Menopause-specific Quality Of Life Questionnaire Research Articles

The Association Between Hot Flashes, Quality of Life, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Menopausal Women

Aim: This study aims to determine the association between hot flashes, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life among menopausal women. Method: This cross-sectional study consisted of 492 menopausal women aged 45 years and above who lived in a city in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. The data were collected using the personal data form, the Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale, the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women. Results: A strong positive significant association was found between the Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (r = .694, p<0.000). A weak negative significant association was found between the Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (r= -.189, p<0.000). A weak negative significant association was found between the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (r= -.291, p<0.000). Conclusion: According to the findings, as women are affected by hot flashes, their quality of life is affected similarly. Complaints about hot flashes and quality of life negatively affect sexual satisfaction.

Effect of Curcumin and/or Nigella sativa‎ on bone density and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of Curcumin and/or Nigella sativa‎ on bone density parameters (primary outcome) and quality of life (secondary outcome) in postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia. DesignRandomized controlled trial with factorial design. Methods120 postmenopausal women aged 50–65 years with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia were equally randomized into four groups receiving daily capsules for six months; 1) nanomicellar Curcumin 80 mg, 2) Nigella sativa‎ oil 1000 mg, 3) both, 4) placebo. All groups also received conventional treatments. In addition to the baseline assessment, bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, and Z-score were assessed at six months and quality of life (using the menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire) at two, four, and six months of the interventions. ResultsFive cases were lost to follow-up. No serious side events were reported. After the interventions, significant increases were observed in the femoral neck-BMD within all groups (p<0.01) as well as in the lumbar spine-BMD within the Nigella sativa and nanomicellar Curcumin-Nigella sativa groups (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of bone density parameters and overall quality of life score. In the Curcumin group, vasomotor dimension (adjusted difference −0.90, 95% CI: −1.62 to −0.18) and in the Nigella, sativa‎ group vasomotor (-0.76, −1.50 to −0.03) and physical (-0.61, −1.09 to −0.14) dimensions of quality of life score were significantly better than the placebo group. ConclusionsThe addition of Curcumin, Nigella sativa‎ oil, or their combination does not significantly improve bone density parameters and overall quality of life of postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia compared to routine treatment, but it can improve vasomotor function of quality of life. We suggest conducting long-term interventions based on the results.

Sleep disturbance and sympathetic neural reactivity in postmenopausal females.

Sleep disturbance, one of the most common menopausal symptoms, contributes to autonomic dysfunction and is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Longitudinal studies suggest that hyperreactivity of blood pressure (BP) to a stressor can predict the future development of hypertension. It remains unknown if postmenopausal females who experience sleep disturbance (SDG) demonstrate greater hemodynamic and sympathetic neural hyperreactivity to a stressor. We hypothesized that postmenopausal females with reported sleep disturbance would exhibit increased hemodynamic and sympathetic reactivity to a stressor compared with postmenopausal females without sleep disturbance (non-SDG). Fifty-five postmenopausal females (age, 62 ± 4 yr old; SDG, n = 36; non-SDG; n = 19) completed two study visits. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) was used to assess the presence of sleep disturbance (MENQOL sleep scale, ≥2 units). Beat-to-beat BP (finger plethysmography), heart rate (HR; electrocardiogram), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography; SDG, n = 25; non-SDG, n = 15) were continuously measured during a 10-min baseline and 2-min stressor (cold pressor test; CPT) in both groups. Menopause age and body mass index were similar between groups (P > 0.05). There were no differences between resting BP, HR, or MSNA (P > 0.05). HR and BP reactivity were not different between SDG and non-SDG (P > 0.05). In contrast, MSNA reactivity had a more rapid increase in the first 30 s of the CPT in the SDG (burst incidence, Δ10.2 ± 14.8 bursts/100 hb) compared with the non-SDG (burst incidence, Δ4.0 ± 14.8 bursts/100 hb, time × group, P = 0.011). Our results demonstrate a more rapid sympathetic neural reactivity to a CPT in postmenopausal females with perceived sleep disturbance, a finding that aligns with and advances recent evidence that sleep disturbance is associated with sympathetic neural hyperactivity in postmenopausal females.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to demonstrate that muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) to a cold pressor test is augmented in postmenopausal females with perceived sleep disturbance. The more rapid increase in MSNA reactivity during the cold pressor test in the sleep disturbance group was present despite similar increases in the perceived pain levels between groups. Baseline MSNA burst incidence and burst frequency, as well as blood pressure and heart rate, were similar between the sleep disturbance and nonsleep disturbance groups.

The Effect of Detraining After a Period of Training on Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life

Although the effect of some types of exercise on some menopausal symptoms has been approved, the effect of exercise training and detraining, especially during long duration, on menopausal symptoms is not clear yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of training as well as detraining before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Ninety postmenopausal women participated in the study voluntarily in three groups, including never-active (women who did not participate in regular exercise), formerly active (previously active women who had stopped exercise training for 1 year while participating for 1–3 years before COVID-19), and active women (women who participated in regular physical activity during and 1–3 years before COVID-19). Physical, psychological, and sexual symptoms of menopause as well as the quality of life were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Before COVID-19, menopausal symptoms were lower and quality of life was higher in active and formerly active groups compared with the never-active group. During COVID-19, menopausal symptoms in all three groups increased significantly. Most of the menopausal symptoms in active women were less than in the other two groups. In summary, exercise reduced menopausal symptoms and improved quality of life. However, these positive effects were eliminated by stopping exercise for 1 year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Physical activity, anthropometric measurements, quality of life and menopausal symptoms among South-Indian women.

Menopause is the period when the reproductive capacity ceases in women's life. A wide range of symptoms occur as a consequence of estrogen decrease during menopause. Evidence suggests that physically active women have a better quality of life (QoL) and fewer menopausal symptoms. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between physical activity (PA), anthropometric measurements, QoL and menopausal symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted online through WhatsApp and Facebook and via email among menopausal women (April 2021 - June 2021). In total 168 responses were received; 153 responses were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria. Participants were asked to complete the details of anthropometric measurements, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). The majority of menopausal women complained of one or more symptoms in the MRS. A statistically significant difference was noted between the body mass index (BMI) and the menopausal symptoms such as irritability and depressive mood. There was an association between PA and MENQOL physical and sexual domains (p-value ≤ 0.05). There was an association between PA, menopausal symptoms, BMI and MENQOL physical and sexual domains. Hence, moderate PA promotion is recommended among middle aged women to have a healthy menopausal transition.

Prevalence and impact of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause among women in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Nordic Europe: a cross-sectional survey.

This study investigated the prevalence and impact of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), related treatment patterns, and experiences in women. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of moderate to severe menopause-related VMS among postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and four Nordic European countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) using an online survey. Secondary objectives assessed impact of VMS among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with moderate to severe VMS using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbances assessment, and questions regarding treatment patterns and attitudes toward symptoms and available treatments. Among 12,268 postmenopausal women, the prevalence of moderate to severe VMS was about 15.6% and was highest in Brazil (36.2%) and lowest in Nordic Europe (11.6%). Secondary analyses, conducted among 2,176 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, showed that VMS affected quality of life across all domains measured and impaired work activities by as much as 30%. Greater symptom severity negatively affected sleep. Many women sought medical advice, but most (1,238 [56.9%]) were not receiving treatment for their VMS. The majority (>70%) considered menopause to be a natural part of aging. Those treated with prescription hormone therapy and nonhormone medications reported some safety/efficacy concerns. Among women from seven countries, moderate to severe menopause-related VMS were widespread, varied by region, and largely impaired quality of life, productivity, and/or sleep.

Exploration of the association between menopausal symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and perceived stress: survey-based analysis.

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between menopausal symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and experienced stress in women from premenopause to postmenopause. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey that included questions on demographics, health (gynecological, gastrointestinal), and lifestyle (physical activity, sleep, etc) factors, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Data of 693 participants aged 50.1 ± 3.2 years were analyzed. We found that the MENQOL total score increased depending on the stages of reproductive aging ( P < 0.001) and positively correlated with PSS scores ( r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Age, reproductive stage, body mass index (BMI), PSS score, diagnosis of depression or anxiety disorder, physical activity, and frequency of defecation appeared to have significant association with the total MENQOL score ( P < 0.05). The analysis within separate MENQOL domains revealed that PSS score and diagnosis of depression or anxiety disorder were associated with higher scores in all MENQOL domains ( P < 0.05) except sexual. Physical activity and the values of the Bristol stool form scale were related to the vasomotor items ( P < 0.05). The frequency of defecation was an independent contributor to the psychosocial and sexual domains ( P < 0.05). BMI, physical activity, and frequency of defecation were associated with physical symptoms ( P < 0.05). Perceived stress and some gastrointestinal symptoms in women were associated with menopausal symptoms. Reproductive stages, physical activity, BMI, and previously diagnosed depression or anxiety disorder were related to the intensity of menopausal symptoms. However, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between stress, gastrointestinal, and menopausal symptoms.

Vasomotor and other menopause symptoms and the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health metrics among premenopausal stage women.

We examined the association between menopause symptoms and the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among premenopausal women. This cross-sectional study comprised 4,611 premenopausal women aged 42 to 52 years. Data for CVH metrics were collected during health screening examinations. Menopause symptoms were measured using the Korean version of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. For vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms, participants were divided into absent or symptomatic groups, further divided into tertiles (range, 0-7; 7 being the most bothersome). Ideal CVH metrics were defined according to the American Heart Association Life Simple 7 metrics, except dietary component. Cardiovascular health metrics were scored from 0 (unhealthy) to 6 (healthy) and classified as poor (0-2), intermediate (3-4), and ideal (5-6). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence ratios for intermediate and poor CVH metrics using ideal CVH as the reference. The overall and 4 menopause-specific quality of life domain scores were significantly associated with poorer CVH metrics scores in a dose-response manner (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, parity, education level, anti-Mullerian hormone levels, and alcohol intake, women with the most bothersome degree for vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms had significantly higher prevalence of poor CVH metrics, with corresponding prevalence ratios (95% confidence interval) of 2.90 (1.95-4.31), 2.07 (1.36-3.15), 3.01 (1.19-7.65), and 1.66 (1.15-2.39), respectively, compared with those without each vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptom. Premenopausal stage women with either vasomotor or nonvasomotor menopausal symptoms have significantly higher prevalence of poor CVH metrics, compared with those without any menopausal symptoms.

Abstract 372: Association Between Vasomotor Symptoms And Arterial Stiffness Among Women In Menopausal Transition

Obejectives: We examined the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) and arterial stiffness, using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), among Korean women in menopausal transition. Study design: This cross-sectional study comprised 945 women aged 42-52 years. Methods: VMSs, including hot flashes and night sweats, were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Korean version). Moderate/severe VMSs were defined as having a score of equal to or greater than 3 points (range: 0 to 6, 6 being most bothersome). Arterial stiffness was measured by baPWV. The high-risk group was defined as baPWV over the 90th percentile. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine whether prevalent VMSs were significantly associated with high level of baPWV in menopausal transitioning women. Results: Compared to women without VMSs, those with VMSs had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.12 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-3.84) for high baPWV after adjusted for age, menopausal status, education levels, body mass index, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity, amount of alcohol intakes, and smoking status. The multivariable-adjusted PRs for high baPWV were 1.54 (95% CI: 0.73-3.23) and 2.72 (95% CI: 1.36-5.44) in women with mild and moderate/severe VMSs, respectively (P for trend = 0.005). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that VMSs, including moderate/severe VMSs, were significantly associated with arterial stiffness among Korean menopausal transitioning women.

Factors Determining the Quality of Life of Polish Women during Menopause Based on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The aim of the study was to present the process of cultural adaptation to Polish conditions and the validation of a scale assessing the quality of life of Polish women during the menopause and to identify the factors determining this quality of life. The research tools were the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire and a standardized interview questionnaire comprising questions on the participants' characteristics. The study involved 516 women using health care services who had symptoms caused by the menopause. The value of the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.923. The discriminative power coefficients of all the questionnaire items were higher than 0.3. The study confirmed the validity and internal consistency of the Polish version of the MENQOL questionnaire for measuring the quality of life of postmenopausal women, suggesting that the tool can be used for screening menopausal symptoms in women. There was a relationship between general quality of life and age (p = 0.002), marital status (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.021), the impact of professional work (p < 0.001), the impact of physical activity (p < 0.001) and the impact of social life (p < 0.001). In the group of women who took part in the study, the authors observed a lower quality of life during menopause reported by older women who were married/in a stable relationship, with no formal education (no formal education) and who, according to their subjective assessment, negatively evaluated the impact of the accompanying menopause-related symptoms on their work, physical activity and social life.

Post-Menopausal Quality of Life Claims: Overlooking the Requirements of Normal Science and Fundamental Measurement in ICER'S Cost-Effectiveness Assessment of Fezolinetant for Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms.

One of the signal failures in health technology assessment is the absence of consideration given, not only to the standards of normal science, but to those of fundamental measurement. A recent evidence report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is emblematic of this failure. Based on a simple linear regression model that translates aggregate scores from the ordinal Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) to the ordinal EuroQol EQ-5D-5L, ICER has applied these scores to an assumption driven model simulation to produce preferences, QALYs and incremental cost-per-QALY claims for fezolinetant for moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause. Unfortunately, the attempt to crosswalk multidimensional or multiattribute ordinal scores is mathematically impossible. The 'created' EQ-5D-5L preferences are, as a result, of no interest. The overall result is that the ICER modelled claims for cost-effectiveness fail the required standards for normal science and fundamental measurement. fundamental are impossible. This is unfortunate, although it might be possible to assess certain domains of the MENQOL for their approximation to an interval score with the application of the Rasch Rating Scale Model, this will not support quality of life claims. A preferred approach would be to consider an alternative latent trait for quality of life in menopause, applying Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT), to develop a polytomous instrument that has the required measurement properties. The purpose of this commentary is to point out, as a number of previous commentaries have done, that this framework for creating assumption driven simulated modelled claims has no role in decisions for product assessment, access to formulary and pricing. This commentary expands upon these previous commentaries in placing RMT is the context of a needed paradigm shift to support the evolution of objective knowledge. This is critical if we are to understand, from the individual's perspective, not only an accurate assessment of the burden of menopause but to see this as part of an on-going research program that has to rely on fundamental measurement.

The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Quality of Life Among Postmenopausal Women

Background: With increased life expectancy and changes in lifespan, now women spend more years after menopause. Women with menopausal symptoms may experience a lower quality of life (QoL) and complain about poor sleep quality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between QoL and sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Methods: This research was a predictive correlational study. The study sample was 200 postmenopausal women referred to the healthcare centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad City, Iran, in 2021. The subjects were selected through multistage cluster sampling. To assess the quality of sleep and life quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Menopause-Specific QoL questionnaire (MENQOL) were used. The obtained data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression in SPSS software, version 21. The significance level was set at P&lt;0.05. Results: The mean±SD age of the subjects was 53.92±6.13 years. Their mean±SD scores of sleep quality and QoL were 48.62±21.98 and 4.93±2.74, respectively, and 37% of women had sleep disorders. The multiple determination coefficient for the linear regression model was equal to 0.35, and there was a significant direct relationship between sleep quality and QoL (b=3.72, 95% CI =2.70-4.74, P&lt;0.001). So for each unit change in sleep quality, the average QoL score increased by 3.72 units. Conclusion: Considering the relationship between sleep quality and QoL in postmenopausal women, it is recommended that these women use appropriate methods to improve sleep quality. Also, health professionals should keep this issue in mind when examining the health status of this group of women.

Open-Labeled, Randomized, Prospective Controlled Clinical Study to Assess Efficacy of Rasayana Churna and Pranayama in the Management of Rajonivritti Lakshanas w. s. r. to Postmenopausal Syndrome

Background: In modern science, hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is the only alternative for postmenopausal syndrome whereas non-hormonal pharmacologic therapies have been shown to be less effective than hormonal therapy. So, it was assumed that Rasayana Churna along with Pranayama would be effective in relieving postmenopausal symptoms. Objective: to assess the clinical efficacy of Rasayana Churna and Pranayama in the management of   Rajonivritti Lakshanas w. s. r. to Postmenopausal Syndrome. Methods: The present open-labeled, randomized, prospective controlled clinical study was conducted after IEC approval. Total 60 female patients suffering from Postmenopausal Syndrome were enrolled in the study and randomized into two groups i. e. Group A &amp; Group B. 30 patients in Group A were given Rasayana Churna orally with daily practice of Pranayama was advised. 30 Patients in Group B were advised daily practice of Pranayama for consecutive 12 weeks. The results were assessed by using Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Results: The significant difference was observed in MRS-Total score and MENQOL scores after treatment in both the groups. Out of four scales of MENQOL, the vasomotor, physical and psychological scales showed significant improvement in the group received regimen of Rasayana Churna along with Pranayama as compared with only Pranayama. Only change in sexual scale score was found to be similar in both the groups’ patients. Conclusion: It can be inferred that regimen of Rasayana Churna along with Pranayama was more efficacious in treatment of post-menopausal syndrome as compared with only Pranayama.

Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women – A Community Based Descriptive Study

Background and Objective Menopause is one point in a continuum of life stages for women and marks the end of their reproductive years. Menopause is associated with physical psychological and uro-genital symptoms which are known to affect the quality of life of postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to determine the intensity of menopause symptoms and quality of life of postmenopausal women.Method The study was conducted in selected community villages in rural Bangalore. A total of 116 postmenopausal women who were available at the time of data collection and fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were assessed using demographic proforma Menopausal rating scale MRS and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire MENQOL.Results The study results showed hot flashes depressive mood dryness of vagina and poor sexual desire as the most predominant symptoms among all domains of MRS. In the domains of MENQOL hot flashes experiencing poor memory and presence of vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse were reported as the most predominant symptoms.Conclusion Healthcare professionals should understand the complexity of menopausal symptoms for providing suitable health interventional remedies. There is a considerable lack of awareness about the effects and treatment of menopausal symptoms among Indian women especially among rural women in India.

The effects of self-care education based on the health literacy index on self-care and quality of life among menopausal women: a randomized clinical trial

PurposeAging is associated with many different health-related challenges for women such as menopause and its associated problems. Self-care (SC) is a factor with potential effects on menopause and its consequences. SC education based on health literacy has the potential to improve menopausal women’s SC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SC education based on the health literacy index (HLI) on SC and quality of life (QOL) among menopausal women.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted in Iran. Participants were 100 menopausal women purposively recruited from five comprehensive healthcare centers in the south of Tehran. They were randomly allocated to a control and an intervention group through block randomization. Intervention was an HLI-based SC education program implemented in four 1.5–hour weekly sessions through the lecture, group discussion, and question and answer methods. Data were collected before and eight weeks after the intervention using a demographic questionnaire, the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults scale, the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Menopausal Self-Care Questionnaire. The SPSS software (v. 22.0) was used to analyze the data through the Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, paired-sample t, and the independent-sample t tests as well as the analysis of covariance at a significance level of less than 0.05.FindingsThere were no significant differences between the intervention and the control groups respecting the pretest mean scores of QOL (88.15 ± 32.36 vs. 79.6 ± 36.99) and SC (104.75 ± 12.31 vs. 103.32 ± 13.8) (P > 0.05). However, the posttest mean scores of QOL and SC in the intervention group significantly differed from the control group (66.44 ± 28.41vs. 81.3 ± 38.04 and 125.6 ± 11.23 vs. 102.6 ± 14.34) (P < 0.05).ConclusionHLI-based SC education is effective in significantly improving menopausal women’s QOL and SC and can be used to improve health-related outcomes among menopausal women.Clinical trial registration This research was registered (24/03/2020) in the www.thaiclinicaltrials.org with registration number: TCTR20200324002.

Selenium Levels based on Various Menopause Complaints Assessed by Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire before and after Selenium Intervention

BACKGROUND: Menopausal symptoms can greatly affect a woman’s personal, social, and work life. Selenium functions as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and helps minimize oxidative damage through cellular metabolism in postmenopausal women when estradiol production decreases, antioxidant protection is lost and therefore oxidative stress is increased. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluated effect of selenium supplementation on selenium levels based on menopausal complaints assessed by menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research is an analytical study with quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test one group only design. The research was conducted on all postmenopausal women in Medan who were aged &gt;51-years-old and met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research subjects underwent blood tests to assess serum selenium levels. If data were normally distributed, dependent T test will be used, while if data were not normally distributed, Wilcoxon test will be used. The analysis results were stated to be significant with p &lt; 0.05. RESULTS: Mean selenium serum levels before selenium administration were 93.20 ± 17.253 μg/L which increased to 132.12 ± 19.866 μg/L after selenium administration. Comparison test results of selenium levels before and after administration found p = 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05), which means there was a significant difference of selenium serum levels before and after selenium administration. Besides that, there were no significant scores difference in aspects of vasomotor disorders (p = 1.000 [p &gt; 0.05]), psychosocial disorders (p = 0.090 [p &gt; 0.05]), physical disorders (p = 0.323 [p &gt; 0.05]), and sexual disorders (p = 0.959 [p &gt; 0.05]) between before and after selenium administration. CONCLUSION: Total MENQOL scores and complaints based on aspects of vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual disturbances did not show statistically significant changes after administration selenium tablets 100 mcg/day for 7 days.

High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is associated with an increased risk of incident early-onset vasomotor symptoms

We investigated the associations between serum lipid profiles and risk of early-onset vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) in premenopausal women. This cohort study comprised 2,540 premenopausal women aged 42–52 years without VMSs at baseline (median follow-up: 4.4 years). VMSs, including hot flashes and night sweats, were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Korean version). Early-onset VMSs were defined as VMSs that occurred premenopause; moderate/severe VMSs were defined as a score of ≥ 3 points (range: 0 to 6, 6 being most bothersome). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the development of VMSs across the lipid levels. Higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were positively associated with increased risk of early-onset VMSs. Compared to the < 100 mg/dL LDL group, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident VMSs were 1.19 (1.03–1.37) and 1.20 (1.03–1.40) in participants with LDL cholesterol levels of 100–129 mg/dL and ≥ 130 mg/dL, respectively (P for trend = 0.027). The multivariable-adjusted HR for incident moderate/severe VMSs was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.08–1.73) in participants with LDL ≥ 130 mg/dL, compared to those with LDL < 100 mg/dL. Meanwhile, triglycerides and total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were not significantly associated with early-onset VMSs risk in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women with high serum LDL cholesterol concentrations had a higher risk of incident early-onset VMSs. Further studies should confirm our findings and examine whether LDL-lowering interventions reduce the risk of early-onset VMSs among women during menopause transition.

A survey of medical cannabis use during perimenopause and postmenopause.

Expanding access to legal cannabis has dovetailed with increased interest in medical cannabis (MC) use; however, there is a paucity of research examining MC use to alleviate menopause-related symptoms. This survey study assessed patterns of MC use in perimenopausal and postmenopausal individuals. Participants (perimenopausal, n = 131; postmenopausal, n = 127) completed assessments of menopause-related symptomatology and cannabis use, including modes of use, type of use, and menopause-related symptoms addressed by MC use. Most participants reported current cannabis use (86.1%) and endorsed using MC for menopause-related symptoms (78.7%). The most common modes of use were smoking (84.3%) and edibles (78.3%), and the top menopause-related symptoms for MC use were sleep disturbance (67.4%) and mood/anxiety (46.1%). Relative to postmenopausal participants, perimenopausal participants reported significantly worse menopause-related symptomatology on the vasomotor and psychosocial subscales of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire ( P s ≤ 0.04), including greater burden of anxiety ( P = 0.01) and hot flash ( P = 0.04) symptoms. In addition, perimenopausal participants reported higher incidence of depression ( P = 0.03) and anxiety diagnoses ( P < 0.01), as well as increased use of MC to treat menopause-related mood/anxiety symptoms relative to postmenopausal participants ( P = 0.01). Results suggest that many individuals are currently using MC as an adjunctive treatment for menopause-related symptoms, particularly sleep disturbance and mood/anxiety. Future research should examine the impact of different MC use characteristics (e.g., cannabinoid profiles) on the efficacy of MC use for menopause-related symptoms. Increased severity and prevalence of mood and anxiety symptoms in perimenopausal participants suggest promising targets for clinical trials of cannabinoid-based therapies.

Low anti-Müllerian hormone levels are associated with an increased risk of incident early-onset vasomotor symptoms among premenopausal women

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in incident vasomotor symptoms (VMS) is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AMH levels and the development of early-onset VMS among premenopausal women. Our cohort study comprised 2041 premenopausal women aged 42–52 years free of VMS at baseline whose AMH levels were measured. VMS, including hot flushes and night sweats, were assessed using the Korean version of the Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Early-onset VMS was defined as the occurrence of VMS prior to menopause. Parametric proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI. During a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 708 premenopausal women developed early-onset VMS (incidence rate, 8.0 per 100 person-years). Lower AMH levels were statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of early-onset VMS. After adjusting for age and other confounders, multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for incident VMS comparing AMH quintiles 4–1 to the highest quintile were 1.02 (0.78–1.33), 1.37 (1.06–1.76), 1.36 (1.04–1.76), and 2.38 (1.84–3.08), respectively (P for trend < 0.001). Our results support an independent role of serum AMH levels in predicting incident early-onset VMS among premenopausal women in the late reproductive stage.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk of Early-Onset Vasomotor Symptoms in Lean and Overweight Premenopausal Women.

The role of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in vasomotor symptom (VMS) risk in premenopausal women is unknown. We examined the prevalence of early-onset VMSs according to NAFLD status in lean and overweight premenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 4242 premenopausal Korean women (mean age 45.4 years). VMSs (hot flashes and night sweats) were assessed using the Korean version of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Hepatic steatosis was determined using liver ultrasound; lean was defined as a body mass index of <23 kg/m2. Participants were categorized into four groups: NAFLD-free lean (reference), NAFLD-free overweight, lean NAFLD, and overweight NAFLD. Compared with the reference, the multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) for VMSs in NAFLD-free overweight, lean NAFLD, and overweight NAFLD were 1.22 (1.06–1.41), 1.38 (1.06–1.79), and 1.49 (1.28–1.73), respectively. For moderate-to-severe VMSs, the multivariable-adjusted PRs (95% CIs) comparing NAFLD-free overweight, lean NAFLD, and overweight NAFLD to the reference were 1.38 (1.10–1.74), 1.73 (1.16–2.57), and 1.74 (1.37–2.21), respectively. NAFLD, even lean NAFLD, was significantly associated with an increased risk of prevalent early-onset VMSs and their severe forms among premenopausal women. Further studies are needed to determine the longitudinal association between NAFLD and VMS risk.