Menopause-specific Quality Of Life Research Articles

A descriptive study on quality of life among menopausal women residing in selected rural areas of Udupi district, Karnataka

Background: Menopause is defined as the period of time when ovarian function stops, resulting in permanent amenorrhea, or as the cessation of periods for a period of time equal to three prior cycles. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study conducted among 100 menopausal women, by using The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) Questionnaire, The data is collected by administering a semi structured socio-demographic proforma, residing at rural area in cherkady village of udupi district. Results: The data in Table 1 depicts the majority of the menopausal women 30 (30%) were in the age group of (46 to 50) years. The maximum percentage of the menopausal women 100(100%) were married. The maximum percentage of the menopausal women 62(62%) belong to the Hindu religion. The majority of the menopausal women with educational status 66(66%) were primary (1st std-7th std). Regarding the menopausal women occupation status 100 (100%) were unskilled workers. The majority of the menopausal women with educational status of husband 70(70%) were primary (1st std-7th std). Regarding the menopausal women occupation status of husband 55(55%) were semi-skilled worker. The majority of the primigravida women with place of residence 100(100%) were from rural area. Regarding the menopausal women type of family 53(53%) belonged to nuclear family. The highest percentage of menopausal women 100 (100%) had a monthly income ranging from Rs.2391-7101.A maximum of 34 (34%) attained menarche at the age of 12 years and 49(49%) of them were of61-70 kg weight. A maximum of menopausal women 100(100%) were doing exercise twice a week. About the majority of 99(99%) menopausal women were anemic. About the majority of 88(88%) menopausal women perceived adequate social support. None of them had habit of smoking and alcoholism.

Menopause specific quality of life and correlated factors among Sri Lankan post-menopausal women

Menopause specific quality of life and correlated factors among Sri Lankan post-menopausal women

The Effect of Hypnotherapy Methods On The Quality Of Life Of Menopausal Women Through The Assessment Of The Menopause Specific Quality Of Life (Menqol) Modification Scale And Serotonin Biomarkers

Objective: This study was conducted to measure the potential of hypnotherapy in improving the quality of life of menopausal women, through an assessment study of the Menopause Specific Quality of Life (MenQoL) and Serotonin modification scale. Materials and Methods: The study uses a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest group control approach. Data collection in Malang with menopausal female respondents (45-60 years old), treatment group 75 and control 75. Implantation is carried out 2 times with an interval of 4 mg. It will be carried out from March 2023 to May 2023. Results: Results of the assessment of the MenQoL modified scale questionnaire (44 items) with 30 respondents: The validity test of the questionnaire with an r value between 0.958-0.998 (meaning: Valid) and the reliability test (Cronbach's Alpha) r = 1.00 (meaning: Very High). Results of the Hypnotherapy Effect test on MenQoL (wilcoxon): p-value 0.000 (significantly different) in the experimental group and p-value 0.357 (no significant difference) in the control group. Results of the Hypnotherapy Effect test on Serotonin Biomarkers (wilcoxon test): p-value 0.000 (significantly different) in the experimental group and p-value 0.219 (no significant difference) in the control group. The results of the difference (∆) between the pre and post averages: MenQoL experiment -31.58 < MenQoL control 3.95 and Serotonin experiment -2,733.48 < Serotonin control 51,241.92. Results of the normalized gain test (strength) of MenQoL with decreasing value (improvement): 86.6% of the experimental group and MenQoL with increased value (deterioration): 57.3%. Serotonin with increased values (improvement): 100 % of the experimental group and Serotonin with decreased values (improvement): 52 %. Conclusion: Hypnotherapy provides improvement in the quality of life of menopausal women through improvement of MenQoL and improvement of Serotonin biomarkers.

Association of Climacteric and Vasomotor Symptoms With Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Menopause is associated with various symptoms, including climacteric and vasomotor symptoms, which may impact the quality of life in postmenopausal women.Objective: The study aimed to determine the association between climacteric and vasomotor symptoms with quality of life in postmenopausal women, and to explore the influence of BMI and the number of children on this relationship.Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 368 postmenopausal women aged 40-55 years, selected through non-probability convenient sampling from DHQ Hospital Mianwali. Data were collected using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Hot Flash Related Interference Scale (HFRDIS), and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were used for analysis via SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The study found no significant correlation between climacteric symptoms and quality of life (r = 0.076, p = 0.148) or vasomotor symptoms and quality of life (r = -0.28, p = 0.591). However, a significant negative correlation was observed between BMI and quality of life (r = -1.70, p = 0.001), and the number of children and quality of life (r = -0.102, p = 0.05).Conclusion: Climacteric and vasomotor symptoms were not associated with quality of life, but higher BMI and more children negatively impacted quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Effects of Flaxseed on Perimenopausal Symptoms: Findings From a Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background Flaxseed contains many phytoestrogens that share structural similarities with endogenous estrogens. It has beneficial properties that improve hormonal effects that may influence chronic disorders. Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of flaxseed supplementation on perimenopausal syndrome symptoms and serum polyphenol metabolites enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL). Methods Recruitment of 145 perimenopausal women from Queen Mary's Hospital OPD in K.G.M.U. Lucknow, India, was done for this single-blind randomized placebo-controlled experiment, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. We randomly divided subjects into two groups using a computer-generated random number table. The intervention group A received 10 grams of flaxseed powder, while the placebo group B received 10 grams of roasted wheat flour for a continuous three months. We measured their demographic characteristics,menopausal symptoms score using the modified Kupperman's index (KI),the menopause rating scale (MRS), and the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) intervention questionnaire. Moreover, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), biochemical parameters (ED, EL) were assessed both at baselineand after three months. For the statistical analysis, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 24; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) was employed. Result The study involved 123 individuals, with 22 subjects losing out during follow-up. From baseline to follow-up comparison, the intervention group demonstrated an average percentage decline in the final score of the KI, MRS, and MENQOL intervention questionnaire of -47.25%, -54.05%, and -50.39%, respectively, while the placebo group demonstrated an average percentage decline of -3.83%, -4.91%, and -7.92%, respectively. From baseline to follow-up, ED and EL levels increased by 2.81-fold and 8.55-fold in the intervention group and decreased by 0.25-fold and 0.27-foldin the placebo group. Conclusion Following three months of supplementation, the intervention group showed substantially lower menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001), and ED and EL levels were considerably higher (p < 0.001). Therefore, flaxseed might ameliorate the symptoms associated with perimenopause.

Study protocol for the ROLEX-DUO randomised placebo-controlled trial: ROmosozumab Loaded with EXercise – DUal effects on bone and muscle in postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

IntroductionNovel strategies are needed to address the rising burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. High-intensity resistance and impact (HiRIT) exercise has shown benefit in improving bone density in postmenopausal women...

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.

The prevalence and severity of vasomotor and sexual symptoms among refugee women in Australia

Objective This study aimed to document the prevalence and severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and sexual symptoms among refugee women in Melbourne, Australia. Methods This cross-sectional study included refugee women, aged 18–63 years, recruited from community centers and social media between February and July 2023. The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire measured VMS and sexual symptoms. The scores were compared between different menopausal states. Results Of 333 participants, 62.8% were premenopausal, 8.0% perimenopausal and 29.2% postmenopausal, with a median age of 40 years (range 18–63 years). Moderate–severe VMS was most prevalent amongst perimenopausal (20.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9–41.4%) versus postmenopausal (9.5%; 95% CI: 5.0–17.3%) and premenopausal (0%) women. Moderate–severe sexual symptoms affected 15.8% (95% CI: 5.2–39.3%) of perimenopausal and 16.9% (95% CI: 10.4–26.1%) of postmenopausal women versus 1.4% (95% CI: 0.3-5.3%) of premenopausal women. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had higher VMS and sexual symptom scores than premenopausal women (both p < 0.0001); the scores were also higher in perimenopausal women than postmenopausal women (p = 0.016 and p = 0.013, respectively). Conclusion While perimenopausal and postmenopausal VMS and sexual symptoms are not uncommon amongst refugee women, these symptoms were less prevalent in postmenopausal refugees than in the non-refugee population. Further research is warranted to confirm and expand on these findings.

Examining the Quality of Life among Working Women in Agartala During the Menopausal Transition: An In-Depth Analysis

Menopause is a critical phase in a woman’s life characterized by hormonal changes that can impact various aspects of health, including the quality of life. Despite the increasing number of women in the workforce, there is a noticeable gap in specific challenges and experiences of working women during the menopausal transition. The study aims to analyze the quality of life among working women in Agartala during the menopausal transition. The study includes N=30 working women from diverse professional backgrounds in Agartala. Data were collected through the MENQOL (Menopause-Specific Quality of Life) Questionnaire developed by John R Hilditch et.al, (1996). Descriptive statistics and percentage analysis were employed to interpret the data. The researcher has concluded that the quality of life of the working women of Agartala seems to experience greater physical, vasomotor, and sexual changes during this prolonged phase. The findings can contribute to developing targeted interventions and support systems aimed at enhancing the quality of life for this demographic group. Additionally, the study may serve as a foundation for further research in other geographical regions, fostering a broader understanding of menopausal experiences among working women.

Role of estradiol and C-reactive protein levels on genitourinary syndrome in menopausal women.

Menopause leads to decreased estradiol levels affecting tissue health and causing local inflammation in the genital organs and urinary tract. The rise of blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in menopausal women may indicate systemic inflammation associated with estradiol decline. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum estradiol and CRP levels on genitourinary syndrome in menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted among menopausal women who had not experienced menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months at Prof. dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, in 2023. Estradiol and CRP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the presence of genitourinary syndrome was assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. The mean levels of estradiol and CRP were compared to menopausal women with and without genitourinary syndrome with the Mann-Whitney test. To assess the correlation between estradiol and CRP levels, and between their levels with the presence of genitourinary symptoms, the Spearman correlation test was used. The genitourinary syndrome was reported in 25% of the total included menopausal women. Our data indicated that the mean estradiol levels were not significantly different between menopausal women with and without genitourinary syndrome (9.13±2.47 pg/mL vs 18.96±31.23 pg/mL, p=0.881). The mean serum CRP level of menopausal women with genitourinary syndrome (9.72±6.30 mg/L) was higher than that of women without the syndrome (2.09±1.26 mg/L) with p<0.001. In addition, serum CRP level, not estradiol, was correlated with the symptom score of genitourinary syndrome. This study highlights that to identify and manage genitourinary syndrome, monitoring of CRP levels is essential in menopausal women.

Features, measurements, determinants, treatments, and outcomes of musculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women: A scoping review

BackgroundThe literature lacks a consistent review of musculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women. AimTo identify features, measurements, determinants, treatments, and outcomes of musculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women. MethodA scoping review was completed using six databases: Embase, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus up to December 2022. Sixty-three articles were identified. ResultsMusculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women include somatic symptoms of non-specific origin, upper and lower limb symptoms, spinal pain, and decline in physical performance. Measurements were categorized into four groups: musculoskeletal symptoms for menopause, general musculoskeletal symptoms, menopause-specific quality of life, and general quality of life questionnaires. The determinants were grouped into four themes: demographics, physical determinants, psychosocial determinants, and lifestyle. Pharmacological interventions, supplementation options, and exercise regimens exist for postmenopausal women with musculoskeletal symptoms. ConclusionA comprehensive policy is needed to address musculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women, promoting diverse treatments for improved quality of life.

Effects of pilates exercise on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women: A quasi experimental study

Background: Menopause is an unspoken, unattended, reality of life, the cause of which is still undeciphered completely by human. Women can enjoy good quality of life after menopause even without hormones as exercise works by improving muscle mass, strength, flexibility and coordination. Pilates exercise has grown in popularity as a result of profound effects that it has had on both healthy and injured bodies. Nowadays Pilates exercise more formally into rehabilitation from more medical perspective. Aim: To assess the effect of Pilates exercises on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A Study was performed on a total of 30 women. Subjects matching the inclusion criteria with age group 45-55 years were included for the study. They performed pilates exercise, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-specific Quality of Life were used as outcome measures to assess the pre and post effect of exercises. Data was analyzed using SPSS software 28. Results and Discussion: There is a statistically significant difference in the outcomes of pre and post intervention. Paired t test was performed. Conclusion: It is concluded that the Pilates training program in menopausal women helps to improve their quality of life and also beneficial in reducing the symptoms of menopause.

Treating moderate-to-severe menopausal vasomotor symptoms with fezolinetant: analysis of responders using pooled data from two phase 3 studies (SKYLIGHT 1 and 2).

The aims of the study were to further characterize the efficacy of fezolinetant for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause using responder analysis and to investigate whether efficacy, not adjusted for placebo, resulted in clinically meaningful within-patient change. This prespecified analysis used pooled data from two phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (SKYLIGHT 1 and 2). Responders were those experiencing ≥50%, ≥75%, ≥90%, or 100% reduction in VMS frequency from baseline to weeks 4 and 12. Responder analysis was performed for patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to evaluate participants achieving a clinically meaningful within-patient change (not placebo adjusted) at week 4 and 12 versus baseline. Single responders were based on outcomes of VMS frequency, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance-Short Form 8b Total Score, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) Total Score, and MENQoL VMS Domain Score. Double and triple responder analyses combined VMS frequency plus one or more of the PRO. Patient Global Impression of Change VMS was deemed a suitable anchor measure for meaningful within-patient change in VMS frequency. A greater proportion of fezolinetant-treated versus placebo-treated participants had ≥50%, ≥75%, ≥90%, or 100% reduction in VMS frequency from baseline to weeks 4 and 12. A greater proportion of responders were observed in the fezolinetant groups versus placebo at week 12 in all four single responder analyses. In the double and triple responder analyses, odds ratios were supportive of a beneficial effect for both doses of fezolinetant versus placebo. Fezolinetant was associated with significantly higher within-patient clinically meaningful improvement in important PRO, including VMS frequency, PROMIS SD SF 8b Total Score, MENQoL Total Score, and MENQoL VMS Domain Score.

Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, are highly prevalent and burdensome for women experiencing menopausal transition. Fezolinetant, a selective neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist, is a potential therapeutic option for mitigating VMS. Our aim is to assess the efficacy and evaluate the safety profile of fezolinetant compared with placebo in post-menopausal women suffering from VMS, by pooling all the relevant data and reflecting the most current evidence. An extensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library databases from inception until June 2023 to identify relevant trials. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software. A total of six randomized controlled trials were added. For the frequency of daily VMS, the combined pooled result favored the fezolinetant group over placebo (MD -2.38, 95% CI -2.64 to -2.12; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). For the severity of daily VMS, fezolinetant was again found to be superior to the placebo group (MD -0.40, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.29; P < 0.001, I2 = 70%). Fezolinetant (120 mg) consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of daily moderate/severe VMS compared with other doses at both 4 and 12 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), PROMIS the Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8b and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) scores indicated significant improvement with fezolinetant. No significant difference in efficacy of fezolinetant at 4 and 12 weeks were observed in any outcome. As for safety, no significant differences in the treatment emergent adverse events at 12 weeks were found between fezolinetant and placebo. Our study significantly favors fezolinetant over placebo regarding the primary efficacy outcomes of daily moderate to severe VMS frequency and severity, including PROs, while both the groups are comparable in terms of treatment emergent adverse events. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A Case Report of a Medial Medullary Infarction Patient with Menopausal Hot Flashes

This case study reports on the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment for menopausal hot flashes in stroke patients. During hospitalization, a female patient with medial medullary infarction was diagnosed with menopausal hot flashes and received treatment with traditional Korean medicine and acupuncture. The assessment was performed by monitoring daily habits to relieve hot flashes. The hot flash index, menopause rating scale (MRS), menopause-specific quality of life (MENQoL) questionnaire, and Kupperman index (KI) were also used. After 28 days of treatment, the hot flash index improved from 27 to 2, MRS improved from 11 to 2, MENQoL improved from 40 to 21, and KI improved from 22 to 6. Thus, this case suggests that Korean medicine treatment may be effective for menopausal hot flashes in stroke patients.

Psychometric Evaluation of the MENQOL Instrument in Women Experiencing Vasomotor Symptoms Associated with Menopause.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire has been developed to assess QOL specific to menopause. The objective of the current study was to assess the psychometric properties, sensitivity to change, and clinically meaningful within-patient change of the MENQOL using data from the fezolinetant SKYLIGHT1 and 2 studies in individuals with VMS. Individuals aged ≥ 40 to ≤ 65years with moderate-to-severe VMS (≥ seven hot flashes/day) were enrolled. In addition to MENQOL, eight patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were used for the psychometric evaluation. All PRO assessments were completed at weeks4 and 12 during the treatment period, and most were completed at baseline. Psychometric analyses included factor analysis and reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity to change assessments. The within-patient threshold for a clinically meaningful change in MENQOL was derived. In total, 1022 individuals were included from SKYLIGHT1 and 2. Mean MENQOL total score at baseline was 4.30, improving to 3.16 at week12. The confirmatory factor analysis supported established MENQOL domain structure, including the overall score. The internal consistency of the MENQOL overall and domain scores was supported using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, and MENQOL construct validity was supported for overall and domain scores. Item-to-item and item-total correlations were generally sufficient, and moderate test-retest reliability was noted. The scales against which construct validity and responsiveness for MENQOL domains were examined were moderately related to the MENQOL domains in general, providing additional support for acceptable measurement properties of MENQOL in this population. A reduction in MENQOL overall score of ≥ 0.9 points was identified as responding to treatment (a clinically important threshold). Thresholds of 2.0 points for the vasomotor domain and 0.9 for the psychosocial domain were estimated, in addition to distribution-based threshold estimates of 0.8 and 1.2 for the physical and sexual domains, respectively. The psychometric properties of the MENQOL overall and domain scores support use of this instrument to capture experiences among individuals with moderate-to-severe VMS associated with menopause and assess related endpoints in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT04003155 and NCT04003142.

Fezolinetant impact on health-related quality of life for vasomotor symptoms due to the menopause: Pooled data from SKYLIGHT 1 and SKYLIGHT 2 randomised controlled trials.

To assess the effect of fezolinetant treatment on health-related quality of life using pooled data from SKYLIGHT 1 and 2 studies. Prespecified pooled analysis. USA, Canada, Europe; 2019-2021. 1022 women aged ≥40 to ≤65 years with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS; minimum average seven hot flushes/day), seeking treatment for VMS. Women were randomised to 12-week double-blind treatment with once-daily placebo or fezolinetant 30 or 45 mg. Completers entered a 40-week, active extension (those receiving fezolinetant continued that dose; those receiving placebo re-randomised to fezolinetant received 30 or 45 mg). Mean changes from baseline to weeks 4 and 12 on Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) total and domain scores, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire specific to VMS (WPAI-VMS) domain scores, Patient Global Impression of Change in VMS (PGI-C VMS); percentages achieving PGI-C VMS of 'much better' (PGI-C VMS responders). Mean reduction was estimated using mixed model repeated measures analysis of covariance. Fezolinetant 45 mg mean reduction over placebo in MENQoL total score was -0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.75 to -0.39) at week 4 and -0.47 (95% CI -0.66 to -0.28) at week 12. Reductions were similar for 30 mg. MENQoL domain scores were also reduced and WPAI-VMS scores improved. Twice as many women receiving fezolinetant reported VMS were 'much better' than placebo based on PGI-C VMS assessment. Fezolinetant treatment was associated with improvement in overall QoL, measured by MENQoL, and work productivity, measured by WPAI-VMS. A high proportion receiving fezolinetant felt VMS were 'much better' based on PGI-C VMS responder analysis.

Efficacy and Safety of Fezolinetant for the Treatment of Menopause-Associated Vasomotor Symptoms: A Meta-analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of fezolinetant for treating vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause. PubMed/MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov , EMBASE, Cochrane Database, Scopus, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched through June 2023 for publications and randomized controlled trials on fezolinetant compared with placebo in menopausal women who experienced moderate-to-severe VMS. Our literature search identified 330 articles, of which five studies with six reports were included in our meta-analysis per our eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane's RoB 2 (Risk of Bias version 2) tool, quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach, and outcome measures data for effect size were pooled in random-effects model and rated. A total of 2,168 participants from five randomized clinical trials (six reports) were included. Fezolinetant significantly lowered VMS frequency, with pooled mean difference of 2.62 (95% CI, 1.84-3.41). The pooled mean difference for fezolinetant compared with placebo for the MENQOL (Menopause-Specific Quality of Life) measure was -0.60 (95% CI, -0.92 to -0.28), and the mean percentage improvement in VMS frequency was 22.51% (95% CI, 15.35-29.67). Fezolinetant was associated with improvement in sleep quality when compared with placebo. Fezolinetant is effective in lowering moderate-to-severe VMS frequency and sleep disturbances in postmenopausal women. PROSPERO, CRD42023427616.

Comparative Benefit of Evening Primrose Oil and Soybean Oil on Treatment Satisfaction and Quality of Life among Postmenopausal Women

Background: Medicinal herbs as alternative therapies, commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms, and some studies have shown that they can be useful in treating menopausal syndrome, which have been linked to worse self-rated health, and decreased work productivity.&#x0D; Aim of the study: This study compared the effectiveness of EPO and Soybean Oil herbal supplement in a sample of Iraqi postmenopausal women on treatment satisfaction and their quality of life.&#x0D; Patients and methods: This prospective study conducted on 20 post-menopausal women who received 500 mg EPO compared to other 20 received 233 mg soybean oil extract, as a capsule twice a day for 8 weeks. The subjective and clinical assessments of Menopause Symptom Treatment Satisfaction, and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life. Data was collected by the researcher via face-to-face interviews with women at baseline and after 2 months of treatment.&#x0D; Results: In this study, Menopause Symptoms Treatment Satisfaction score was not significant within each group post treatment (P&gt;0.05). While after 2 months of treatment, EPO significantly improved the quality of life by decreasing all MEN-QoL domains more than soybean oil, except for the sexual domain (P&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusions: This study revealed that both EPO and soya bean oil supplements had the beneficial effect in improving the postmenopausal quality of life with less treatment satisfaction.

General self-efficacy as a moderator between severity of menopausal symptoms and satisfaction with life in menopausal women.

The study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy acts as a moderator between the severity of menopausal symptoms and life satisfaction. The research tools were: The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) The Menopause - Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), and a standardized questionnaire comprising questions on the participants' characteristics. 516 women using health care services who had menopausal symptoms took part in the study. Self-efficacy (GSES) (r = -0.176; p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (SWLS) (r = -0.106; p = 0.016) were negatively correlated with the severity of menopausal symptoms (MENQOL). The self-efficacy correlated positively with satisfaction with life (r = 0.278; p < 0.001). A low level of self-efficacy was associated with a significant and negative relationship between the severity of menopausal symptoms and satisfaction with life (p = 0.005), while at a high and moderate level of self-efficacy, the severity of menopausal symptoms was not associated with life satisfaction (p > 0.05). Self-efficacy moderates the relationship between the severity of menopausal symptoms and life satisfaction in menopausal women. The moderating function of self-efficacy is that, at its low level, an increase in the severity of menopausal symptoms reduces life satisfaction, while at medium and high levels, an increase in the severity of menopausal symptoms does not reduce life satisfaction.