Women's Quality Research Articles

A prospective observational study on thyroid dysfunction in women with abnormal uterine bleeding: In a Teritary care hospital

Background: One of the most common diseases in gynecology, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) has a major negative impact on women's quality of life. Unusual bleeding in women can be brought on by thyroid conditions. The purpose of the study is to determine how common thyroid abnormalities are in women who have irregular uterine bleeding. It also looks at the menstrual patterns linked to thyroid disorders. The study concluded that hypothyroidism patients have menorrhagia, hyperthyroidism patients may experience dysmenorrhea, and thyroid dysfunction may result in irregular uterine hemorrhage. Materials and procedures: Premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) participated in a prospective observational study conducted in the gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital in Trivandrum between November 2022 and April 2023 (a period of six months). Result: Of the 75 patients who were chosen, 71 (94.7%) had AUB-induced hypothyroidism and 4 (5.3%) had AUB-induced hyperthyroidism. Regarding the menstrual pattern, 83.1% of patients with hypothyroidism and 100% of patients with hyperthyroidism reported experiencing menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea. The study concludes that there is a considerable correlation between thyroid issues and abnormal uterine hemorrhage. The majority of female AUB patients exhibit both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The most common menstrual pattern linked to hypothyroidism was menorrhagia. Dysmenorrhea was thought to be the most prevalent monthly abnormality in hyperthyroidism.

Current state of the placenta accreta spectrum issue: prospects for organ-preserving treatment

Introduction. Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is the preferred term approved by most international organizations that refers to the range of pathologic adherence of the placenta. PAS is a serious problem with incidence rate of 1/272 in-labor women. Today, peripartal hysterectomy is considered as the generally accepted global practice for PAS management, however, this approach is related to high level of maternal mortality and the impossibility of pregnancy in the future.Aim: to analyze publications on the available methods for PAS diagnostics and management by highlighting organ-preserving treatment including assessment of relevant risks and benefits compared with other methods as well as prospects for patients.Materials and Methods. Research papers were searched for in the databases eLibrary, PubMed and Google Scholar released until August 2024. The following search queries were used: "placenta accreta spectrum", "PAS", "PAS and organ-preserving treatment", "PAS and peripartum hysterectomy", "PAS and organ-preserving management". The selection of publications was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of PRISMA initiative that allowed to analyze 75 studies included in the review.Results. Organ-preserving PAS treatment is a reasonable alternative to peripartal hysterectomy, because it provides better results with lower risk to maternal health. It is worth noting that each of these methods has own unique features. For instance, organ-preserving treatment may last longer to achieve a desired result, but at the same time it can reduce a risk of complications and improve a woman's quality of life in the long term. Along with this, peripartal hysterectomy may be more effective in the short term, but it is associated with a higher risk of complications.Conclusion. A doctor should provide a woman with all the necessary information about the risks and benefits of each method, as well as help a woman make an informed decision based on her individual needs and preferences. Organ-preserving PAS treatment contributing to preserve fertility offers a better quality of life with lower risk to maternal health. Ultimately, a choice between peripartal hysterectomy and organ-preserving treatment depends on a specific situation as well as woman's state of health.

Examining symptom and quality of life in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a web-based cross-sectional study.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder that significantly impacts women's quality of life (QOL). Its unclear etiology, whether genetic or environmental, and the treatments associated with it have been widely studied globally. This study assessed the QOL of 108 women with PCOS, examining both physical and mental symptoms. Participants completed the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire through a web-based survey to evaluate their QOL scores. Common symptoms included menstrual irregularity (73.14%), hirsutism (65.7%), acne (62.03%), and obesity (22.22%). Complications such as diabetes mellitus (12.9%), hypertension (2.78%), infertility (1.85%), miscarriages (31.4%), hyperandrogenism (68.51%), and insulin resistance (28.7%) were reported. Patients with infertility had the lowest physical scores (PCS), while those working night shifts had the lowest mental scores (MCS). PCOS significantly affects QOL, with infertility contributing to the lowest physical scores and night shift work correlating with the lowest mental scores. These findings emphasize the need for integrated psychological and physical care, particularly for young working women with PCOS.

Change of Value Paradigm in Women’s Prose (On The Example of the Novels of British and American Women Writers of Late 20th /Early 21st Centuries)

Our study focuses on gender issues from the perspective of “women’s literature”, gives a brief overview of female writers’ works from ancient times to the beginning of the 21st century, and explores how gender stereotypes have affected the texts created by women and about women. The point of view that literature is not gendered, and that there is simply good or bad literature which cannot be called either "masculine" or "feminine", is the starting point of our research, but with one caveat: women bring to literature their own, unique female experience, bio-philosophy, their own hierarchy of values. The aim of our research is to conduct a mapping of existing literature on how “women’s issue” and value paradigm are represented in women’s prose, and, using gender and axiological approaches of analysis, to confirm the belief that the “issue of woman”, gender dominants, as well as thematic and symbolic structures, character and value systems in women’s writings have undergone abrupt changes in historical and cultural context. On the example of the works of British and American women writers of late 20th and early 21st centuries, we can conclude thatcontemporary female writers build their literary activity on the paradigm of individual's psychological problems, thanks to which their works are identified by emotional and valuespecific measurements presented in a new aesthetic and artistic fashion.

Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches to Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic gynecological conditions that significantly impact women's quality of life, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Despite ongoing research, a definitive cure for these conditions remains elusive, and treatment often focuses on managing symptoms. Minimally invasive surgery is considered the gold standard for surgical management, but novel surgical techniques are continuously being developed to enhance outcomes. These innovations aim to reduce disease recurrence, improve fertility rates, and provide better long-term symptom relief. In addition, techniques like robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAS) have revolutionized the treatment of complex cases, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), offering improved precision and effectiveness. This review explores the latest advancements in surgical approaches, their clinical efficacy, and future directions, emphasizing the need for individualized multidisciplinary care to optimize patient outcomes.

Unveiling Novel Regulatory Mechanisms of miR-5195-3p in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pathogenesis†.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition that significantly affects women's quality of life. The pathological mechanism of POP is not yet fully understood, and its pathogenesis is often caused by multiple factors, including the metabolic imbalance of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study aims to investigate the role of miR-5195-3p, a microRNA, in the pathology of POP and its regulatory mechanism. Using various molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, FISH, immunohistochemistry, and western blot, miR-5195-3p expression was examined in vaginal wall tissues obtained from POP patients. Results revealed an up-regulation of miR-5195-3p expression in these tissues, showing a negative correlation with the expression of ECM-related proteins. Further analysis using bioinformatics tools identified LOX as a potential target in POP. Dual luciferase reporter gene experiments confirmed LOX as a direct target of miR-5195-3p. Interestingly, regulating the expression of LOX also influenced the TGF-β1 signaling pathway and had an impact on ECM metabolism. This finding suggests that miR-5195-3p controls ECM metabolism by targeting LOX and modulating the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study unveils the involvement of miR-5195-3p in the pathological mechanism of POP by regulating ECM metabolism through the LOX/TGF-β1 axis. These findings reveal new mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pelvic POP, providing a theoretical foundation and therapeutic targets for further research on POP treatment.

Influence of Socioeconomic Factors and Nutritional Advice on Diet Quality in Women of Reproductive Age: A FIGO-DQS Assessment.

Nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practice are important ways of assuring a healthy pregnancy start, which can be shaped during the pre-pregnancy period by the intervention of healthcare providers. In this cross-sectional study, the main objective was to explore contextual determinants of diet quality in women of fertile age, including socioeconomic factors and sources of information. Data on socioeconomic background, sources of nutritional advice, and determinants of food choices were collected through an anonymous web-based questionnaire completed by 465 women. Diet quality was assessed with the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics diet quality score (FIGO-DQS). Better food choices (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.16-2.51), higher knowledge level (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.119-2.466), and healthcare advice (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.119-2.466) increased the chances of having a better diet. Both healthcare providers (β = 0.503, p = 0.018) and determinants of food choices (β = 0.520, p = 0.011) had a significant influence on the FIGO score, although the advice provided by the healthcare professionals did not yield a significant influence on the determinants of food choices (β = 0.310, p = 0.125); Conclusions: Knowledge had a mediator effect on the impact of healthcare guidance on nutrition practices, but it does not fully explain the adherence to healthy lifestyle choices.

Clinical Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Women With Endometriosis.

The study aimed to analyse selected clinical data affecting the quality of life of women with endometriosis. A cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 2020-2022 among 425 women with endometriosis receiving health care. A diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire technique was used. The research tools are the Endometriosis Health Profile and a standardised interview questionnaire. Infertility, medical treatment and sexual intercourse were the dimensions of quality of life most poorly rated by respondents with endometriosis. Lower quality of life was linked to the presence of painful periods, the presence of pain during intercourse and having surgery for endometriosis. The main clinical variables influencing the quality of life of women with endometriosis include problems with getting pregnant, the necessity for long-term therapy and sexual problems caused by the condition. The occurrence of painful menstruation, dyspareunia and having undergone surgery for endometriosis is associated with lower ratings of women's general quality of life. The study will help to develop a more holistic approach to caring for endometriosis patients. This will result in a better diagnosis, individualised therapy and psychological support, all of which will enhance the overall quality of life. The study's results may impact the development of health policies, endometriosis support services for women and public awareness initiatives. The study highlighted key determinants affecting health-related quality of life for women with endometriosis. The analysis of clinical data revealed that infertility, treatment and dyspareunia are the dimensions of quality of life most poorly rated by women with endometriosis. These findings are significant for those providing care to women with endometriosis, as well as for policymakers responsible for the organisation of health care systems. The STROBE guidelines. No patient or public contribution.

FAMILY PLANNING AND MENTAL HEALTH IN PRIMARY CARE: NURSES' PERSPECTIVES

Family planning is among the actions in Primary Care that are relevant and impactful in terms of women's quality of life indicators, but the particularities of women with mental disorders are still invisible to health professionals. The study aims to evaluate family planning performed by Primary Care nurses aimed at women with mental disorders. This is a qualitative and cross-sectional study using Alceste Software for content analysis. The results showed that Primary Care nurses who perform family planning have difficulties in managing the program in their routines. When women with mental disorders are highlighted, these difficulties are accentuated, and in many cases, they are not even identified during the care, which remains fragmented in terms of the demand presented, without considering the woman's comprehensiveness. The nurses also pointed out that they feel a lack of matrix support and collaboration from CAPS in implementing the program. We conclude that family planning should have a prominent place in ongoing training and integrate nurses working in Mental Health, to achieve comprehensive care for women, demystifying myths about pathologies and providing quality of life for this population.

Exploring the cooking energy biomass and its impact on women's health and quality of life in rural households: a micro-environmental study from West Bengal in India.

Exposure to household air pollutants has become a significant environmental health concern in developing nations. This study aimed to understand the growing energy consumption within households, particularly for cooking, and its impact on women's health in rural areas. We conducted real-time monitoring of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in 61 rural kitchens in the Medinipur and Jhargram districts of West Bengal, India. Additionally, we calculated the Standard Living Index (SLI) based on socio-demographic factors from 540 households. Our analyses using ANOVA and chi-square methods revealed significant effects of cooking fuel types and locations on various health indicators among women. Eye irritation was prevalent across all fuel types, followed by shortness of breath (33%), coughing (22%), and dizziness (21%). Alarmingly, nearly half (48%) of children under five consistently accompanied their mothers during cooking, exposing them to health risks. Indoor air pollution, particularly from traditional fuels like fuelwood, cow dung cakes, and leaves, poses a grave threat to families. These fuels emit considerable amounts of PM2.5 and CO, with levels reaching as high as 565µg/m3 and 12.5ppm, respectively, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Clean cooking fuel users, such as those using LPG, reported improved quality of life scores across physical, psychological, social, and environmental categories. This study highlights the urgent need to transition to cleaner cooking fuels to mitigate adverse health effects on women and children in rural households.

Apigenin Improves Ovarian Dysfunction Induced by 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide via the AKT/FOXO3a Pathway.

Perimenopausal syndrome is a significant issue that disturbs women's metabolism, mood and quality of life. Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study aims to investigate the effect of apigenin on perimenopausal syndrome by combining bioinformatics analysis with in vivo experiments. The mouse model with perimenopausal syndrome was established using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) treatment. Apigenin alleviated VCD-induced disorder of estrous cycle and shrinkage of ovarian tissue. The reduction of anti-Muller hormone and the increase of follicle stimulation hormone and luteinizing hormone triggered by VCD were reversed by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Apigenin suppressed the VCD-induced decrease of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicle number in ovarian tissue. Oxidative stress in ovarian tissue was activated by VCD treatment through increasing the reactive oxygen species production. High concentration of apigenin significantly reversed the alteration induced by VCD. Apigenin alleviated VCD-induced cell apoptosis through regulating Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP1 and caspase-3. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO3a was inhibited by VCD and activated by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, apigenin effectively mitigates the ovarian dysfunction through suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis via the AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Changes in Quality of Life and Estrogen Menopausal Women Through Hypnotherapy

Background: Menopausal women's quality of life is affected by ovarian estrogen decline, symptoms & complaints: Physical, Psychological, Vasomotor and Sexual. Estrogen hormone replacement will have an impact on the occurrence of carcinoma, so it is necessary to introduce alternative treatment hypnotherapy as a substitute for pharmacological treatment. Objective: to measure the potential of hypnotherapy in improving the quality of life of menopausal women. Population: Menopausal female Materials and Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental, Design: with a control approach (pre-posttest). Menopausal female respondents (45-60 years old) from Malang City, treatment group 75 and control 75 respondents. The treatment was carried out 2 times with an interval of 4 weeks. The activity was held in March – June 2023. Results: MenQoL modification scale questionnaire (44 items) from 30 respondents: Validity Test: r= 0.958-0.998 (Valid) and Reliability Test r=1.00 (Very High). Hypnotherapy Effect Test (Wilcoxon): MenQoL Experimental p-value 0.000 (significantly different); MenQol Control p-value 0.357 (no significant difference) and Experimental Estrogen: p-value 0.000 (significantly different); Estrogen Control p-value 0.000 (significant difference). Test the difference (∆) between the pre and post mean: Experimental MenQoL -31.58 < Control MenQoL 3.95 and Experimental Estrogen 236.972,18 > Control Estrogen -90.223,31. Experimental MenQoL Normalization Gain Test with an improvement value of 86.6%; MenQoL Control worsening 57.3% and Experimental Estrogen with an improvement value of 68 %; Estrogen Control with an improvement value of only 20 %. Conclusion: Hypnotherapy has an impact on improving the quality of life of menopausal women through increased MenQoL and Estrogen. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: Improvement Menopausal Quality of life.

The Effect of Fermented Food Containing Aspergillus Oryzae (Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI) Consumption on Abdominal Symptoms Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Women

Background: Psychological and physical symptoms such as irritability, headache, abdominal pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and drowsiness that occur because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study examined whether the intake of fermented food containing Aspergillus oryza (Amazake and Raw-SHIOKOJI), a traditional Japanese food, improved the abdominal symptoms associated with PMS. Method: Eleven healthy Japanese collegiate women in their 20s participated in this interventional study. The study period was set to 28 days per phase, and the participants were examined over three separate phases: before, during, and after the intake of Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI. The participants were instructed to maintain a daily record of their food intake, bowel movements and menstruation throughout the study period. Results: The intake of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate among 11 participants were similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Menstrual abdominal discomfort in women in their 20s was noted during the luteal and menstrual phases. Eight participants (72.7%) experienced abdominal discomfort during the luteal phase and all participants experienced abdominal discomfort during the menstrual phase. Consuming fermented food containing Aspergillus oryzae may reduce PMS abdominal symptoms by 72.7%. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of food containing Aspergillus oryzae reduced abdominal discomfort associated with the luteal phase and may improve menstruating women's health and quality of life.

Effects of light compression on chronic venous disease, edema and comfort in women during pregnancy and postpartum period: a prospective randomized study.

Lower limb edema associated with venous disorders is an increasingly common problem in pregnant women. The study aimed to assess the use of compression class 1 (ccl1=18-21 mmHg) in lower limb edema and CVD prevention in pregnant and postpartum women. 51 pregnant women (second trimester) were randomly recruited into either a study group CG with compression ccl1 or a control group NCG, both with physical activity (PA) recommendation. The assessment concerned venous system condition, limb size, and compression comfort. Edema was diagnosed as ≥10% measurement increase. Venous reflux (8/22 CG, 1/16 NCG) and an onset of CVD (6/22 CG, 1/16 NCG) were diagnosed in the first measurement. After postpartum, a significant reduction of the great saphenous vein (GSV) diameter in the proximal part of the left lower limb in CG (P=0.014) and expansion of the small saphenous vein (SSV) in the proximal part of the left lower limb in NCG (P=0.028) were observed. An analysis of the limb sizes in the second measurement revealed a significant increase of all circumferences and volumes in the NCG, and of lower leg volumes in the CG. Edema was diagnosed in five women in the NCG in the second measurement. Consequently, compression was recommended for the new group (NCG+C), and a significant edema reduction (P=0.026) occurred in the third measurement. Compression ccl1 reduces the risk of edema, venous insufficiency, and improves women's quality of life during pregnancy and postpartum.

Interactions between pregnant women's nutrition habits, psychological well-beings, sleep quality and biochemical parameters.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause various changes in biological, physiologic and psychosocial areas. The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between dietary habits, psychological well-being, sleep quality and biochemical parameters of pregnant women. The study was conducted on a total of 93 patients who applied to Ankara Koru Sincan Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic for routine pregnancy control between November-December 2023, were between the ages of 18-45, had a live singleton fetus, had no diagnosed psychiatric disease or chronic disease, and agreed to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical findings of the individuals were recorded with a questionnaire including the psychological well-being scale (PWBS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). According to the study, PSQI scores during the second and third trimesters are significantly higher than the first trimester. It was observed that while individuals have bad sleep quality during the second and third trimesters, they have good sleep quality during the first trimester (χ2 = 14.736; P < 0.001). In the biochemical results, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) value in the second trimester was higher (P > 0.05). Weight gain during pregnancy, age and trimester have a negative effect on sleep quality. When the effects of lifestyles and eating habits of pregnant women on the process are considered, there is a relationship between smoking/alcohol consumption, less physical activity, poor eating habits, sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Factors such as age, educational background, trimester period and other basic sociodemographic variables are also involved.

Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome in Association with Health Habits in the Mexican Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are common disorders in the Mexican population, but these are usually underdiagnosed and under-treated, impacting women's quality of life. Adequate health habits have been reported as precursors of decreasing dysmenorrhea symptoms. However, few studies assess their impact on PMS. This study aims to evaluate dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome in association with health habits in the Mexican population. To assess the impact of health habits on menstruation symptoms a validated survey was conducted in 1679 adult females aged ≥18 years. The survey collected data on participants' dysmenorrhea, PMS, and their health habits. The analysis showed that physical activity duration, changes in eating habits (increases in salty or sugary foods) during menstruation, and oversleeping habits predict increases in dysmenorrhea and PMS. In contrast, an active sexual life, relaxing physical activity, and adequate sleep hours during menstruation seem to decrease the symptoms. We conclude that adequate health habits and addressing early gynecological conditions might regulate dysmenorrhea and PMS.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Insomnia Severity Among Menopausal Women: A Scoping Review.

This review explores the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on menopausal women suffering from insomnia. The transition to menopause is often accompanies by sleep disturbances, which significantly affect women's quality of life. This review applies a scoping approach to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on CBT-I interventions for insomnia among menopausal women. The included studies examined variations in the number of CBT-I sessions, the duration of interventions, and their delivery methods (face-to-face, online, or telephone-based). The results consistently showed that CBT-I significantly improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia severity in menopausal women. CBT-I was particularly effective compared to other interventions such as sleep restriction therapy and sleep hygiene education. Sleep quality improvements were observed to persist for up to six months after treatment. These findings support the use of CBT-I as a first-line intervention for insomnia in menopausal women, offering a sustainable solution with fewer side effects compared to pharmacological treatments. However, the review also highlights the need for further research on CBT-I's efficacy in diverse populations, as most studies focused on predominantly white and well-educated women.

Immune regulation: a new strategy for traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment of granulomatous lobular mastitis.

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) presents significant challenges, including high rates of morbidity, recurrence, and disability, ultimately impacting women's health and quality of life. Local autoimmune imbalance involving dysregulated cytokines and immune cells has been recognized to play a key role in the pathology of GLM. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component, multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics, offers unique advantages and broad prospects in the treatment of GLM. Here, we review the relationship between immune dysregulation and GLM, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of TCM-based interventions, with the aim of providing new insights and foundational knowledge for the clinical treatment of GLM, while promoting the further application and development of TCM-based strategies for the treatment of GLM.

Form And Meaning of Javanese Woman’s Masculinity in Joko Anwar’s “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019)

This research aims to find out the form and meaning of Javanese women’s resistance of NyiMisni, a Javanese woman character in the film entitled “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019), and how her masculinity is reflected through the interaction between her and other characters in the film. The analysis is conducted in the context of patriarchal domination over Javanese women specifically, and Indonesian women in general. The main data is obtained from the dialog uttered by the main female character, NyiMisni, in Joko Anwar’s “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” (2019) film. It is supported by secondary data from other articles that mentioned masculinity traits shown by Javanese female characters in other films. The method of collecting data used in this research is the observation method using an observation technique. The techniques conducted are watching the movie, note-taking all dialogues that contain masculinity features, and classifying the data based on the masculinity features shown by NyiMisni. The analysis is conducted using Bem’s Sex Role Inventory (1982) and the theory of symbolic interactionism by Smelser (2013. Furthermore, the speech act theory by Searle (1976) is used as the supporting theory. The findings discovered some forms and meanings of Javanese women’s resistance as the masculinity features shown by NyiMisni and how she interacts with other participants through her utterances. Female masculinity is featured in assertiveness, dominance, and aggression. Her utterance is directly conducted, yet the intention is indirect.

Menopause and Quality of Life Among Greek Women in Rural Areas.

Introduction The World Health Organization defines menopause as the permanent termination of ovarian function and the absence of menstruation for a minimum of 12 months. A woman's quality of life and health may be affected by menopause, a physiological condition that is typically accompanied by vasomotor, physical, and psychological disorders. Also, menopausal women experience a wide range of psychological symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and depression. Additional factors such as her marital status, financial level, educational level, physical activity, temperament, and attitude toward life greatly influence the intensity and frequency of the menopausal symptoms she will experience, as well as the level of quality of her life. Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the symptoms of menopause and investigate their impact on women's quality of life. Materials and methods The research was carried out in the wider region of Southern Evia. One hundred fifty menopausal women participated, and the anonymous Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was used to collect the data, which refers to menopausal symptoms and how they affect the women's quality of life. Results Among menopausal symptoms, feeling anxious or nervous (64.7%) and changes in skin appearance, texture, or tone (8%) were the most and least common symptoms, respectively. Women taking medication for various health problems had higher levels of psychosocial (p = 0.005) and physical symptoms (p = 0.003) and a higher overall MENQOL score compared to women not taking medication. The results of the present study concerning the correlation of the vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual dimensions, both with each other and with the overall MENQOL score, were statistically significant. This means that an increase in one score causes the rest to increase, thus affecting the quality of life of menopausal women overall. Conclusions Menopause is associated with multiple symptoms that affect women's quality of life. Health professionals should inform menopausal women about methods and treatments that will help them have a better quality of life. More studies should be conducted to investigate the role of demographic and social factors that affect how women perceive the severity, intensity, and resolution of menopausal symptoms.