Menopause-Specific Quality Of Life Scores Research Articles

Menopausal stages and overactive bladder symptoms in middle-aged women: A cross-sectional study.

To examine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) according to menopausal stages in middle-aged women. Cross-sectional study. Total Healthcare Center in South Korea. Middle-aged Korean women (n=3469, mean age, 49.5 ± 2.9 years). Menopausal stages were defined according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 criteria, and menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Korean version of Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL). Logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals for OAB according to menopausal stage and to assess the associations with menopausal symptoms. OAB symptoms were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). The prevalence of OAB increased with menopausal stage; however, the multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios for women in menopausal transition and postmenopausal stage were insignificant (ptrend = 0.160) compared to those for premenopausal women. Among individual OAB symptoms, the multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios for nocturia increased with menopausal stage in a dose-response manner (ptrend = 0.005 for 1 time/day; ptrend < 0.001 for ≥2 times/day). The association between menopausal stages and nocturia occurring ≥2 times/day was evident in women without OAB and with relatively high MENQOL scores, vasomotor symptoms and difficulty sleeping. The prevalence of OAB, particularly nocturia, increased with menopausal stage, and the association was obvious in women with other menopausal symptoms. This finding underscores the importance of addressing nocturia as a potential menopausal symptom in middle-aged women. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms linking OAB with menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women.

Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant, a neurokinin-3 antagonist, in treating vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Menopause causes a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. While menopausal hormonal therapy has been used for managing postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) for quite a while, it has a considerably poor safety profile. To review and analyze existing data to evaluate the efficacy of the neurokinin-3 antagonist, fezolinetant, in treating postmenopausal VMS and to assess its safety profile. A thorough literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020, to find publications on the efficacy of fezolinetant for postmenopausal VMS. Changes in the frequency and severity scores of moderate/severe VMS and changes in the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS), Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) were the efficacy outcomes. Adverse events, drug-related treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs), drug-related dropouts, hepatotoxicity, endometrial hyperplasia or tumor, and uterine bleeding were all safety outcomes. We used Review Manager 5.4 for pooling risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively. A P value of < .05 was considered significant. There was a significant reduction in mean daily VMS frequency at weeks 4 and 12 (MD, -2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.85 to -1.87; P < .00001, for week 12) and also a significant decrease in VMS severity scores in the treatment group. Furthermore, improvements in MENQoL, HFRDIS, and GCS scores were observed. There was no significant difference in adverse events while drug-related TEAEs (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.90-1.63; P = .21) showed a slight increase with fezolinetant. Drug-related dropouts were again similar across the 2 groups. Uterine bleeding had a lower incidence while endometrial events and hepatotoxicity showed a statistically insignificant, increasing trend in the fezolinetant group. Fezolinetant can be a treatment option for postmenopausal VMS but warns of a risk increase in endometrial hyperplasia or tumors. The heterogeneity in the data being analyzed, short follow-up period, and small sample size in most of the included randomized controlled trials were the greatest limitations, which must be considered in further research and safety profile exploration.

The relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Urinary incontinence has a significant impact on the psychosocial well-being of postmenopausal women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life. It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, female sexual function index (FSFI), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), and Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (UIDQ). Independent sample t-test and general linear model (GLM) were used to compare the quality of life and sexual function score between the two groups of women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence. Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in the quality of life and sexual function between women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Based on the GLM with adjusting the socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, women without stress incontinence reported a lower mean score of MENQOL (B = - 23.38; 95% CI = -30.1 to -16.6; p < 0.001) and a higher mean score of sexual function (B = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.1-7.0; p < 0.001) compared to women with stress incontinence; a lower MENQOL score and a higher sexual function score indicate better condition. However, there was no significant relationship between urgency and mixed incontinence with quality of life and sexual function (p > 0.05). As urinary incontinence remarkably affects sexual function and quality of life of postmenopausal women, health care providers should consider better solutions for this issue in their work program.

Factors Associated with Quality of Life among Menopausal Women in Lucknow - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Women who have gone at least a year without having their monthly period are considered as menopausal. Despite the fact that it is a physiological occurrence, its psychological, bodily, and sexual effects last for the entire postreproductive period. That's why it is important to research its various aspects and the different parameters associated with their quality of life (QoL). To find the association of the QoL among menopausal women in Lucknow with various socio-demographic variables, body mass index, chronic disease status, and other lifestyle parameters. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to January 2021 among 200 Menopausal women of 45-65 years by using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The study was carried out in rural and urban field practice areas of the Community Medicine Department, King George's Medical University, UP, Lucknow. The mean score of vasomotor domains was found higher in the age group of 45-49 years, who had higher education level, upper and upper middle class of socioeconomic status, and for obese study participants. The mean score of the sexual domain was found to be higher among the age group 55-59 years, married study participants, for those who were educated above secondary, and for overweight and obese. The mean scores for all domains, i.e., vasomotor psychosocial physical and sexual domains were higher for those who had chronic diseases. Overall, the menopause specific QoL score was higher for those who did not use lifestyle modification as compared to those who used lifestyle modification and the difference was found to be highly significant (P < 0.001).

Effects of pomegranate supplement on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundMenopausal symptoms have negative effects on the aspects of quality of life and impose a high cost on the health system. In traditional Persian medicine, pomegranate is recommended to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Material and methodsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed among 78 healthy women. Participants were interviewed three times: Before receiving the supplement/placebo, after completing the treatment, and after 3 weeks with no intervention. They filled out the demographic information sheet, modified-Kupperman index, and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaires. ResultsThe mean scores of the modified-Kupperman index and MENQOL characteristics before and after the treatment and after the follow-up period were significantly different between pomegranate and placebo groups in both modified-Kupperman and MENQOL scores (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that 4 weeks' treatment with the pomegranate supplement significantly ameliorates the irritating symptoms of menopause and improves the quality of life in menopausal women even after 4 weeks' medicine deprivation.

Quality of Life among Postmenopausal Women: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Postmenopausal women have various problems that may affect their quality of life. However, published reports from nearby communities of the capital of province 1 of Nepal are lacking. Hence, we aimed to determine the quality of life of postmenopausal women in selected communities of Morang, Nepal. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2021 among 200 postmenopausal women of Budhiganga Rural Municipality. Menopause-specific quality of life (MENQoL) that included vasomotor, psychological, physical, and sexual domains was assessed. Factors that may affect it were also assessed. Results: Majority of the participants had sweating (80.5%), accomplishing less than earlier (95.0%), decrease in physical strength, feeling lack of energy (98.1%), and avoiding intimacy (98.5%) in vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual domains respectively. The highest mean score was found in the sexual (5.02 ± 0.82) followed by physical (3.43 ± 0.51), vasomotor (3.0 ± 1.08), and psychosocial domain (2.74 ± 0.80). The MENQoL score was 3.48 ± 0.53 with a significant association with age and occupation. The psychosocial domain had a significant association with age, marital status, occupation, history of childbirth, current smoking, and current alcohol use. The physical domain had a significant association with age, religion, marital status, occupation, and history of childbirth. The sexual domain had a significant association with age and current alcohol use. Conclusion: Sexual domain was the most affected in postmenopausal women followed by physical, vasomotor, and psychosocial domain. Age, occupation, marital status, history of childbirth, current smoking, and current alcohol use were the factors associated with MENQoL.

Menopause-specific quality of life during ovarian aging among Chinese women: A prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo describe the menopause-specific quality of life of Chinese urban women at midlife. Study designProspective cohort study. Main outcome measuresThis study included 920 natural menopausal midlife Chinese women who were followed up for 10 years. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire, which has four domains (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual functioning symptoms), and other measures of physical and behavioral factors, were administered. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the associations. ResultsThe mean MENQOL scores in the four domains were 1.75 ± 1.32, 2.13 ± 1.16, 2.33 ± 1.11, and 2.20 ± 1.83, respectively. The occurrence of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) persisted in >50% of women in the perimenopausal and early postmenopausal stages. However, the prevalence of moderate/severe bothersome VMS was relatively low. More than 75% of the women presented with mild physical or psychological symptoms, whereas less than 5% of them had moderate/severe symptoms. Sexual problems were highly frequent and bothersome, and their occurrence increased with advancing menopausal stage and age. The prevalence of bothersome sexual symptoms and moderate/severe sexual symptoms ranged from 31.89 and 1.58% in premenopausal women to 78.09 and 39.35% in late postmenopausal women, respectively. Menopausal status, depressive symptoms, and poor health status were significantly associated with the four menopausal domains. ConclusionVMS are among the menopausal symptoms most frequently rated as severe. Sexual problems become more prevalent with advancing age. Clinicians should have a broad understanding of changes that occur during the transition to maximize women's health.

Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Perimenopause is the period during which many physiological changes mark the transition into the final menstrual period of a woman and these changes are associated with climacteric symptoms. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of an Ashwagandha root extract on the climacteric symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and hormonal parameters in perimenopausal women. In this 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 women with climacteric symptoms were randomly allocated to take either a placebo or 300 mg of an Ashwagandha root extract twice daily. Outcomes were measured using the menopause rating scale (MRS), menopause-specific QoL (MENQoL), hot flash score, and hormonal changes in estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. Among 100 participants enrolled, 91 participants completed the study. In comparison with the placebo, ashwagandha supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in total MRS score (p < 0.0001), reflected by significant reductions in the psychological (p=0.0003), somato-vegetative (p=0.0152), and urogenital (p < 0.0001) domains. Ashwagandha intake demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in total MENQoL scores (p < 0.0001) and was also associated with a statistically significant increase in serum estradiol (p < 0.0001) and a significant reduction in serum FSH (p < 0.0001) and serum LH (p < 0.05) compared with the placebo. There was no significant between the group differences in the serum testosterone level. These findings suggest that ashwagandha root extract can be a safe and effective option to relieve mild to moderate climacteric symptoms during perimenopause in women.

MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG YEMENI WOMEN IN SANA’A CITY

Background: Menopause is a physiological phenomenon that can strongly affect the quality of life (QOL) of women. Objectives: To analyzes the menopausal associated symptoms among contributors and their effect on quality of life. To also investigate sociodemographic factors affecting QOL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 188 perimenopause and menopausal Yemeni women selected randomly from outpatient clinics of the main public hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen. Data was acquired using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Results: The mean age at menopause was found to be 47±3.4. The majority of participants were postmenopausal (71.27 %), and (71.80 %) were married. The most prevalent symptoms were aching muscles and joints (55%), dissatisfaction with personal life (37.7%), night sweat (35%) and avoidance of intimacy (30%). The total scores of menopausal quality of life for each MENQOL domain revealed that the maximum mean score was recorded for physical domain (42.81± 17.87), followed by psychosocial (14.11±5.72), then sexual (6.93±2.46), and finally vasomotor domain (4.78±3.10). Conclusion: The physical and psychosocial domains had upper mean MENQOL scores than vasomotor and sexual domains. There is a need to educate women about menopause and its symptoms and the need to seek medical advice from specialists and find a center for that. Peer Review History: Received: 1 May 2021; Revised: 12 June; Accepted: 28 June, Available online: 15 July 2021 Academic Editor: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Gulam Mohammed Husain, National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders, Hyderabad, India, gmhusain@gmail.com Dr. Salfarina Ramli, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. salfarina2892@uitm.edu.my Dr. Vanina Doris Edo’o, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroun, vanina_edoo@yahoo.com Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Haddad, Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hadhramout University, Al-Mukalla, Yemen, alhaddadster@gmail.com alhaddadster@gmail.com Similar Articles: PREVALENCE OF RUBELLA IGG ANTIBODIES AMONG PRODUCTIVE-AGE ‎WOMEN IN AL-MAHWEET GOVERNORATE, YEMEN THE ASSOCIATION OF ADULT MALE AND FEMALE INFERTILITY WITH CELIAC DISEASE PATIENTS IN YEMEN

Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity is Elevated in Females with Physical Menopause Symptoms

Introduction Multiple symptoms accompany menopause, including vasomotor symptoms (VMS), physical symptoms, psychosocial symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Previous studies show that experiencing VMS may increase the risks for hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, it is unclear whether physical menopausal symptoms, such as weight gain, lack of energy, or reduced muscular strength, contribute to CVD risk. Furthermore, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is elevated with CVD, but the relationship between menopause symptoms and MSNA is unknown. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine if physical menopausal symptoms are correlated with MSNA in postmenopausal females. Methods Eight postmenopausal females (age 63±1yr; menopause age 53±2yr) attended two study visits. The first visit included written informed consent, completion of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) and Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity (MLTPAQ) Questionnaires, and blood draws to measure sex hormone levels. The MENQOL asks participants to rate how bothered they feel in four areas of symptoms: vasomotor (i.e., VMS), psychosocial, physical, and sexual. The absence of a symptom corresponds with a score of 1 point, whereas a present symptom is rated according to how bothersome it is and is scored from 2-8 points. The MLTPAQ estimates caloric expenditure based on reported habitual physical activity. The second visit was conducted in the morning after an overnight fast and abstinence of alcohol, caffeine and exercise for 12 hours and included measurements of continuous noninvasive BP, heart rate via a 3-lead electrocardiography (ADInstruments, Colorado Springs, CO) and MSNA of the peroneal nerve via microneurography during a 10-minute period of quiet rest. Results Total MENQOL scores ranged from 1.3-2.4 on a 1-8 scale; physical symptom scores ranged from 1.1 to 3.4; and VMS ranged from 1.0-1.7. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was 24±2. Levels of estradiol, total estrogens, testosterone, total estrogens: testosterone ratio, and MLTPAQ were not different between the females. Average mean arterial pressure was (101±5mmHg) and MSNA burst frequency was 29 bursts/min). In addition, MSNA burst frequency correlated with the MENQOL scores for physical symptoms (r=0.73, p=0.04), but not other menopausal symptoms, including VMS (p>0.05), indicating that females with more severe physical symptoms had greater MSNA. Conclusion Although females with VMS have greater CVD risk than those without VMS, data from this small sample of females suggests that reported physical symptoms rather than VMS were elevated with resting MSNA and were strongly associated with MSNA. These findings suggest that females who experience physical menopause symptoms may demonstrate autonomic dysregulation which could contribute to CVD risk.

The effect of nursing approaches applied according to Meleis’ Transition Theory on menopause-specific quality of life

This is a randomized controlled experimental study aimed to determine the effect of nursing approaches applied according to Meleis’ Transition Theory on menopause-specific quality of life. The study participants consisted of 64 women. A personal information form and the menopause-specific quality-of-life (MENQOL) questionnaire were used to collect data. The MENQOL pretest mean score was 4.61 ± 1.00 in the experimental group and 4.57 ± 1.18 in the control group; post-test scores were 3.88 ± 1.10 and 4.81 ± 1.10, respectively. The nursing approaches applied in this study significantly reduced the MENQOL scores of women in the experimental group.

Exercise and Quality of Life in Women with Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Menopausal symptoms are associated with deterioration in physical, mental, and sexual health, lowering women’s quality of life (QoL). Our study objective is to examine the effect of exercise on QoL in women with menopausal symptoms. After initially identifying 1306 studies published on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library before June 2020, two researchers independently selected nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which any type of exercise was compared with no active treatment. We assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2.0 tool for RCTs and computed the converged standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. We found evidences for the positive effects of exercise on physical and psychological QoL scores in women with menopausal symptoms. However, there was no evidence for the effects of exercise on general, social, and menopause-specific QoL scores. The most common interventions for women with menopausal and urinary symptoms were yoga and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), respectively. In our meta-analyses, while yoga significantly improved physical QoL, its effects on general, psychological, sexual, and vasomotor symptoms QoL scores as well as the effect of PFMT on general QoL were not significant. Our findings suggest that well-designed studies are needed to confirm the effect of exercise on QoL in women with menopausal symptoms.

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

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

Effect of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Modification Education on Knowledge, Attitude, and Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women.

Limited knowledge and negative attitudes about menopause among postmenopausal women (PMW) create a multitude of health-related issues leading to impaired quality of life (QOL) among them. This study evaluated the impact of a health-promoting lifestyle education intervention (HPLEI) on knowledge, attitude, and QOL in a group of PMW in Sri Lanka. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 72 PMW, matched for sociodemographic status of the community from two geographically separated areas in Galle, and they were allocated to intervention (n = 37) and control (n = 35) groups. HPLEI is comprised of health education sessions focused on postmenopausal health management with lifestyle modifications provided only for the intervention group for 8 weeks and follow-up for 6 months. The control group was not given any planned education programme and was allowed to proceed with the usual lifestyle during this period. Knowledge, attitude, menopause-specific QOL (MENQOL), and overall QOL were evaluated in both groups with self-administered questionnaires at the baseline, after 8 weeks of education sessions and at the end of 6 months of follow-up. The mean (SD) ages of the intervention and control groups were 54.6 (4.5) and 56.5 (3.4) (p = 0.06) years, respectively. All evaluated variable scores were not different between the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05) at the baseline. In the intervention group, knowledge (mean ± SD; 21.70 ± 1.05) and attitude (mean ± SD; 44.02 ± 5.33) scores increased at the end (p < 0.001). In the control group, a marginal increase in all dimensions of knowledge scores (mean ± SD; 9.71 ± 2.21) and unchanged attitude scores (mean ± SD; 23.91 ± 7.56) were seen. All MENQOL scores decreased during the follow-up in the intervention group (mean ± SD; 138.51 ± 18.47) (p < 0.001) except the sexual domain (p = 0.32). MENQOL scores were increased in the control group (mean ± SD; 92.05 ± 28.87) (p < 0.001) with time. Overall QOL scores increased (mean ± SD; 74.85 ± 9.71) (p < 0.001) in the intervention group during the study period and in the control group overall QOL (mean ± SD; 51.03 ± 13.61) showed a reduction (p < 0.001) at the end. Health education focused on health-promoting lifestyle modifications was effective in improving knowledge, attitude, MENQOL, and overall QOL of PMW.

Women post menopause: assessment of quality of life and socio-demographic correlates

Background: Menopause can have psychological, physical, and vasomotor symptoms along with sexual dysfunction, Current health care model fail to recognize that these symptoms profoundly affect a woman’s personal and social functioning and ultimately her quality of life. Hence, this study aims to assess the Quality of life of post-menopausal women and finding out socio-demographic factors affecting quality of life.Methods: A cross-sectional study in an urban slum area was undertaken and 105 females between 45-65 years of age were interviewed using menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire.Results: The mean age of these study participants was 54.13±4.05 (45-62) years. Out of 105 post-menopausal women included in the study, 20% were illiterate, 26.7% had completed education up to Secondary school level. Total MENQOL scores ranged from 62-148 and total mean score was 101.3±23.44.Conclusions: Menopause affected not only physical health of a woman but also affects psychosocial aspect of life and this was well evident from the present study where MENQOL scores were higher indicating poor quality of life after menopause. Ageing, lower education, lower socio-economic status, unemployment and no spouse support were contributing to the poor quality of life.

Oral 17β-estradiol/progesterone (TX-001HR) and quality of life in postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms

Objective:The aim of the study was to describe the effects of TX-001HR (17β-estradiol [E2] and natural progesterone [P4] in a single oral capsule) on menopause-specific quality of life in women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS).Methods:The REPLENISH study (NCT01942668) was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial which evaluated four E2/P4 doses in postmenopausal women with VMS and a uterus. Women with moderate to severe hot flushes (≥7/d or ≥50/wk) were included in a VMS substudy. Participants self-administered the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Baseline changes in MENQOL overall and domains were determined as well as correlations between changes in MENQOL scores and VMS frequency or severity.Results:In the VMS substudy, women treated with E2/P4 had significantly greater improvements from baseline in their MENQOL overall score at week 12, and months 6 and 12, compared with placebo (all, P < 0.05, except the lowest E2/P4 dose at months 6 and 12). Improvements from baseline for the MENQOL vasomotor domain score were significantly greater with TX-001HR doses versus placebo at all time points (all, P < 0.01). Changes in MENQOL vasomotor scores moderately correlated with changes in VMS frequency (r = 0.56, P < 0.0001) and severity (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001).Conclusion:In the REPLENISH trial, women with moderate to severe VMS treated with most E2/P4 doses reported significant improvements in quality of life from baseline to 12 weeks compared with placebo, which were maintained up to 12 months. TX-001HR, if approved, may provide the first oral hormone therapy formulation in a single capsule containing E2 and P4 for the treatment of VMS in postmenopausal women with a uterus.

Evaluation of a crosswalk between the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire

Objectives: Postmenopausal (PM) women taking therapies using estrogens plus progestogens (EPTs) can experience side effects (breast pain, vaginal spotting/bleeding). Sensitivity of the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level (EQ-5D-5L) in measuring quality of life of PM women experiencing side effects of EPTs is unknown. A crosswalk between the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire and the EQ-5D-5L was assessed.Methods: The measures were administered to 352 PM women (side effects = 202; control = 75; untreated = 75) in a non-interventional study. MENQOL total scores, treated as continuous and categorical predictors, were mapped onto EQ-5D-5L utilities using regression. Ordinary least-squares regression using averaged scores over time, goodness of fit, and estimated coefficients was also assessed.Results: Mean age was 53.7 years. The first model (MENQOL as a continuous variable) showed a moderate correlation (−0.589) and statistically significant relationship with the EQ-5D-5L (p < 0.001), with an equation of EQ-5D-5L = 0.992 − 0.042 × MENQOL. The EQ-5D-5L mean scores were comparable (side effects = 0.854; control = 0.927; untreated = 0.836) to MENQOL mean scores estimated in the first model (side effects = 0.865 [standard deviation 0.07]; control = 0.909; untreated = 0.833). Linearity assumptions were supported with MENQOL scores as a categorical predictor. Goodness of fit was moderate (R2 = 0.347; root mean squared error = 0.093).Conclusion: The crosswalk supports conversion of MENQOL scores to EQ-5D-5L-derived health utilities for group-level analyses in PM women.

Effects of vaginal estradiol tablets and moisturizer on menopause-specific quality of life and mood in healthy postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms: a randomized clinical trial.

Compare the effects of a vaginal estradiol tablet and a vaginal moisturizer, each to placebo, on menopause-related quality of life and mood in postmenopausal women with moderate-severe vulvovaginal symptoms. A total of 302 postmenopausal women enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial were assigned to vaginal 10 μg estradiol tablet plus placebo gel (n = 102), vaginal moisturizer plus placebo tablet (n = 100), or dual placebo (n = 100). We measured change from randomization to 12 weeks in total score of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. We also evaluated the four MENQOL domains, depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire 8, and anxiety symptoms as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire. Treatment with vaginal estradiol resulted in significantly greater improvement in total MENQOL scores compared to dual placebo (mean difference between arms -0.3 at 12 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.5, 0.0; P = 0.01). A statistically significant group mean difference favoring vaginal estradiol was observed for the MENQOL sexual function domain (-0.4 at 12 weeks; 95% CI -1.0, 0.1; P = 0.005), but not for any of the other domains. Treatment with vaginal moisturizer did not provide greater improvement compared to placebo in total MENQOL scores (mean difference 0.2 at 12 weeks; 95% CI -0.1, 0.4; P = 0.38) or in any of the MENQOL domains. Neither treatment group showed improvement compared with placebo in the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 or Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire . Treatment with low-dose vaginal estradiol, but not vaginal moisturizer, modestly improved menopause-related quality of life and sexual function domain scores in postmenopausal women with moderate-severe vulvovaginal symptoms.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating safety and efficacy of an ayurvedic botanical formulation in reducing menopausal symptoms in otherwise healthy women

AimsThe aim of the present study was to examine the safety and efficacy of a formulated Ayurvedic botanical combination in reducing vasomotor and other menopause-associated symptoms in otherwise healthy women. MethodsThis was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted with 117 healthy women, aged 40–65 years using a formulated Ayurvedic medicine composed of 75 mg Tinospora Cardifolia, 100 mg Asparagus racemosus, 100 mg Withania somnifera and 225 mg Commiphora mukul per capsule, administered as one capsule twice per day over a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was menopausal symptoms assessed by the validated Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures included a patient-reported diary of vasomotor symptoms, serum hormone levels and health indices (body weight, blood pressure, haematological and biochemistry markers). ResultsA significant difference was demonstrated for the total MENQOL score and the vasomotor (p < 0.001), psychosocial (p < 0.001), physical (p = 0.02) and sexual domains (p < 0.001) between the active treatment and placebo groups after 12 weeks. There was a significant reduction in total hot flushes, daytime hot flushes and night sweats in the active treatment group compared to the placebo group (p ≤ 0.001). There were no significant changes observed in serum hormone levels or health indices between the active and the placebo group. ConclusionThis study demonstrated a combination of Tinospora cardifolia, Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera and Commiphora mukul to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing menopausal symptoms in healthy menopausal women over a duration of 12 weeks.

Assessment of Symptoms and Quality of Life among Postmenopausal Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kochi, South India: A Hospital-based Descriptive Study.

Background:Menopause is a physiological event in the women's life that can strongly affect the quality of life (QOL). More than 80% of women state that physical and physiological symptoms commonly accompany menopause and affect women's health and well-being.Objective:The aim of the study was to assess the menopause-related symptoms and their impact on the women's life.Materials and Methods:We have done a hospital-based descriptive study at the Outpatient and Inpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala, with 150 postmenopausal women. The data were collected using the structured Menopause-specific QOL (MENQOL) questionnaire. The data were collected for 4 weeks from the Outpatient and Inpatient of Department of OBG with inclusion criteria of women who were coming as bystanders' age in between 50 and 65 years.Statistical Analysis:Mean, standard deviation, frequency, and proportions were calculated. The association between the MENQOL scores and selected demographic variables was found using one-way ANOVA test.Results:Among 150 postmenopausal women, 51 (34%) were in the age group of 55–59 years and more than half of the study population (n = 116, 77.3%) were married. The management of menopausal symptoms was followed by 28 (18.7%) women. The prevalence levels of the classical menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness in women aged 50–65 years were 75.3%, 58%, and 30.7%, respectively. The overall MENQOL mean total score was found as 112.47 ± 28.80. The majority of them experienced the mean physical symptom, which was found to be 62.05 ± 17.82. The associations between QOL scores with educational status and socioeconomic status were statistically highly significant with P < 0.01 and with marital status statistically significant with P < 0.05.Conclusion:From the present study, we have concluded that the postmenopause-related physical symptoms are frequently reported by the middle age group classifications. The association between QOL scores with educational status, socioeconomic status, and marital status was statistically highly significant. By nursing education, creating appropriate awareness and health education on the management of postmenopausal symptoms to that age group and it could be reducing the burden of the women population.