Symptoms In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Validation of the German Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire in peri- and postmenopausal women

Purpose: The Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire is a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) capturing the impacts of vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women. We aimed to psychometrically validate the German version of the DIVA questionnaire.

Amenorrhea rates in women treated with novel oral, continuous hormonal therapy of body identical 17β-estradiol and micronized progesterone

Introduction: Bleeding and spotting is a major reason of discontinuation of hormonal therapy (HT) among postmenopausal women (PW) who expect amenorrhea during that period of their lifetime. New oral combination therapy of 1 mg 17β-estradiol and 100 mg micronized progesterone (1 mg E2/100 mg P4) in a single softgel capsule is the first HT of naturally occurring E2 and P4 identical to human endogenous ovarian hormones (body-identical). It is approved in the US, Canada, and several EU countries; indicated in EU for the treatment of estrogen deficiency symptoms in PW with an intact uterus.

Assessment of Risk Scoring Model for Prediction of Endometrial Cancer Among Symptomatic Postmenopausal Women (A Prospective Cohort Study)

Abstract Background Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignancy in the developed countries and the third common gynecological malignancy in Egypt after breast and ovarian cancers. Aim of the Work to evaluate this risk scoring model on Egyptian patients and to study the effect of adding other patient characteristics (DM, BMI and relevant family history) on the sensitivity and specificity of RHEA scoring model. Patients and Methods The current study was conducted in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital in the period between September 2017 and December 2018. A total of 100 women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickness > 4mm were included in the study. Results Histological examination revealed that benign pathology (n = 65) (73%) was found to be: most common cause was endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (20.3%) followed by chronic endometritis (13.5%), then endometrial polyp (11.3%), cystic atrophy of endometrium (8.9%), proliferative endometrium (8.9%), endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (6.7%) and lastly mucous polyp (3.4%) while malignant histopathology(n = 24)(27%) which is significantly higher than the international rates showed: Endometriod adenocarcinoma (n = 19)(21.3%), papillary serous carcinoma (n = 4)(4.5%) and undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 1)(1.1%). The current study showed that RHEA score performs in our study population with a comparable validity to that reported by its inventors with sensitivity 79.2% (57.8% - 92.9%) vs. 87.5% and specificity 84.6% (73.5% - 92.4%) vs. 80.1% respectively. In results of the current study it was found that the time since onset of menopause rather than age was associated with endometrial cancer with the optimum cut-off for postmenopausal duration was estimated to be 9 years achieving a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 60.0%, but it needs multivariate analysis on larger and more representative sample size to confirm this association, A statistically significant regression model was including only postmenopausal duration, recurrent bleeding and endometrial thickness. None of age, BMI, family history or hypertension proved a statistically significant predictive effect after adjustment for other predictive variables. Conclusion Taking in consideration the higher prevalence of endometrial carcinoma in the sample of the current study, the wide 95% confidence intervals for the different validity indices for the RHEA scores derived from this study, it seems that RHEA score performs in this study population with a comparable validity to that reported by its inventors.

Effect of Ginseng Extracts on the Improvement of Osteopathic and Arthritis Symptoms in Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Ginsenosides are active compounds that are beneficial to bone metabolism and have anti-osteoporosis properties. However, very few clinical investigations have investigated the effect of ginseng extract (GE) on bone metabolism. This study aims to determine the effect of GE on improving bone metabolism and arthritis symptoms in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 90 subjects were randomly divided into a placebo group, GE 1 g group, and GE 3 g group for 12 weeks based on the random 1:1:1 assignment to these three groups. The primary outcome is represented by bone metabolism indices consisting of serum osteocalcin (OC), urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and DPD/OC measurements. Secondary outcomes were serum CTX, NTX, Ca, P, BsALP, P1NP, OC/CTX ratio, and WOMAC index. The GE 3 g group had a significantly increased serum OC concentration. Similarly, the GE 3 g group showed a significant decrease in the DPD/OC ratio, representing bone resorption and bone formation. Moreover, among all the groups, the GE 3 g group demonstrated appreciable improvements in the WOMAC index scores. In women with osteopenia, intake of 3 g of GE per day over 12 weeks notably improved the knee arthritis symptoms with improvements in the OC concentration and ratios of bone formation indices like DPD/OC.

Does preoperative locally applied estrogen treatment facilitate prolapse-associated symptoms in postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse? A randomised controlled double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicentre study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether locally applied vaginal estrogen affects prolapse‐associated complaints compared with placebo treatment in postmenopausal women prior to surgical prolapse repair.DesignRandomised, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, multicentre study.SettingUrogynaecology unit at the Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital of Tulln.PopulationPostmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and planned surgical prolapse repair.MethodsWomen were randomly assigned local estrogen cream or placebo cream 6 weeks preoperatively.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was differences in subjective prolapse‐associated complaints after 6 weeks of treatment prior to surgery, assessed with the comprehensive German pelvic floor questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included differences in other pelvic floor‐associated complaints (bladder, bowel or sexual function).ResultsOut of 120 women randomised, 103 (86%) remained for the final analysis. After 6 weeks of treatment the prolapse domain score did not differ between the estrogen and the placebo groups (4.4 ± 0.19 versus 4.6 ± 0.19; mean difference, −0.21; 95% CI −0.74 to 0.33; P = 0.445). Multivariate analysis, including only women receiving the intervention, showed that none of the confounding factors modified the response to estradiol.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that preoperative locally applied estrogen does not ameliorate prolapse‐associated symptoms in postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.Tweetable abstractPreoperative local estrogen does not ameliorate prolapse‐associated symptoms in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse.

CENTRAL OBESITY ASSOCIATED WITH CHARACTERISTICS OF VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS IN MENOPAUS WOMEN

Vasomotor complaints are common on postmenopausal women. Most women feel these complaints within 2 years after entering menopause; some of them will even feel up to a decade. In addition to vasomotor complaints, the incidence of central obesity also increases in menopause. The poor adipocyte system in central obesity that affects the central nervous system, body temperature and excessive sympathetic nerve activity have been suspected to be a cause of vasomotor syndrome at menopause. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between central obesity and the characteristic of vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. Method: this observational analytic study used a cross sectional design. The number of samples were 86 women aged 45-55 years who had been in postmenopausal period. Sampling technique was consecutive sampling. The independent variable was central obesity while the dependent variable was vasomotor symptoms. The data was taken using modified MENQOL questionnaire and direct measurements waist circumference to determine central obesity in the respondents. Data was tested using contingency coefficient test with α 0.05. Results: There were 59.3% respondents who experienced central obesity. More than eighty percent respondents with central obesity also experienced vasomotor symptoms which were considered disturbing. There was a significant relation between central obesity and the characteristic of vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women (p=0.00; r=0.513). Conclusion: The presence of central obesity leads to disturbing vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women

Effects of an equol-containing supplement on advanced glycation end products, visceral fat and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

Equol, an isoflavone derivative whose chemical structure is similar to estrogen, is considered a potentially effective agent for relieving climacteric symptoms, for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, and for aging care in postmenopausal women. We investigated the effect of an equol-containing supplement on metabolism and aging and climacteric symptoms with respect to internally produced equol in postmenopausal women. A single-center, randomized controlled trial (registration number: UMIN000030975) on 57 postmenopausal Japanese women (mean age: 56±5.37 years) was conducted. Twenty-seven women received the equol supplement, while the remaining received control. Metabolic and aging-related biomarkers were compared before and after the 3-month intervention. Climacteric symptoms were assessed every month using a validated self-administered questionnaire in Japanese postmenopausal women. Three months post-intervention, the treatment group showed significant improvement in climacteric symptoms compared to the control group (81% vs. 53%, respectively, p = 0.045). We did not observe any beneficial effect on metabolic and aging-related biomarkers in the intervention group. However, in certain populations, significant improvement in skin autofluorescence, which is a measurement of AGE skin products, and visceral fat area was observed, especially among equol producers. Women receiving equol supplementation showed improved climacteric symptoms. This study offered a new hypothesis that there may be a synergy between supplemented equol and endogenously produced equol to improve skin aging and visceral fat in certain populations.

Xiaoyao San attenuates hepatic steatosis through estrogen receptor α pathway in ovariectomized ApoE−/− mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXiaoyao San (XYS) is a famous prescription in traditional Chinese medicine, which is used in the treatment of “liver depression and spleen deficiency” syndrome. It is often used clinically to treat chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, various symptoms of postmenopausal women, especially mental disorders and digestive system diseases. However, the effect of XYS on hepatic steatosis in postmenopausal women remains unclear. In this research, we investigated the effects of XYS on hepatic steatosis in ovariectomized (OVX) apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice, as well as the molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methodsFifty female ApoE−/− mice were divided into 5 groups: control group (Sham), model group (OVX), OVX + β-estradiol (E2, 0.4 mg/kg) group, OVX + XYS (13.0 g/kg) group, and OVX + XYS (6.5 g/kg) group. The control group received a standard diet, while the other groups received a high-fat diet (HFD). The hepatic pathologies of the mice were examined with Oil red O staining and HE staining after 12 week treatment. Blood and liver variables were determined enzymatically. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hepatocytes. The expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and lipid metabolism genes was analyzed by real-time PCR and/or Western blot. In in vitro studies, we investigated the effect of XYS-medicated serum on the expression and activity of ERα in L02 cells by immunofluorescence and luciferase reporter assays, and examined the protection of XYS-medicated serum against free fatty acid (FFA)-induced steatosis of L02 cells. Intracellular lipid accumulation were measured by Oil red O staining and Nile red staining assay. Finally, the influence of ICI 182,780, a specific antagonist of ERα, on the protective effect of XYS-medicated serum on FFA-induced steatosis of L02 cells was investigated. ResultsTreatment of Ovx/ApoE−/− mice with XYS significantly decreased HFD-induced increases in hepatic steatosis and triglyceride (TG) content, accompanied by inhibition of liver X receptor α (LXRα), sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c and its target lipogenic genes transcription. Similarly, XYS-medicated serum reduced the size and number of lipid droplets and the cellular TG content in FFA-induced L02 cells. In addition, XYS significantly increased the ERα expression in hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro and enhanced the transcriptional activity of ERα promoter in L02 cells. And these effects could be partly reversed by the antiestrogen ICI 182,780. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that XYS has an estrogen-like effect and inhibits steatosis in postmenopausal animal models by reducing the expression of genes related to TG synthesis through ERα pathway.

Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Are a Population with Specific Needs: A Narrative Review of Current Theories

Background: While gender differences in antipsychotic response have been recognized, the potential role of menopause in changing drug efficacy and clinical outcome in schizophrenia related disorders has been understudied. We aimed to review the relevant literature to test whether optimizing menopausal and post-menopausal treatment and addressing specific health needs of this stage in life will improve outcome. Methods: Non-systematic narrative review using the PubMed database (1900–July 2021) focusing on randomized controlled trial results addressing our question. Forty-nine studies met our criteria. Results: Premenopausal women show significantly better antipsychotic response than postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapies (HRT) should be used in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia with caution. Raloxifene, combined with antipsychotics, is effective for psychotic and cognitive symptoms in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia and related disorders. Medical comorbidities increase after menopause, but the influence of comorbidities on clinical outcomes has been poorly investigated. Preventive strategies include weighing risks and benefits of treatment, preventing medical comorbidities, and enhancing psychosocial support. Ideal treatment settings for this population warrant investigation. Conclusions: Antipsychotic dose adjustment at menopause is recommended for schizophrenia. Raloxifene may play an important role in permitting dose reduction and lessening adverse effects. Prevention of comorbidities will help to reduce the mortality rate.

Ultra-low-dose estradiol and dydrogesterone: a phase III study for vasomotor symptoms in China

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultra-low-dose estradiol plus dydrogesterone for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women in China (trial registration CTR20160689). Methods A total of 332 patients were randomized to continuous combined estradiol 0.5 mg + dydrogesterone 2.5 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in the number of hot flushes per day from baseline to end of treatment. Secondary efficacy endpoints included change in the number of moderate-to-severe hot flushes per day, menopausal symptoms from baseline and quality of life. Results Between baseline and end of treatment, change in the mean number of hot flushes per day was −5.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] − 6.6, −5.2) with estradiol + dydrogesterone and −4.5 (95% CI −5.1, −3.8) with placebo, with a mean difference of −1.4 hot flushes per day (95% CI −2.2, −0.7; p < 0.001). Significant differences in favor of estradiol + dydrogesterone were also observed in several secondary efficacy endpoints. The study treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion Continuous combined estradiol 0.5 mg + dydrogesterone 2.5 mg reduced hot flushes in postmenopausal women in China. This ultra-low-dose regimen provides an additional option for women experiencing the vasomotor symptoms of menopause. These data are consistent with previous results in other populations.

Relationship Between Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and 3D High-Frequency Endovaginal Ultrasound Measurement of Vaginal Wall Thickness

To date, there is no certain method for diagnosis of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vaginal atrophy. We aim to evaluate vaginal wall thickness (VWT) using 3D high frequency endovaginal ultrasound (3D EVUS) in GSM and also to investigate whether there is any association between VWT and postmenopausal sexual dysfunction. Postmenopausal women applied for routine gynecologic examination were assessed at the Outpatient Clinic of Gynecology, Maltepe University Hospital. After pelvic examination, GSM symptoms were questioned for all women and vaginal health scoring tool was applied. Twenty women with GSM and 20 women without GSM were included in the study. All patients filled in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and underwent 3D EVUS to evaluate VWT. The women with GSM had significantly lower anterior and posterior VWT (P=.007 and P=.049, respectively). The total FSFI score, lubrication and pain sub-scores in patients with GSM was significantly lower than the patients without GSM. Anterior VWT was positively correlated with BMI and pain sub-score of FSFI (r=0.279, P=.047; r=0.344, P=.013, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between anterior vaginal VWT and age, time since menopause and satisfaction sub-score of FSFI (r=-0.332, P=.017; r=-0.354, P=.011; r=-0.301, P=.032, respectively). Posterior VWT was positively correlated with FSFI total score, arousal, lubrication and pain sub-scores (r=0.451, P=.001; r=0.437, P=.001; r=0.415, P=.002; r=0.335, P=.016; respectively). Based on our results, measurement of VWT using 3D EVUS can be a useful non-invasive tool for the objective diagnosis of GSM. Considering that only total vaginal thickness can be measured with traditional transabdominal and transvaginal techniques, the main strength of the study is the use of 3D EVUS for separate measurement of anterior and posterior VWT. The study has sufficient statistical power. The small sample size of study is the main limitation. The 3D EVUS can be used for objective diagnosis of GSM and can also shed light on the causes of various sexual dysfunction symptoms in postmenopausal women, as it enables measuring the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina separately.

Validation of the German Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) Questionnaire in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women.

BackgroundThe Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire is a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) capturing the impacts of vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women.AimWe aimed to psychometrically validate the German version of the DIVA questionnaire.MethodsData was collected online and by paper-pencil. We ran confirmatory factor analyses to confirm the a priori four-factor structure of the DIVA. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Correlations with other outcome measures such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), the SF-12 SOEP (socio-economic panel) version and self-created anchor questions were calculated regarding convergent validity. Known groups regarding age, home country and disease severity were analyzed. Test-retest reliability after 1 week and responsiveness after 4 weeks were only descriptively assessed due to low sample sizes.Main Outcome MeasuresThe DIVA questionnaire, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS II), the PHQ-4 and the SF-12 SOEP version were the main outcome measures.Results185 postmenopausal women reporting vaginal complaints participated in the survey. The mode of administration did not influence the severity of vaginal symptoms. The four-factor structure of the DIVA could be confirmed and the model fit indicated sufficient structural validity. Furthermore, strong internal consistency in all of the DIVA domains was found. Regarding convergent validity, no hypothesis has failed completely. The results regarding known-groups validity were mostly in line with our a priori hypotheses. Descriptive evidence for sufficient test-retest reliability and responsiveness was given, however, the sample size for the assessment of those two measurement properties was low.ConclusionThis study supports the excellent structural validity, internal consistency and construct validity of the German version of the DIVA questionnaire. It can be recommended for the assessment of the impacts of vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women in future clinical GSM trials.Gabes M, Stute P, Apfelbacher C. Validation of the German Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) Questionnaire in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women. Sex Med 2021;9:100382

Carbohydrate quality index: Its relationship to menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between carbohydrate quality intake and menopausal symptoms. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study of 393 postmenopausal women attending municipality health houses and health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran, from September 2016 to January 2017. Main outcome measuresThe dietary intake and menopausal symptoms of the participants were assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire and a menopause rating scale (MRS) carbohydrate quality index (CQI) was calculated using three indices: dietary fiber, glycemic index, and the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates. Linear and logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between CQI and menopausal symptoms. ResultsAfter adjustment for age, education, time passed since menopause, body mass index, physical activity and energy intake, an inverse association was found between CQI and total MRS score (TMRSS) (β -0.61; p <0.001), somatic score (SS) (β -0.27; p <0.001) and psychological score (PS) (β -0.37; p <0.001) in multivariable linear regression. In addition, logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with the lowest quartile of CQI, participants in the highest quartile of CQI had a lower TMRSS (odds ratio (OR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.68). Moreover, CQI was inversely related to SS (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.17-0.68) and PS (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.16-0.61). However, there was no significant association between CQI and urogenital score (US). ConclusionsHigher-quality carbohydrate intake was found to be associated with lower somatic and psychological symptoms of menopause. These findings suggest that CQI may be an important basis for developing an effective dietary modification for reducing menopausal symptoms.

A research to spot the association between menopausal symptoms and metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women in a tertiary care hospital

Aim: The current research aims to document the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and investigate the association between menopausal symptoms and MetS in post-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed over a period of 6 months in various departments of a tertiary care hospital. One hundred and two post-menopausal women were enrolled in the study randomly. Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Criteria were used to assess menopausal symptoms and MetS, respectively. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Results: Majority of the post-menopausal women had MetS with a prevalence of 72.54%. Somatic symptoms were the mostly commonly encountered symptoms in the subjects (71.56%) and had association with MetS (P = 0.004). Elevated fasting blood sugar was associated with components of MRS (P = 0.019). Among the somatic symptoms, hot flushes (P = 0.002), sleep problems (P = 0.037) and joint and muscular discomfort (P = 0.004) had significant association with MetS. Psychological symptoms and urogenital sexual problems were not associated with MetS. Conclusion: Prevalence of MetS in post-menopausal women was high. Somatic symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep problem and muscle and joint discomfort were associated with MetS. Menopausal symptoms might be due to the oestrogen deficiency. However, a large study is required to investigate the association between MetS and menopausal symptoms in post-menopausal women.

The effect of physical activity and depressive mood on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

The symptoms of menopause in postmenopausal women adversely affect the quality of life. Menopausal symptoms are more severe with comorbid disorders such as depression; it may be lighter in physically active people. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and physical activity and depressive mood. One hundred and ninety women under 65years of age who were at least 1year passed since their last menstrual period participated in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Menopause Symptom Rating Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and Beck's Depression Inventory were applied to the participants. It was seen that 51.6% (98 subjects) of the women who participated in the study had severe menopausal symptoms. 52.6% (100 subjects) of the participants were physically inactive, and their menopausal symptoms increased as the physical activity scale score decreased (P=.001). Menopausal symptoms increased as the Beck's Depression Inventory score increased (P<.001). It was observed that depression inventory scores decreased as the level of physical activity increased (P<.001). Adoption of regular physical activity habits by postmenopausal women and providing treatment to those with depression will contribute to alleviating the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil inhalation on sleep and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with insomnia. Participants35 postmenopausal women with a clinical diagnosis of insomnia were included, 17 in Aroma Group (AG) and 18 in Placebo Group (PG). MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, PG participants inhaled sunflower oil and AG participants inhaledLavandula angustifolia essential oil, for 29 days. Both groups received sleep hygiene guidelines before the intervention and weekly follow-up during it. Evaluations were performed before and after intervention. All statistical analyses and intention-to-treat test were performed in SPSS 22. Sleep quality (Primary outcome) was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes were polysomnography data, severity of insomnia, anxiety and depression symptoms, and postmenopausal symptoms. ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups after intervention in the primary outcome (P = 0.22; effect size=0.69); however, a tendency of improvement in wake after sleep onset (WASO) was observed (P = 0.07; effect size=0.81; B = 42.2). Both groups presented better sleep quality over time (AG P < 0.001; PG P = 0.011). AG participants showed a significant decrease in sleep onset latency (P = 0.001), depression levels (P = 0.025), hot flashes (P < 0.001), postmenopausal symptoms (P < 0.001) and, in polysomnography data, increased sleep efficiency (P = 0.002) compared to baseline. ConclusionAlthough no significant differences were observed between groups, our data presented a tendency of improvement in WASO. Moreover, AG participants had enhanced overall sleep pattern, quality and sleep efficiency. Weekly follow-up and sleep hygiene instructions were essential for both groups to show improvement in almost all outcomes. Clinical trial registrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, RBR-5q5t5z.

Exploring the Relationship between Depression on Menopausal Symptoms and Personality Trails.

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential relationships between menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, hot flash, and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional study was designed with 150 healthy postmenopausal women (45-60 years of age) who had referred to the menopausal clinic in Babol. The participants completed the following instruments throughout the study: the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms, the Modified Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index for measuring menopausal symptoms, and the NEO-FFI for identifying the personality traits. After controlling all the covariates, high depressive symptoms were found to be associated with moderate/sever menopausal symptoms, poor sleep quality, and the average and high level of neuroticism. The results also demonstrated that the risk of depressive symptoms was lower in menopausal women with high level extroversion, high level agreeableness, and the average and high level of conscientiousness. The findings of the present study indicated that personality traits, menopausal symptoms, and poor sleep quality in particular can partially account for depression in Iranian menopausal women. It is highly imperative that effective health education or implement appropriate strategies to improve the quality of life for these women.

Investigating the Relationship between Physical Activity and Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

Investigating the Relationship between Physical Activity and Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

Depressive Symptoms and Healthy Behavior Frequency in Polish Postmenopausal Women from Urban and Rural Areas.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the severity of depressive symptoms was linked to healthy behaviors in Polish postmenopausal women and whether the strength of the link differed between women living in urban versus rural settings. The study was conducted in 2018 in the Lublin region of Poland and included 396 postmenopausal women (239 living in rural areas and 157 in urban areas). The severity of depressive symptoms was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the frequency of healthy behaviors was assessed using the Inventory of Healthy Behaviors. Postmenopausal women living in rural areas underwent menopause significantly earlier, were more often widowed, more often obese, more often less educated, and less likely to have never married when compared to those living in urban areas. Importantly, rural postmenopausal women endorsed more depressive symptoms (p = 0.049). There was a negative correlation between the severity of depressive symptoms and age in urban postmenopausal women (r = −0.174, p = 0.029), but this was not evident in rural women (r = −0.034, p = 0.600). The frequency of healthy behaviors was significantly lower in rural postmenopausal women, especially with respect to nutritional habits. A positive correlation was found between the frequency of healthy behaviors and the level of education in both sets of women (p = 0.034 and p = 0.045, respectively). To summarize, we found a significant link between healthy behaviors and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. We also found that this link was more evident in rural than in urban women.

Preliminary evidence of acylated ghrelin association with depression severity in postmenopausal women

We have previously shown increased depression and anxiety scores in postmenopausal overweight women, when compared to overweight premenopausal women. The mechanisms responsible for these alterations are not understood. Although ghrelin involvement in mood modulation has been suggested, its role is still ambiguous and has not been evaluated in postmenopause. Here we investigated the association of ghrelin with depression and anxiety symptoms in postmenopausal women. Fifty-five postmenopausal women with depression symptoms, who were not in use of hormones or antidepressants, were included in the study. Depression symptoms were evaluated by Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Women were allocated into three groups, according to BDI classification of mild, moderate, or severe depression symptoms. Anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal parameters were analyzed. Total and acylated ghrelin levels were higher in the severe depression than in the mild depression group. Multivariate regression analyses showed positive associations of BDI scores with acylated ghrelin and BMI, and of PHQ-9 scores with acylated ghrelin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). BAI scores associated positively with waist-to-hip ratio. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an association between acylated ghrelin and the severity of depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. This association may reflect either a physiological response aimed at fighting against depression symptoms or a causal factor of this mental disorder.