjusted models); however, the effect was clinically insignificant and disappeared with correction for multiple testing. No associations between 25(OH)D levels and composite measures of sleep disturbance, emotional well-being, or energy/fatigue were observed (P's > 0.10 for fully adjusted models). There is no evidence for a clinically important association between serum 25(OH)D levels and menopause-related symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Association between physical activity and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women.

BackgroundPhysical activity may be an effective way of preventing or attenuating menopause-related symptoms, and it has been shown to improve quality of life in menopausal women. However, there have been some inconsistencies regarding between exercise and menopausal symptoms, and study investigating this association has been scarce in Korea. In this study, the association between physical activity and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women in Korea was assessed.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was conducted between November 2012 and March 2013. In total, 2,204 healthy women aged 44–56 years were recruited from a healthcare center at the Kangbuk Samsung hospitals for investigating women’s attitudes towards menopause. To investigate the influence of physical activity on perimenopause-associated symptoms, 631 perimenopausal women were selected for this study. Their physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was used to assess menopause-related symptoms.ResultsThe study participants were, on average, 48.5 ± 2.7 years old and had a mean body mass index of 22.8 ± 3.1 kg/m2. The total MENQOL score and the psychosocial and physical subscores exhibited U-shaped trends in relation to the level of physical activity. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables showed that perimenopausal women who performed moderate physical activity reported significantly lower psychosocial (β = -0.413, P = 0.012) and physical symptoms (β = -0.445, P = 0.002) than women who performed low physical activity. By contrast, a high level of physical activity did not influence the MENQOL total score and subscores relative to the low activity group. In addition, no associations were observed between physical activity and the vasomotor and sexual symptoms in any group.ConclusionsModerate level of physical activity was associated with reduced psychosocial and physical menopause symptoms in perimenopausal Korean women. Although these findings must be confirmed by prospective longitudinal studies, they suggest that physical activity may improve the symptoms of menopause, thereby increasing quality of life.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6874-14-122) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of soy isoflavones on thyroid hormones in intact and ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

Soy isoflavones are commonly used to alleviate menopause-related symptoms. Postmenopausal women are at increased risk for hypothyroidism, and there are concerns that isoflavones may be detrimental to thyroid health. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of soy protein and isoflavones on thyroid function and the relationship between thyroid function and ovarian function. Adult female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were randomized to consume two diets differing only in protein source: casein-lactalbumin (n = 44) or soy protein with isoflavones (n = 41). After 34 months, all animals were ovariectomized via laparotomy. Half of the monkeys from each diet treatment group continued to consume their preovariectomy treatment phase diet (either isolated soy protein [n = 19] or casein-lactalbumin [n = 21]) for an additional 34 months. The remaining animals did not continue their diets and thus were not considered further. Circulating progesterone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured at baseline. Thyroid hormones were remeasured during each treatment phase. Dietary soy increased triiodothyronine in preovariectomized monkeys and prevented a decline in thyroxine after surgical menopause (both P's < 0.05). Mean progesterone concentrations were positively correlated with triiodothyronine at baseline in preovariectomized monkeys (P < 0.01). Progesterone levels and triiodothyronine are positively correlated in macaques. Dietary soy increases triiodothyronine in preovariectomized monkeys and prevents a decline in thyroxine after surgical menopause. The outcomes observed in this study suggest that soy protein and isoflavone consumption does not adversely affect-and may even preserve-thyroid function in postmenopausal women.

Elucidation of Underlying Mechanisms by Which Millettia macrophylla Benth Induces Its Estrogenic Activity.

Millettia macrophylla is used traditionally to treat menopause related symptoms. This plant was shown to exhibit estrogenic effects in vitro on human embryonic kidney cells and in vivo on ovariectomized rats. The present study aimed at elucidating underlying mechanisms by which M. macrophylla induced its estrogenic effects. To accomplish our goal, kidney Hek293T cells transiently transfected with estrogen alpha or beta receptor expression plasmids were cotreated with a pure antiestrogen ICI 182,780 and the dichloromethane or methanol soluble fractions of M. macrophylla. To follow up, we cotreated ovariectomized rats with both extracts and ICI 182,780 for 3 days in the classical uterotrophic assay. Animals were then sacrificed and the uterine wet weight, total protein levels in uteri, uterine, and vaginal epithelial heights, and mammary gland were assessed. In vitro, the results suggested that the induction of the estrogenic activity by M. macrophylla is due to the binding of its secondary metabolites to ERα and ERβ. In vivo, the cotreatment of extracts and ICI 182,780 significantly abrogated the biological responses induced by the extracts alone. Taken together, these results indicate that the active principles of M. macrophylla induce their beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms by activating the ERs.

Health-related quality of life in women with or without hot flashes

We assessed the impact of hot flashes and various forms of hormone therapy on health-related quality of life and sexual well-being in recently postmenopausal women. We prospectively interviewed 150 healthy women about hot flashes and health-related quality of life (using the Women's Health Questionnaire and the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire), menopause-related symptoms, and general health. The women were classified into those with (n = 72) and without (n = 78) hot flashes and treated for 6 months with transdermal estradiol (1 mg/d), oral estradiol (2 mg/d) with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 mg/d), or placebo. At baseline, hot flashes contributed most strongly to poor sleep (correlation coefficient r = -0.525, P < 0.0001), somatic symptoms such as muscle pains (r = -0.348, P < 0.0001), menstrual cycle-resembling complaints (r = -0.304, P < 0.0001), anxiety and fears (r = -0.283, P < 0.0001), decreased memory and concentration (r = -0.279, P = 0.001), and sexual behavior (r = -0.174, P = 0.035). The different hormone therapy regimens alleviated hot flashes equally effectively and were therefore combined into a single group for further analysis. In women with baseline flashes, hormone therapy use significantly improved the scores for sleep (0.787 [0.243] vs 0.557 [0.249], hormone therapy vs placebo, P = 0.001, at 6 mo), memory and concentration capacity (0.849 [0.228] vs 0.454 [0.301], P < 0.0001, at 6 mo), and anxiety and fears (0.942 [0.133] vs 0.826 [0.193], P = 0.005, at 6 mo). Hormone therapy use showed no significant impact on these variables in women without baseline flashes. Hot flashes contribute differently to various variables affecting health-related quality of life shortly after menopause. Estradiol or an estradiol-medroxyprogesterone acetate combination similarly alleviates hot flashes and improves health-related quality of life in relation to elimination of hot flashes. Hormone therapy use does not confer any detectable quality-of-life benefit over placebo in women without disturbing baseline flashes.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for hot flushes in menopause: a randomized trial.

To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on hot flushes and other menopause-related symptoms used in an integrated system, including such therapeutic techniques as diet therapy and Tuina self-massage. Randomized trial. Outpatient center. One hundred women in spontaneous menopause with at least three episodes of hot flushes daily were randomly allocated to two treatment groups (50 per group): Women in group A were given diet, self-massage training, and treatment with acupuncture, and women in group B (the control group) were given the same diet and self-massage training, but treatment with acupuncture started 6 weeks after they were enrolled into the study. Acupuncture treatments were scheduled twice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. Mean change in frequency and/or intensity in menopause-related symptoms were estimated by questionnaire after treatment at week 4. Treatment with acupuncture significantly reduced the occurrence of hot flushes and sudden sweating (p<.001). Other symptoms (sleep disorders, tightness in the chest, irritability, bone pain, feeling depressed) significantly improved. Acupuncture in an integrated system that includes therapeutic techniques such as diet therapy and Tuina self-massage can be used to treat hot flushes and selected symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Assessment of subjective sleep disturbance and related factors during female mid-life with the Jenkins Sleep Scale

ObjectiveTo assess sleep disturbance and related factors among mid-aged women. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in which 288 women (40–59 years) were requested to complete the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and a general socio-demographic questionnaire containing female and partner data. ResultsMedian [interquartile range] age of the whole sample was 47 [8] years. A 62.2% of women were rural residents, 21.2% were postmenopausal, 20.1% were receiving psychotropic drugs, 64.2% had abdominal obesity (waist≥88cm), and 9.7% reported intimate violence. A 12.8% had an abnormal GHQ-12 score (total score≥3) whereas 14.2% had severe menopause-related symptoms (total MRS score≥17). The prevalence of disturbed sleep (JSS score≥12) was 37.5%. JSS scores displayed significant differences in relation to menopausal status, presence of stress urinary incontinence, use of psychiatric treatment, intimate partner violence, self-perception of healthiness, and partner factors (perception of healthiness, educational level, and regular exercise). Higher JSS scores (disturbed sleep) positively correlated with GHQ-12 and MRS scores, number of co-morbid conditions, body mass index, and female and partner age. Multiple linear regression analysis found that JSS scores correlated positively with somatic MRS scores and with intimate violence, and inversely with partner educational level (r2=0.375, p<0.05). ConclusionIn this mid-aged female sample, disturbed sleep was related to somatic menopause-related symptoms, intimate violence and partner educational level.

Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate the effects of inhalation of the essential oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara (neroli oil) on menopausal symptoms, stress, and estrogen in postmenopausal women. Sixty-three healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to inhale 0.1% or 0.5% neroli oil or almond oil (control) for 5 minutes twice daily for 5 days. Menopause-related symptoms, as determined by the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL); sexual desire visual analog scale (VAS); serum cortisol and estrogen concentrations, blood pressure, pulse, and stress VAS, were measured before and after inhalation. Compared with the control group, the two neroli oil groups showed significant improvements in the physical domain score of the MENQOL and in sexual desire. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the group inhaling 0.5% neroli oil than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the two neroli oil groups showed significantly lower diastolic blood pressure and tended to improve pulse rate and serum cortisol and estrogen concentrations. These findings indicate that inhalation of neroli oil helps relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and reduce blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Neroli oil may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce stress and improve the endocrine system.

Quality of Life among of Menopausal Women in Saudi Arabia = جودة الحياة للسيدات في سن اليأس

Objective: to assess the menopause related symptoms and their impact on the women’s quality of life. Methods: A descriptive design was carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecological department at maternity and children hospital in Makkah Al Mukkarrmah. Convenient sample composed of 90 women at range of from 40-60 years were recruited in the study. Interviewing sheet that was designed by the investigators and Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Results: The present study showed that the most severe symptoms in vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains were, hot flushes (29%), experiencing poor memory (48.3%), being dissatisfied with their personal life (44.8%), Low backache (41.9%), and change in your sexual desire (36.8%). The overall scores of menopausal quality of life for each domain are indicated that the highest mean score in sexual domain (3.19± 1.99), following by psychosocial (2.94± 1.45) then vasomotor (2.55± 1.53) and finally physical symptoms (2.28± .749). Conclusions: The present study concluded that most severe symptoms in vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains were, hot flushes, experiencing poor memory, being dissatisfied with their personal life, low backache, and change in your sexual desire. The mean scores of physical and vasomotor domain were significantly more in postmenopausal (PM) group then menopausal transition MT group. While the mean scores of each domain suggest that menopausal symptoms were associated with decrease in women quality of life.

Effect of physical exercise on work ability and daily strain in symptomatic menopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

Menopause related symptoms modify quality of life and may also have an impact on work ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on work ability and daily strain among women with menopausal symptoms. Occupationally active symptomatic menopausal women (n=123) were randomized into 24-week aerobic exercise intervention and control groups. Mobile phone questionnaires were used to collect daily data on perceived physical and mental strain in a randomised and controlled setting. Work ability was measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and with questions about work strain. In all 123 women aged 44-62 (mean age 53.8 ± 3.4) years who worked full- or part-time participated in the study. Women were randomized into a control (n=60) and intervention group (n=63). The subjects were mostly working in mentally demanding jobs (e.g., office worker), but also in physical (e.g., cleaner) and mixed (physical and mental) jobs (e.g., nurse). The increase in mental resources and decrease in physical strain from baseline to end were statistically significantly greater among the intervention group than among the control group. Between-group differences in the change in WAI were, however, statistically non-significant. A 6-month physical exercise intervention among symptomatic menopausal women seems not to be enough to increase perceived work ability but the physical exercise may increase perceived mental resources and decrease perceived daily physical strain.}