Total Menopause Rating Scale Research Articles

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.

The effects of life style modification versus food supplementation on menopausal symptoms

BackgroundNutrition and good health are two dependent parallel axes; female’s health at different ages in general and at the time of menopause in particular has received a lot of attention last several years. The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of consuming food supplement versus lifestyle modification in the dietary habit on menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal Egyptians females.ResultsForty seven females in the perimenopausal stage of life with mean age 46.04 ± 5.88 years participated on the food supplement consumption group, they consumed 75 g per day of a rusk (prepared from corn flour, wheat flour 72%, full cream milk powder, flaxseed oil, wheat germ, clove and cinnamon powder) for 2 months. They were compared with the control group (forty nine females with mean age 46.91 ± 5.39 years) who changed their foods habits to a healthy life style. Menopause rating scale and the biochemical analysis were comparable on day 1 and on day 60. The total menopause rating scale and its three subscales (psychological, urogenital and somatic), waist circumference, serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol in the corn rusk supplement group showed a statistically significant improvement. No significant difference was noted in the control group apart of the psychological subscale and waist circumference.ConclusionsCorn Rusk enriched with clove and cinnamon as a food supplement snake is promising to relief menopausal symptoms and should be considered on the diet of menopausal females.

Assessment of menopausal symptoms and quality of life in women with premature ovarian failure after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for hematologic diseases.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare menopausal symptoms and quality of life between women with premature ovarian failure who underwent hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) for hematologic diseases and naturally menopausal women. This observational study enrolled 415 women (215 HSCT women and 200 naturally menopausal women as control group) from June 2017 to November 2019 in the menopause clinic of Peking University People's Hospital. Menopausal symptoms and quality of life were evaluated using the modified Kupperman index (KI), menopause rating scale (MRS), and menopause quality of life questionnaire. The total KI and MRS scores were 12.53 ± 8.27 and 7.69 ± 6.50 in the HSCT group and 21.57 ± 9.23 and 12.05 ± 6.70 in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05). The scores related to sexual problems and vaginal dryness were 1.20 ± 1.24 and 1.07 ± 1.24 in the HSCT group and 1.15 ± 1.01 and 1.01 ± 1.01 in the control group, respectively (P > 0.05). Age was a risk factor for menopausal symptoms (odds ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.12). The main reasons for consultations in the HSCT group were amenorrhea and infertility (76.74%). Compared with naturally menopausal women with the same number of years since menopause, the MRS and KI scores of women with premature ovarian failure who underwent HSCT showed milder symptoms. The MRS may be a better alternative to reflect the severity of menopausal symptoms. Age was a risk factor for menopausal symptoms. Oncofertility counseling should be initiated as early as possible before the start of treatment.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Rheum rhaponticum Root Extract (ERr 731) for Menopausal Symptoms in Perimenopausal Indian Women: An Interim Analysis.

Background:Hormonal therapy for menopause has been found to be the most efficacious treatment, but it may be associated with adverse effects in some of the women. Rheum rhaponticum root extract (”ERr 731”), which is available worldwide, is a natural, reliable, effective, and well-tolerated remedy for women in perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms (MSs), but there is no Indian study demonstrating its efficacy, safety, and tolerability till date.Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERr 731 in alleviating MSs in perimenopausal Indian women.Patients and Methods:In this open-labeled prospective study, 129 perimenopausal women were treated with tablet containing 4 mg of Rr dried root extract once daily for 12 weeks. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) II score, endometrial thickness (ET), blood pressure, glycemic status, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level were periodically assessed and compared.Results:A significant reduction (67% by 12th week) in the mean MRS II score was observed from baseline till the end of 12 weeks (18.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.0–19.2; P < 0.001). A monotonic reduction in the mean total MRS II score over time was found (1.51 units/week; 95% CI: 1.42–1.60 units/week; P < 0.001) noticeable. There was a reduction in the mean ET from baseline till the end of 12 weeks, although the change was not significant. There were significant reductions in the mean fasting (6.3 mg/dl; 95% CI: 1.7–11.0 mg/dl; P = 0.008) and postprandial (6.3 mg/dl; 95% CI: 1.0–11.7; P = 0.021) blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin level (0.30%; 95% CI: 0.085–0.520; P = 0.007) at 12 weeks. No significant changes were noted in terms of blood pressure, lipid profile, and hs-CRP level. The drug was found to be safe.Conclusion:ERr 731 was well tolerated and was found to be efficacious and safe in alleviating MSs in Indian perimenopausal women.

Comparison of various menopausal symptoms and risk factor analysis in Korean women according to stage of menopause

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and their related risk factors among middle-aged Korean women according to their reproductive stages. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 3039 Korean women, aged 45–65 years, who attended their routine health checkup. Their scores from the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were compared and participants were categorized into four groups according to stage of menopause: premenopause, early menopause (≤2 years from their last menstruation), mid-menopause (2–8 years), and late menopause (>8 years). ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 52.81 ± 5.39 years, and 98.5 % of them reported one or more symptoms included in the MRS. The most common symptom was physical/mental exhaustion, experienced by 86.7 % of participants. The prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms, heart discomfort, sleep problems, sexual problems, vaginal dryness, and joint/muscular discomfort, increased in the early menopausal period. This increased in the late menopausal period compared with its prevalence at premenopause. The prevalence of moderate to severe psychological symptoms, heart discomfort, and sleep problems followed a U-shaped trend after menopause: high at early menopause, low at mid-menopause, and high again at late menopause. A low level of physical exercise was an independent risk factor for a high total MRS score; however, the menopausal stages, age, and weight were also variously associated with menopausal symptoms. ConclusionsSeveral menopausal symptoms remain severe, or are aggravated, until the late menopausal period among Korean women. More attention is warranted to manage these symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are related to fewer menopausal symptoms: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, and its subgroups and menopausal symptoms along with its subtypes in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 393 postmenopausal women in municipality health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. Sociodemographic data, dietary intakes, and anthropometric measures were obtained from individuals. Menopause rating scale (MRS) questionnaire was employed to measure menopausal symptoms. The total MRS score (TMRSS) was the sum of the somatic score (SS), psychological score (PS), and urogenital score (US). Participants were divided into low and high total MRS and its domain scores. After adjustment for confounding variables, an inverse relationship was found between total FV with TMRSS (odds ratio [OR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.81) and SS (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.82). In addition, the consumption of total fruits was significantly related to lower SS (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10-0.71). Only intake of citrus fruits was inversely associated with TMRSS (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.71) and SS (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.70). Likewise, intakes of total FV (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.37-4.41), total vegetables (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.10-5.88), green leafy vegetables (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.47-8.75), dark yellow vegetables (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.00-5.18), other vegetables (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.17-15.39), and citrus fruits were linked to higher US (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.77-10.71). The results of the present study showed that some FV subgroups had inverse associations with climacteric symptoms, whereas higher intake of some subgroups of FV appeared to be associated with more urogenital symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Dietary inflammatory index and dietary energy density are associated with menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.

No previous study has evaluated the association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and dietary energy density (DED) with menopausal symptoms and its subclasses in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of DII score and DED with menopausal symptoms and its subtypes in Iranian postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 393 postmenopausal women who attended health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. The DII score was calculated using dietary factors obtained by a validated food frequency questionnaire. DED was defined as average daily energy intake (kcal) per gram of food. The Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire was used to evaluate the menopausal symptoms. The total Menopause Rating Scale score (TMRSS) was the sum of the somatic score (SS), psychological score (PS), and urogenital score. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association of the DII score and DED with menopausal symptoms. After adjusting for covariates, participants in the highest tertile of DII score had greater SS compared to those in the lowest tertile (βDIIt3vs1= 0.032, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004-0.068, P = 0.04). No significant relationship was found between DII score and PS, urogenital score or TMRSS. Furthermore, higher DED was associated with greater SS (βDIIt3vs1 = 0.071, 95% CI: 0.028-0.115, P = 0.001), PS (βDIIt3vs1 = 0.065, 95% CI: 0.012-0.121, P = 0.01) and TMRSS (βDIIt3vs1 = 0.053, 95% CI: 0.017-0.088, P = 0.004). A proinflammatory diet was associated with higher menopause-specific somatic symptoms and higher DED was positively associated with menopausal symptoms.

Endocan as a predictor of increased cardiovascular risk during the menopausal transition period.

Our aim was to investigate the serum endocan levels and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements of pre- and postmenopausal patients to clarify the relationship between the menopausal transition and endothelial injury. This cross-sectional study was conducted on women who were premenopausal and postmenopausal between January 2019 and June 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to premenopausal (n = 32) and postmenopausal (n = 32) status. Serum endocan levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CIMT ultrasonographic measurements were determined. Hormonal and biochemical parameters were measured. The validated Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire was used on all women. Serum endocan levels were significantly higher in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal group (222.90 ± 121.00ng/L and 146.62 ± 41.88ng/L, p = 0.033, respectively). The mean CIMT was significantly higher in the postmenopausal group than in the premenopausal cohort (0.70 ± 0.14mm and 0.58 ± 0.11mm, p < 0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), abdominal circumference (AC), and CIMT and postmenopausal serum endocan levels. Serum endocan levels with a cutoff point of 141.14ng/L identified women with significant CIMT levels with sensitivity of 73.8% and specificity of 77.3%. A positive correlation was found between CIMT and endocan and total MRS scores. Serum endocan levels were associated with CIMT during the menopausal transition period. Increased circulating endocan levels can be a predictor of cardiovascular risk in pre- and postmenopausal women.

Association between dairy consumption and menopausal symptoms: A cross-sectional study among Iranian postmenopausal women

The association between dairy food consumption and menopausal symptoms was evaluated with a cross-sectional study conducted on 393 postmenopausal women. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake over a year; menopausal symptoms were measured using a menopause rating scale (MRS) questionnaire. The total MRS score was the sum of the somatic, psychological, and urogenital scores. After adjustment for age, years since menopause, education level, BMI, physical activity, energy intake, healthy eating index and fibre intake, higher total dairy intake was related to lower somatic (β −0.184; P-value <0.001), psychological (β −0.155; P-value 0.002) and total MRS (β −0.184; P-value <0.001) scores. In addition, higher intake of low-fat dairy was associated with lower somatic (β −0.175; P-value <0.001), psychological (β −0.181; P-value <0.001) and total MRS (β −0.189; P-value <0.001) scores. Regular consumption of low fat dairy may be beneficial in improving somatic and psychological symptoms of menopause.

Impaired Quality of Life and Its Determinants among Postmenopausal Women of Slum Communities in Bhubaneswar, India.

Background:The severity of menopausal symptoms negatively impacts a woman's quality of life (QoL).Objective:The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of menopause-related impaired QoL and determine its associated factors among postmenopausal women living in slum areas of Bhubaneswar, India.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years during the year 2016–2017. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms.Results:Joint and muscular discomfort was the most prevalent moderate-to-severe symptom (90.4%), followed by hot flushes (72.8%), irritability (67.2%), and physical and mental exhaustion (64.2%). More than two-third (133, 67.2%) of women had impaired QoL (severe total MRS score ≥17). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that impaired QoL was associated younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12–9.98), tobacco consumption (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.05–3.82), not being satisfied in relation with husband (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.84–6.06), not having autonomy in health-care decision-making in the family (AOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.12–4.73), history of reproductive tract infection (AOR: 4.57, 95% CI: 1.71–12.19), and earlier onset of menopause (AOR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.18–8.96).Conclusion:The point prevalence of menopause-related impaired QOL in postmenopausal women living in slums of Bhubaneswar was high. Incorporating these determinants in the existing strategies can be useful to improve the QoL of these women.

Türkiye'de Sağlığı Geliştirme Eğitim ve Danışmanlık Programının kadınlarda menopozal belirtilerin azaltılmasına yönelik etkisi

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of health-promoting lifestyle education given to menopausal women in accordance with Pender’s Health Promoting Model (HPM) on reducing the menopausal symptoms.Materials and Methods: This study is a semi-experimental research with pre-test and post-test control groups. In the first stage of the study, Socio-demographic Information Form (SIF) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were applied to 401 menopausal women to determine the severity of their menopausal symptoms. In the second phase of the study, women with intense menopausal symptoms were randomly divided into two groups. 32 menopausal women in initiative group and 32 menopausal women were in the control group. One group, the experimental group, received Health-Promoting Lifestyle Education (HPLE), while the other group was the control group. Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II), and Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) were applied as pretests in both groups. Health-promoting lifestyle education was given to the experimental group twice with a one-week break between the sessions and the sessions were completed in four weeks.Results: Statistically significant decreases were found in the total MRS scores and subdimension scores of the menopausal women in experimental group after the education.Conclusion: Health-promoting lifestyle education was found to be effective in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Association between menopausal symptoms and relationship distress

ObjectiveTo determine the association between relationship distress and menopausal symptoms. Study designA retrospective analysis was conducted of questionnaires completed by women 40–65 years of age seeking menopause or sexual health consultation between May, 2015 and May, 2017. Main outcome measuresAssociations between menopausal symptoms assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and relationship distress measured on the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS) were evaluated with two-sample t-tests. Linear regression was used to assess associations after adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsThe sample of 1884 women averaged 53 years of age (SD = 6.1); most were white (95%), employed (66%), married (90%), and well-educated (≥ college graduate, 64%). Women reporting no relationship distress (KMSS ≥ 17) had less severe menopausal symptoms overall compared with women reporting relationship distress (total MRS score 13.1 vs 16.0, P < 0.001), with similar findings in each MRS domain. In multivariable analyses, this relationship persisted for total MRS scores and for psychological symptoms among women with no relationship distress, who scored an estimated 1.15 points (95% CI 0.52–1.78) lower on the total MRS and 0.82 points (95% CI 0.53–1.10) lower in the psychological symptom. ConclusionsThe absence of relationship distress was associated with less severe menopausal symptoms, particularly in the psychological domain, in women presenting to a women’s health clinic. Given the cross = sectional design, the direction of the relationship is unknown.

High Physical Activity Level May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms.

Background and Objectives: Menopause is a normal physiological change occurring at a woman’s mid-life. During this time, women experience vasomotor, physical and physiological problems, which reduce their quality of life. Many women are searching for different, alternative methods to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. Physical activity (PA) is one of the recommended methods to reduce menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between specific domains (physical activity during leisure time, at work, during transportation and household activities) and the menopausal symptoms. Materials and Methods: We included 305 women aged 40–65 in the study. All participants were divided into three groups according to menopausal status. The research tools used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity level in four domains and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms. The data analysis was performed by Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tuckey test. Results: Menopausal stage was significantly associated with the total MRS score (p < 0.001) and specifically the urogenital and somato–vegetative subscores (p < 0.001). Physical activity was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with leisure time (according to IPAQ domains). Most postmenopausal women had high PA level (59.66%). Significantly less women with high PA levels had severe urogenital symptoms: 10.82% of participant with a low PA level, 11.15% with a moderate PA level and 4.26% with a high PA level (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Physical activity during leisure time is associated to menopausal symptoms in Polish women. Women with high and moderate PA levels have less severe menopausal symptoms compared to inactive women. Middle-aged women with low PA levels at work suffer from more severe somato–vegetative symptoms.

The relationship between menopausal symptoms and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

The most common symptoms during menopausal transition and menopause are vasomotor symptoms. We aimed to investigate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. Two hundred and fifty-four and 317 postmenopausal women were in the MetS and non-MetS groups, respectively. The total menopause rating scale and psychological subscale scores were higher in the MetS group than the non-MetS group, and the differences were significant (p < .05). A positive correlation was found between the abdominal circumferences, systolic-diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides and total MRS scores. However, a significant positive correlation was found between the abdominal circumference and total urogenital scores (p = .008).Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? MetS and its dominant component (abdominal obesity) significantly increase the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms. Data regarding the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and vasomotor symptoms remain limited.What do the results of this study add? We showed that sleeping problems, depressive symptoms and bladder problems were more frequently encountered in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group (p<0.05).What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? There is a need for more randomised controlled studies to demonstrate the relationship between MetS and the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Effect of foot reflexology adjunct to paced respiration on vasomotor symptoms during menopause: randomized-controlled trail

Background The most common vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are hot flashes and night sweats, which occur in as many as 68.5% of women as a result of menopause. Symptoms caused by fluctuating levels of estrogen may be alleviated by hormone therapy (HT), but a marked global decline in its use has resulted from concerns about the risks and benefits of HT. Consequently, many women in the postmenopausal period search for alternative natural treatment options to manage menopause. As large numbers of women are choosing not to take HT, it is increasingly important to identify evidence-based foot reflexology with paced respiration that has the potential to reduce vasomotor menopausal symptoms. Aim To examine the combined effect of foot reflexology with paced respiration versus paced respiration on VMS in symptomatic menopausal women. Patients and methods A total of 50 women of menopausal age, 45–55 years were studied; their BMI was less than 30 kg/m2. They were allocated randomly to two groups with equal numbers of participants (A and B). The participants in group A received foot reflexology in addition to paced respiration, whereas the participants in group B received the paced respiration training only. The treatment program was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Assessment of all participants in both groups (A and B) was carried out before and after the treatment program throughout by determining blood cortisol level in addition to the use of the menopause rating scale (MRS). Results Both groups (A and B) showed a significant reduction in their blood cortisol and MRS values after the end of the 8 weeks of the training program. The mean values of blood cortisol after treatment were 15.40±1.47, 16.32±1.70 in both groups A and B, respectively. The mean values of total MRS were 8.12±2.19, 12.56±2.96 in both groups A and B, respectively. However, the participants who received foot reflexology plus paced respiration, group A, showed a greater reduction in the blood cortisol value and total MRS (P Conclusion It could be concluded that foot reflexology in addition to paced respiration are more effective than paced respiration only in decreasing blood cortisol level as well as VMS in symptomatic menopausal women.

Association of vasomotor symptoms and sleep apnea risk in midlife women.

The aim of the study was to determine the association between self-reported vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk. The STOP-BANG to evaluate OSA and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were administered to 2,935 women seen in the Women's Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, between May 2015 and December 2016. Of these, 1,691 women were included in the analysis. Total MRS and VMS ratings were compared using logistic regression, with age, smoking, and body mass index (BMI) included as covariates between women at intermediate/high risk versus low risk for OSA. Total MRS scores were significantly higher in women with intermediate/high-risk OSA scores versus those with low-risk scores [mean (SD): 16.8 (8.0) vs 12.9 (7.0), P < 0.001]. Women at intermediate/high OSA risk were older, had more education, self-reported hypertension, BMI >35 kg/m, and were less likely to be married or employed. Self-reported severe/very severe VMS were significantly associated with intermediate/high risk versus low risk for OSA (26.6% vs 15.0%; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, BMI, smoking status, and self-reported hypertension, the odds of having intermediate/high risk for OSA were 1.87 times higher for those with severe/very severe VMS compared with those with none/mild/moderate VMS (95% CI, 1.29-2.71, P < 0.001). This association persisted upon subgroup analysis based on BMI <25 kg/m (odds ratio 2.15; 95% CI, 1.12-4.16, P = 0.022). Self-reported severe/very severe VMS were associated with intermediate/high risk for OSA in midlife women, even in women with BMI <25 kg/m. Given the limitations of the STOP-BANG tool, OSA risk may, however, have been overestimated.

Effects of physical and depressive symptoms on the sexual life of Turkish women in the climacteric period

Objective: To assess the effects of physical and depressive symptoms on the sexual life of women in the climacteric period.Methods: This study was conducted with 572 women at a university hospital. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to evaluate depressive symptoms, intensity of menopausal symptoms and sexual function.Results: Sexual dysfunction and depressive symptoms were determined in 86.4% and 54.9% of the women, respectively. In univariate analysis, women without health insurance, with low income, being married for longer than 21 years and being in menopause had low FSFI but high BDI and MRS scores. In multiple regression analysis, advanced age of women, women with low income, unemployed women, low educated women and their husbands and women with depressive symptoms had low FSFI scores. There was a negative relationship between total FSFI and MRS and BDI scores.Conclusion: Determination and treatment of sexual, emotional and physical problems in the climacteric period are very important for the improvement of the quality of life of women.

Prevalence and severity of menopause symptoms among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 30-49\xa0years in Gulele sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundMenopause is a natural phenomenon occurring as women approach middle-age. It is characterized by declining of ovarian function and onset of the last menstrual period and subsequent 12-month cessation of menstruation. Due to a growing aging population and longer life expectancies, sub-Saharan African women will spend a significant portion of their lives in postmenopause. Menopausal symptom research has been primarily conducted on Caucasian women from high-income countries. Understanding menopause symptom prevalence and perceptions among diverse women in Ethiopia will better inform reproductive health care.MethodsWe conducted a multi-stage, cross-sectional study on 226 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 30-49 years in Gulele sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, menopausal status and an 11-item Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses consisted of descriptive data and chi-squared analyses.ResultsStudy participants were 40.4 ± 5.9 years, on average, with the majority married, educated at secondary school level, and comprised different ethnicities and wealth tertiles. The most prevalent types of menopausal symptoms reported from the MRS were from somatic subscale (65.9%) while psychological (46.0%) and urogenital subscale symptoms (30.5%) were also prevalent. The most commonly reported individual symptoms were: hot flushes (65.9% (95% CI: 59.4%–72.1%)), difficulty falling asleep (49.6% (95% CI: 42.9%-56.3%)), depressive mood (46.0% (95% CI: 39.4%-52.8%)), irritability (45.1% (95% CI: 38.5%-51.9%)), and anxiety (39.8% (95% CI: 33.4%-46.5%)). Each of the somatic, psychological, and urogenital MRS subscale scores were higher among postmenopausal women compared to perimenopausal women. Women self-reported differing severity levels of symptoms with high severity reported in 8.4% of total MRS, 1.3% of somatic, 10.6% of psychological, and 8.4% of urogenital scales.ConclusionsOur study provides the first presentation of menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in the Gulele sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We capture the prevalence of menopausal symptoms experienced as well as self-rated severity through the MRS. Our findings reflect menopausal symptoms in our specific study population and have been found to be consistent with previous international research.

Quality of life among postmenopausal women in rural Minia, Egypt

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and their effect on the quality of life of postmenopausal women in rural Minia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1 100 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years selected by multistage random sampling. The menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to assess the menopausal symptoms. The mean age at menopause was 48.9 (SD 4) years. The most frequent symptoms were joint and muscle pain (82.1%), physical and mental exhaustion (69.6%) and hot flushes and sweating (49.2%). The mean MRS somatic score was 4.12 (SD 2.22), the psychological score was 2.86 (SD 2.50) and urogenital score was 2.13 (SD 1.04). The total MRS score indicated that the symptoms were of moderate severity [9.11 (SD 5.76)]. Education, marital status, occupation, parity and postmenopausal duration were significantly associated with MRS score. Rural primary health care workers should be aware of this critical stage of life in women to help women deal with symptoms that may affect their quality of life.

Correlation of Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life with Physical Performance in Middle-Aged Women.

Introduction Some studies have investigated the influence of hormonal deficits and menopausal status in muscle disorders of women. However, it has not been investigated the relationship of both climacteric symptoms and the perception of quality of life with physical performance. Objective To evaluate the correlation of menopausal symptoms and quality of life with physical performance in middle-aged women. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed from April to November 2013 in the municipality of Parnamirim, in the Brazilian state, Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was composed of 497 women aged 40-65 years. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) questionnaire were used to evaluate menopausal symptoms and quality of life respectively. Measures of physical performance included handgrip strength, knee extensor and flexor strengths (using an isometric dynamometer), gait speed, and chair stand test. The correlation between menopausal symptoms and quality of life with physical performance was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient with significance set at p < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results There was a significant negative correlation between handgrip strength and somatic MRS score (p = 0.002) and total MRS score (p = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between knee flexor strength and sit-to-stand time and all menopausal symptom areas (p < 0.05), except psychological symptoms. There was a positive correlation between physical performance of the knee flexors and quality of life items including occupational (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.005), and total UQOL (p = 0.01), but a negative correlation with sit-to-stand time and all quality of life domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion A greater intensity of menopausal symptoms and worse quality of life were related with worse physical performance. Thus, preventive measures should be implemented to avoid adverse effects on physical performance at more advanced ages.