Modified Kupperman Menopausal Index Research Articles

Associations between menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Chinese women

Objective This study aimed to examine the association between severity of menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among middle-aged Chinese women. Methods A cross-sectional study recruited 9679 women aged 40–70 years from three socioeconomic regions of China in 2018. Menopausal symptoms were assessed by the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI). The severity of individual symptoms was classified as none (0 points), mild (1 points) and moderate-to-severe symptoms (2–3 points), and overall menopausal symptoms were classified as none (<15 points), mild (15–24 points) or moderate-to-severe (≥25 points) according to the sum score of the KMI. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations of the severity of menopausal symptoms with CVD risk. Results A total of 5.6% of participants reported being diagnosed with CVD. Overall menopausal symptoms were more common in women aged 60–70 years than in women aged 40–59 years. After multiple adjustment, mild (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64–2.61) and moderate-to-severe (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.92–3.63) overall menopausal symptoms were associated with increased risk of CVD compared with no symptoms. Significant positive associations between the severity of individual menopausal symptoms and CVD risk were observed for all 13 items. Conclusion The severity of menopausal symptoms was positively associated with CVD risk in middle-aged Chinese women.

Supplementation with cassis polyphenol has no effect on menopausal symptoms in healthy middle-aged women: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial

Hormonal changes during the menopause transition may lead to vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes (HFs) and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. We hypothesized that the effects of cassis polyphenol (CaP) to improve microcirculation and vasorelaxation may alleviate menopausal symptoms. We performed a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial involving 59 healthy women (mean [standard deviation] age, 51.3 [4.3] years; body mass index, 20.8 [2.6] kg/m2). Participants experiencing subjective menopausal symptoms consumed CaP tablets (400 mg/d, CaP group) or placebo tablets (placebo group) for 4 weeks. Participants were evaluated using questionnaires at baseline, during the 4-week intervention period, and during a 2-week postinterventional observation period. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with CaP on HFs in healthy Japanese women with menopausal symptoms. Additional assessments included the modified Kupperman menopausal index, World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, World Health Organization quality-of-life 26-item index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (anxiety and trait components), and Oguri–Shirakawa–Azumi sleep inventory (middle-aged and elderly versions). During the 4-week intervention period, no significant between-group differences were detected in the HF frequency, HF score, sweating frequency, menopausal symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, or sleep. During the 2-week postintervention observational period, the HF score and sweating frequency were significantly decreased in the CaP group compared with the placebo group. These findings suggest that twice daily intake of CaP for 4 weeks does not alleviate menopause symptoms, but the improvement observed in the CaP intake group during the postintervention period warrants confirmation through further large-scale studies.

Changes in menopausal symptoms comparing oral estradiol versus transdermal estradiol

Objective This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oral and transdermal estradiol in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Method A total of 257 recently menopausal women were randomized into two groups. The t-E2 group received transdermal estradiol (2.5 g per day) (n = 128) and the o-E2V group received oral estradiol valerate (2 mg per day) (n = 129) for 24 weeks; both groups received micronized progesterone (200 mg per day). The primary outcome measure is the change in the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) after 24 weeks of treatment. Menopausal symptoms were recorded at screening and at 4, 12 and 24 weeks using both the KMI and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Results Significant amelioration was observed by KMI and MRS scores for both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). The mean KMI scores showed no difference between the two groups. The mean MRS scores were similar between the two groups at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The results showed statistical differences after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011). Both the after-treatment scores minus the baseline scores of KMI and MRS and the incidence of adverse effects showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions This study shows that both transdermal and oral estradiol are effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, with little difference in treatment efficacy and safety. Clinical trial number ChiCTR2300073146

Alternative therapy of menopausal vegetative disorders in women taking the metabolic status into account

Research objectives: to study the clinical effectiveness of alternative complex therapy of vegetative syndrome in menopausal patients using L-arginine and xylitol drugs. Materials and methods. The clinical prospective study included 50 patients in the early postmenopausal period with natural menopause, neurovegetative and psychoemotional manifestations of the climacteric syndrome. According to the Life extension strategy, patients received intravenous L-arginine (Tivortin drug) and xylitol solution with electrolytes (Xylat drug) for endothelial protection and correction of insulin resistance in order to treat climacteric syndrome. Modified Kupperman menopausal index, serum triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels were determined in all women. Examinations were performed before the start of therapy and 3 months after the end of treatment.Results. The Life extension therapeutic strategy as an alternative comprehensive therapy of the vegetative syndrome in menopausal patients contributed to a reliable reduction of the manifestations of the climacteric syndrome. The advantage of combined therapy involving L-arginine and xylitol was manifested in a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.043); reduction of the Kupperman index (p = 0.002) and the average score of vasomotor symptoms (p = 0.02). There was also a significant decrease in the serum level of insulin (p = 0.00007), HOMA index (p = 0.01), low-density lipoproteins (p = 0.04), and triglycerides (p = 0.03). The selected therapy was well tolerated during the observation period.Conclusions. The combined therapy involving L-arginine and xylitol in the early postmenopausal period with neurovegetative and psychoemotional manifestations of the climacteric syndrome had a pronounced clinical effect, which consisted in a significant reduction of vegetative disorders and stabilization of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The given therapeutic strategy can be considered as an alternative therapy in patients with climacteric disorders when phytotherapy is ineffective and when there are contraindications or limitations to menopausal hormone therapy. The results of this study showed the safety of the Life extension strategy.

The relationship between physical activity and the severity of menopausal symptoms: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between physical activity and the severity of menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women in northwest China.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional online survey study. Using a snowball sampling method, 468 women aged 45 to 60 were recruited from northwest China and their demographic information was collected. The modified Kupperman Menopausal Index scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form were used in this study. Random forest was used to rank the importance of variables and select the optimal combination. The direction and relative risk (odds ratio value) of selected variables were further explained with an ordinal logistic regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of menopausal syndromes was 74.8% and more than one-half of the participants had moderate or severe symptoms (54.3%). The Mantel-Haenszel linear-by-linear chi-square test showed a strong and negative correlation between physical activity level and the severity of menopausal symptoms (P < 0.001). Random forest demonstrated that the physical activity level was the most significant variable associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms. Multiple random forest regressions showed that the out-of-bag error rate reaches the minimum when the top 4 variables (physical activity level, menopausal status, perceived health status, and parity) in the importance ranking form an optimal variable combination. Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that a higher physical activity level and a satisfactory perceived health status might be protective factors for menopausal symptoms (odds ratio (OR) < 1, P < 0.001); whereas perimenopausal or postmenopausal status and 2 parities might be risk factors for menopausal symptoms (OR > 1, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThere is a strong negative correlation between physical activity and the severity of menopausal symptoms. The results have a clinical implication that the menopausal symptoms may be improved by the moderate-to-high level physical activity in the lives of middle-aged women.

Urban-rural differences in epidemiology and risk factors of menopause syndrome in middle-aged Chinese women.

To compare the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and investigate their associated factors among rural and urban middle-aged Chinese women. A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 4,580 urban and 2,729 rural randomly sampled participants aged 40 to 55 years in Gansu Province, China, was conducted. Questionnaires assessing the sociodemographic information and menstrual and reproductive histories of the participants were administered. The modified Kupperman scale was used to assess the presence and severity of menopausal symptoms. Binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the occurrence and severity of menopausal syndrome, respectively, according to the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index score rank. The natural menopausal age of the rural women was significantly lower than that of the urban women (rural: 47.22, urban: 47.98; P < 0.05). Furthermore, rural women had a higher prevalence (rural: 56.35%, urban: 43.47%) and severity (rural: 11.40%, urban: 6.61%) of menopausal syndrome than the urban women ( P < 0.05). For both the urban and rural women, the prevalence and severity of most menopausal symptoms increased as menopause progressed. The three most prevalent symptoms in both the urban and rural women were fatigue (rural: 70.43%, urban: 68.19%), muscle/joint pain (rural: 62.84%, urban: 59.32%), and vertigo (rural: 57.42%, urban: 47.44%). Positive associations between menopausal symptoms and age, residence, body mass index, level of education, time of pregnancy, menstrual cycle, and presence of chronic diseases were observed. Rural women experience more frequent and severe menopausal syndrome than do urban women.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protects ovarian function in young patients with ovarian malignancy undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy: A prospective study.

We aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist co-therapy for the preservation of ovarian function in patients with ovarian malignancy who underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and platinum-based chemotherapy. We enrolled 158 patients with ovarian malignancy who underwent fertility preservation surgery and postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy between January 2018 and December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of GnRH agonist (GnRHa) during chemotherapy. Two patients withdrew from the study. Laboratory tests (serum follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], serum luteinizing hormone [LH], and serum anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH]) were performed pre-chemotherapy and one year post-chemotherapy. Data on menstruation resumption, perimenopausal symptoms (modified Kupperman Menopausal Index [KMI]), health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 [MOS SF-36]), and obstetric outcomes were collected. One year post-chemotherapy, the serum AMH level in the GnRHa group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.001), while the serum FSH and FSH/LH levels in the GnRHa group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.001). The mean period from last chemotherapy to menstrual resumption was 3.86 and 5.78 months in the GnRHa and control groups (P<0.001), respectively. The rate of menstrual resumption post-chemotherapy was 93.5% and 82.3% in the GnRHa and control groups (P<0.05), respectively. GnRHa co-administration during chemotherapy reduced the likelihood of low AMH levels post-chemotherapy and was significant in the multivariate analysis (P<0.05). The modified KMI scores and MOS SF-36 scores were better in the GnRHa group than in the control group (both P<0.001). GnRHa protects ovarian function during platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy in young patients with ovarian malignancy. This study provides a therapeutic reference for gynecologists, especially for those in economically and medically underdeveloped areas. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chiCTR1800019114; October 26, 2018; http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

Biopsychosocial risk factors of depression during menopause transition in southeast China

ObjectiveMore than 2 billion women are experiencing menopause transition in China and some of them suffered from depression; while the risk factors of depression during menopause transition were still unclearin China. We aimed to investigate the risk factors in mid-life women in Southeast China.MethodThis study included 1748 Chinese women aged 40–65 years-old who visited gynecology outpatient department of Women’s hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University during 2010–2018. Demographic information was collected, and the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (mKMI) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were assessed. Circulating levels of sex hormones were tested. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for depression.ResultsThe prevalence of depression symptoms was 47.43%. The majority of women had mild (38.56%) or moderate depressive symptoms (8.00%); only 0.86% had severe depressive symptoms. Compared with perimenopausal women, postmenopausal women had increased risks of more severe depression. The associations between menopausal syndromes and the intensity of depression were strongly positive (OR 6.69, 95% CI 5.39–8.29). Elder age, higher follicle stimulating hormone levels, lower estradiol levels, and fewer parity were positively related with the intensity of depression. Among postmenopausal women, underweight, mKMI > 14, earlier age at menopause, shorter reproductive period, and longer duration after menopause were risk factors for incresed intensity of depression.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated a high proportion of depression in women complaining of menopause. Menopausal symptoms were strongly related to the intensity of depression. In postmenopausal women, estrogen related events are associated with the intensity of depression. Gynecological endocrinologists in China should consider screening for depression in high-risk women.

Severity and factors of menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women in Gansu Province of China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate the severity and risk factors of menopausal symptoms in the middle-aged women in Gansu Province of China.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 7319 women (aged 40–55 years) attended the health survey in Gansu Province in China were enrolled. Information on demographics, menopausal status, reproductive history, and history of chronic diseases was collected via a structured questionnaire. Severity of menopausal symptom was evaluated by the Modified Kupperman Menopausal Index. Ordinal logistic regression model was applied to explore its risk factors.ResultsA total of 7319 participants were included in present study, among them, 3606 (49.27%) had moderate or severe menopausal symptom. Compared with premenopausal women, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women have a higher mKMI score. We observed that older age, higher BMI, non-married status, longer duration of menstruation (≥ 7 days), number of pregnancy (> 3 times), longer duration of breastfeeding (> 12 months), peri- or post-menopausal status, and menopause hormone therapy was positively associated with menopausal symptom score, while higher level of family income, educational and physical activity, and history of gynecological, breast or chronic disease were negatively associated with the score.ConclusionsNumerous factors were associated with the severity of menopausal symptom among the Chinese women. Because it was gradually increased with aging, more attention is warranted to manage the menopausal symptom.

Association of menopausal status and symptoms with depressive symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women

Objective This study aims to examine the association of menopausal status and symptoms with depressive symptoms. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey recruited 6745 women aged 40–55 years in the eastern, central and western regions of China in 2018. Menopausal status was categorized into reproductive stage, perimenopause or postmenopause according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop classification. Menopausal symptoms were determined by the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index and classified as none (total score < 15), mild (15 ≤ total score ≤ 24) or moderate to severe (total score ≥ 25). Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of menopausal status and symptoms with depressive symptoms assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms among women in the reproductive stage, perimenopause and postmenopause was 15.4%, 23.9% and 22.8%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, perimenopause (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.47) and postmenopause (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04–1.58) were associated with higher risk for depressive symptoms than during the reproductive stage. Mild (OR = 5.55, 95% CI: 4.68–6.59) and moderate-to-severe (OR = 14.77, 95% CI: 10.94–19.94) menopausal symptoms were associated with increased likelihood of depressive symptoms compared to the group reporting no menopausal symptoms. Conclusions Menopausal status and symptoms were independently associated with the risk of depressive symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women.

Prevalence and risk factors for menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Objectives:To examine the prevalence and risk factors of menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women.Methods:A cross-sectional, community-based study recruited 6,745 women aged 40 to 55 years in the eastern, central, and western regions of China during 2018. Menopausal status was categorized into reproductive stage (defined as regular menstruation or subtle changes in menstrual cycle characteristics), menopausal transition (the beginning of a persistent difference of 7 d in the length of consecutive cycles, or the last menstruation having occurred no more than 12 mo), or postmenpause (the end of the 12 mo period of amenorrhea) according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop classification. Menopausal symptoms were determined by the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) questionnaire and considered nonmenopausal symptoms (total KMI score<15) and menopausal symptoms (total KMI score≥15). Demographic, lifestyle, physical, and menopausal characteristics were collected by face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the risk of menopausal symptoms.Results:Among all participants, the mean age was 46.9 years, and 15.7% (1,001/6,364) of participants reported experiencing menopausal symptoms. The prevalence of menopausal symptoms was 9.3% (303/3,256), 23.9% (293/1,227), and 21.5% (405/1,881) in the reproductive stage, menopausal transition, and postmenopausal stage, respectively. Overall, the three most prevalent menopausal symptoms were insomnia (44.7%), fatigue (40.4%), and mood swings (37.2%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that menopausal status, residence, nulliparity, and chronic diseases were associated with the risk of menopausal symptoms (all P < 0.05). Women during menopausal transition (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.21-3.20) or postmenopause (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.82-2.80) had significantly increased risk of menopausal symptoms compared with those in the reproductive stage.Conclusions:Menopausal status, residence, nulliparity, and chronic diseases were associated with menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women.

Sanhuang Decoction Controls Tumor Microenvironment by Ameliorating Chronic Stress in Breast Cancer: A Report of Ninety Cases.

Long-term endocrine treatment which results in estrogen deprivation causes chronic stress associated with a series of uncomfortable symptoms leading not only to a decrease in quality of life but also to cancer recurrence, which may be mediated primarily through the enhanced expression of angiogenic factors, as well as a series of inflammatory microenvironmental changes that favor tumor progression. In this study, we designed a clinical trial and aimed to explore the effects of Sanhuang Decoction (SHD) treatment on chronic stress, inflammatory factors, and breast cancer recovery. A total of 90 patients with breast cancer who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomly allocated to a treatment or control group. The treatment group received the standard endocrine treatment and the traditional Chinese medicine decoction known as SHD. The control group received the standard endocrine treatment only. The treatment period was 6 months. The modified Kupperman Menopausal Index, the self-rating anxiety scale, and the self-rating depression scale were evaluated once per month. The body microenvironment plasma indices related to chronic stress, such as oxidative and antioxidative stress markers, inflammatory factors, hemorheology, coagulation, lipid and D-dimer, immunologic functions, tumor biomarkers, and angiogenic factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured before and after 6 months of treatment. After treatment for 5 months, the scores in the treatment group decreased to nearly normal levels and the control group showed no significant improvement. After treatment for 6 months, all indices related to the body microenvironment, as well as the tumor biomarkers and carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 153, and angiogenic factor VEGF levels improved significantly to normal levels in the treatment group. Our primary research showed that treatment with SHD effectively improved the quality of life of breast cancer patients by facilitating a change in the body microenvironment that controlled tumor growth and prevented drug resistance.Clinical Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier ChiCTR-IIR-2000041413. Date of registration: 2017-06-07 (retrospective registration).

Efficacy and Safety of a Standardized Soy and Hop Extract on Menopausal Symptoms: A 12-Week, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Objectives: Soy and hop extracts have been investigated as alternatives for hormone replacement therapy. However, their combined efficacy is not known. We investigated the efficacy and safety of a combined soy and hop extract on postmenopausal symptoms. Design: Double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Settings/Location: Gynecological outpatient clinic of tertiary hospital. Subjects: Seventy-eight women with moderate or severe menopausal symptoms assessed as modified Kupperman Menopoausal Index (KMI) scores >20. Interventions: They received either a combined soy and hop extract (n = 38) or placebo (n = 40). Outcome measures: Menopausal symptoms were evaluated through self-reporting of modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. We assessed serum levels of bone metabolism biomarkers, ultrasonographic parameters, hormone profiles, compliance, and safety. Results: After 12 weeks of the treatment, treatment group scores decreased by 20.61 points compared with 14.80 points in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Fatigue, paresthesia, arthralgia, and myalgia, palpitation and vaginal dryness significantly improved more in the treatment group compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Urine N-telopeptide in participants ≥50 years in the treatment group showed a reduced increase. Endometrial thickness and hormonal profiles did not show significant changes in either group. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: The results suggest that 190 mg of combined soy and hop extract is safe and effective for improvement of menopausal symptoms. CRIS No.: KCT0006019.

Menopausal symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: prevalence, severity, and associated factors

To comprehensively investigate and evaluate the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of menopausal symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this study, the specific symptomatology experienced by women with POI and women with natural menopause was also compared. In this cross-sectional study, 293 Chinese women with POI from an outpatient clinic were recruited between June 2014 and January 2019. The prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms were assessed with modified Kupperman Menopausal Index. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, including medical history, menstrual characteristics, and sociodemographic data. Serum levels of reproductive hormones were measured. Among 293 women with POI (33.76 ± 5.47 y), the most prevalent symptoms were mood swings (73.4%), insomnia (58.7%), sexual problems (58.7%), and fatigue (57.3%). Moderate-to-severe mood swings were most frequently reported (23.9%), followed by formication (17.4%) and hot flashes/sweating (17.1%). Compared with women with natural menopause, women with POI exhibited significantly higher risks for fatigue (odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.94), melancholia (3.12; 1.94-5.01), mood swings (3.57; 2.33-5.45), insomnia (1.41; 1.02-1.96), and significantly lower risks for moderate-to-severe sexual problems (0.40; 0.23-0.69), any and moderate-to-severe muscle/joint pain (0.41; 0.27-0.62 and 0.45; 0.25-0.78, respectively). Living in urban areas and higher gravidity were independently associated with menopausal symptoms in women with POI. Women with POI experienced a high prevalence of menopausal symptoms, particularly related to psychological and sexual domains. Furthermore, women with POI tended to have more distressing menopausal symptoms compared with women with natural menopause.

Adjuvant therapy of surgical menopause symptoms in rehabilitation of patients with borderline ovarian tumors: a role of “cancer immunotherapy diet”

Aim: to examine intensity of surgical menopause symptoms (postovariectomy syndrome, POES) in patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) after radical surgery depending on the postoperative period management; to assess a role for “cancer immunotherapy diet”* as a standalone means in correction of surgical menopause symptoms as well as a part of patient-specific rehabilitation program.Materials and Methods. A prospective comparative study was conducted with 62 BOTs female patients aged 30 to 48 (42.0 ± 4.1) years underwent radical surgical treatment, subdivided into 3 groups: group I – “active” rehabilitation (29 subjects underwent 12 month-comprehensive personalized rehabilitation); group II – “passive” rehabilitation (17 women with standard management of the postoperative period in accordance with clinical recommendations); group III – 16 patients followed the one-year “cancer immunotherapy diet” (after being consulted by medical specialist and formulation of individual diet program). Patient data obtained after clinical interview, physical, laboratory and instrumental examinations were assessed at four time points: before surgery (visit 0), after 1, 6 and 12 months (visits 1, 2, 3) after antitumor treatment. In addition, every visit required each patient to fill out the modified Kupperman menopausal index (MMI) questionnaire specifically adapted for BOTs patients. Intensity of neurovegetative, psycho-emotional and metabolic manifestations of surgical menopause symptoms was assessed at various stages of post-surgery period and management strategy during post-surgery period.Results. All BOTs patients one month after radical surgical treatment noted overt signs of surgical menopause. Before surgery, the average MMI score corresponded to normal range – 10.9 (group I), 10.5 (group II), 10.4 (group III), whereas during visit 1 it changed to 37.1, 35.2 and 36.4, respectively evidencing about moderate severity of POES. MMI largely depended on management strategy 6 and 12 months after the onset of therapy: in “active” rehabilitation group it was 27.7 (visit 2) and 22.2 (visit 3), “passive” rehabilitation group – 39.1 (visit 2) and 42.6 (visit 3), “cancer immunotherapy diet” group – 34.1 (visit 2) and 30.8 (visit 3). In addition, distribution of patients based on body mass index (BMI) revealed various types of impaired fat metabolism (IFM) in 59.68 % subjects at visit 0, that increased one month after surgery up to 64.52 %, whereas 6 and 12 months later it decreased down to 62.90 and 61.29 %, respectively. However, end-point results in different groups varied substantially: In particular, at visit 3 in group I 55.17 % (n = 16) subjects had normal BMI, 37.93 % (n = 11) – class I obesity and 6.90 % (n = 2) – class II obesity. The end-point results in group II revealed no patients with normal BMI: 76.47 % (n = 13) and 23.53 % (n = 4) had class I and class II obesity, respectively. Finally, end-point results in group III were at intermediate state: 50.0 % (n = 8) subjects showed normal BMI, whereas 37.5 % (n = 6) and 12.5 % (n = 2) patients demonstrated class I and class II obesity, respectively.Conclusion. Adjuvant therapy of surgical menopause symptoms represents an important component in rehabilitation program for BOTs patients underwent radical surgery. A personalized rehabilitation program demonstrates peak efficacy in correcting surgical menopause symptoms (essential to include “cancer immunotherapy diet” therein). Even isolated administration of diet therapy profoundly reduces intensity of surgical menopause symptoms, thereby improving the quality of woman’s life.

Association Between Parity and the Age at Menopause and Menopausal Syndrome in Northwest China.

This study evaluated the relationships between parity and the age at menopause and menopausal syndrome among Chinese women in Gansu. A total of 7236 women aged 40 to 55 years met study eligibility criteria. The modified Kupperman Menopausal Index scale was used to assess the severity of menopausal syndrome. Cox regression was applied to estimate hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval, and logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratio and confidence interval. The mean age at menopause was 47.91 ± 3.31 years. There is no relationship between parity and age at menopause. Women with nulliparity or multiparity seemed to have higher risks of moderate and severe menopausal syndrome. The potential beneficial effects of one or two births on menopausal syndrome were also observed by applying the multivariable logistic regression analysis, particularly in urogenital symptoms. Women with nulliparity and multiparity appeared to be at the higher risks of menopause syndrome.

Menopausal Symptoms and Perimenopausal Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Women Aged 40–60 Years: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Shanghai, China

The aim of the study was to specify prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women and to understand the factors associated with women’s perimenopausal healthcare-seeking behavior in Shanghai, China. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 3147 participants aged 40–60 years. A combination of stratified sampling and quota sampling was used. Out of the total 16 districts in Shanghai, 7 were purposefully selected in consideration of covering both central and suburban areas, population distribution, and willingness to participate. Two communities were randomly selected in each of six districts. Four communities were randomly selected in the 7th district considering the relatively low coverage of central population in the sampling frame. Eligible women were recruited continuously according to the house number and invited to participate in the study until 200 participants were recruited in each community. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect information including sociodemographic data, menopausal symptoms, and experiences in seeking perimenopausal healthcare. The severity of menopausal symptoms was assessed with the modified Kupperman menopausal index (mKMI). The mean age of all the participants was 51 years. 33.13% of the participants were premenopausal, 14.52% were perimenopausal, and 52.35% were postmenopausal. The total prevalence of menopausal symptoms was 73.8%, while among the perimenopausal women, the symptoms were the most common (81.70%). The top three reported symptoms were fatigue (38.08%), hot flushes and sweating (33.65%), and joint ache (28.81%). Perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants had a higher score of the mKMI than premenopausal women (p < 0.01). Of the women who had symptoms, 25.97% had sought healthcare. A logistic regression model revealed that employment, menstruation status, and the mKMI were significantly associated with healthcare-seeking behaviors (p < 0.01). We concluded that prevalence of menopausal symptoms was relatively high among middle-aged women, with perimenopausal women showing the highest level. However, only a small percentage of the participants sought healthcare. Carrying out health education may be a measure to improve the healthcare-seeking behavior.

Demands for perimenopausal health care in women aged 40 to 60 years-a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China.

The aim of the study was to describe the major complaints of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women who initiated healthcare seeking for menopausal symptoms and to understand the factors influencing women's decisions to seek perimenopausal health care in Shanghai, China. A cross-sectional study was performed in five hospitals in Shanghai. Women aged 40 to 60 years at their first visit to the perimenopausal outpatient departments/clinics were investigated in person over a 3-month period. Information on sociodemographics, menopausal symptoms, and experiences in seeking perimenopausal health care was collected using a structured questionnaire. Menopausal symptoms were assessed with the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (mKMI). A total of 316 women were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 50.5 years (SD: 5.1 y). The prevalence of menopausal syndrome (mKMI >6 points) was 80%, with 7% of the cases being severe. The top five reported symptoms were hot flushes/sweating (62%), fatigue (54%), sleep disturbance (51%), mood swings (40%), and joint/muscle pain (40%). The median interval between symptom occurrence and seeking perimenopausal health care was 5.0 months (IQR: 2.0-23.3 mo). Cox regression analysis revealed that older age, no health insurance, employment, multiple symptoms, sleep disturbance, urinary incontinence, and visits to nonspecialized departments were significantly associated with a longer delay in seeking perimenopausal health services (P < 0.05). The prevalence of menopausal syndrome was relatively high among 40- to 60-year-old women who initiated healthcare seeking in Shanghai. Months of delay occurred before they sought perimenopausal health services. The delay was related to age, the nature and number of symptoms, working status, and health insurance. Improvement of the menopausal health knowledge in Chinese middle-aged women may lead to more timely healthcare seeking. Professional and accessible perimenopausal health services are in high demand in Shanghai.

Possibilities of complex non-drug programs in the correction of psychoemotional disorders of menopause in patients with metabolic syndrome

The problem of ensuring long-term well-being and high quality of life for older women is becoming the most important goal of modern medicine. The initial presence of metabolic syndrome complicates the course of menopause; and menopausal hormone therapy cannot always be used. The urgency for finding the effective ways of non-drug correction of menopausal disorders in this category of patients is obvious. To comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of complex non-drug programs in the correction of psychoemotional disorders of menopause in patients with metabolic syndrome. A total of 330 women aged 45-50 years with menopausal syndrome in the presence of metabolic syndrome were examined. The examinees were randomized into 5 groups. All the patients received conventional treatment. A study and comparison groups used exercise therapy, drank mineral water, and additionally took multivitamins and minerals. The physiotherapeutic component of therapeutic complexes was represented by various combinations of factors (vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, melotherapy, aromatherapy, and aeroionotherapy). The control group received conventional treatment only. The degree of severity of psychoemotional disorders was estimated before and 3 and 6 months after treatment via the modified Kupperman menopausal index (MMI), the Spielberger-Khanin Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Psychoemotional symptoms were most significantly reduced (1.5-fold) after 6 months of treatment in patients with mild disorders when the complexes, including vibrotherapy, were applied. In patients with moderate disorders, the simultaneous use of vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, melotherapy, aromatherapy, and aeroionotherapy promoted the maximum regression of psychoemotional symptoms (by 47.3%) (p<0.05). The application of the conventional approach was observed to aggravate psychoemotional disorders. Complex non-drug programs, including physiotherapy, effectively relieve perimenopausal psychoemotional disorders in patients with metabolic syndrome. Vibrotherapy substantially improves the results of treatment. Moderate psychoemotional disorders need the complex program to be applied simultaneously with vibrotherapy, chromotherapy, melotherapy, aromatherapy, and aeroionotherapy.

Analysis of factors that influence the quality of sexual life of climacteric women in China

Objective: The study aimed to identify the factors associated with the sexual lives of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China.Methods: A total of 426 participants were approached about this study from May 2012 to August 2013. In total, 252 cases were included in this study. One hundred and ninety-seven women who filled out the Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire for Women (QSLQW) and the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) had an active sexual life. Pearson’s coefficient index was used to determine the correlation between the KMI and different domains of the QSLQW. Multivariable statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between different factors and the sexual life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.Results: When the participants reported a higher KMI, they suffered lower sexual satisfaction (r = −0.16, p = 0.035), more severe sexual anxiety (r = −0.367, p = 4.9 × 10−7), and less sexual response (r = −0.21, p = 0.004). No correlation was found between the KMI and sexual communication, sexual attitude, and self-image. Multivariable statistical analysis showed that menopause status and higher KMI scores are associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction among Chinese women (β = −9.76, 95% CI −16.89 to −2.64 and β = −0.41, 95% CI −0.68 to −0.15, respectively), and that the better the spousal relationship, the fewer deliveries and the higher the scores of sexual life quality (β = 8.86, 95% CI −0.91 to 18.63 and β = −6.65, 95% CI −11.83 to −1.48, respectively).Conclusion: Factors including parity, spousal relationship, menopausal status, and menopausal symptoms are associated with the quality of sexual life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China.