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Poitras M, Shearzad F, Qureshi AF, Blackburn C, Plamondon H. Bloody stressed! A systematic review of the associations between adulthood psychological stress and menstrual cycle irregularity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105784. [PMID: 38950686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Regular menstruation is a key indicator of general health and irregular menstrual parameters have been associated with elevated risk of adverse health outcomes. While psychological stress is believed to contribute to abnormal menstruation, little is known of the effects of discrete psychological stressors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on menstrual function. A systematic database search was performed and studies investigating the relation between psychological stress and menstrual cycle irregularity in otherwise healthy adults were included. Two independent investigators completed abstract and full-text screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. In the 41 included studies, a variety of stressors were assessed, namely COVID-19 pandemic stress, academic stress, and occupational stress. Our review found most studies report an association between psychological stress and menstrual dysfunction, with the most common disruptions being irregular menstruation and abnormal menstrual flow. Our findings also underlined notable discrepancies in the operational definitions used in the study of menstrual disorders. These observations emphasize the importance of psychological stress as a modifiable risk factor associated with irregular menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Poitras
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fatima Shearzad
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Aliya F Qureshi
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cassandra Blackburn
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Wu Q, Yan Y, La R, Zhang X, Lu L, Xie R, Xue Y, Lin C, Xu W, Xu J, Huang L. Association of reproductive lifespan and age at menopause with depression: Data from NHANES 2005-2018. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:519-527. [PMID: 38657760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between reproductive lifespan and depression in older women is unclear. We conducted this analysis to explore whether a shorter reproductive lifespan is associated with higher odds of depression, while also considering the age at menarche and age at menopause. METHODS This observational study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was conducted between 2005 and 2018. Reproductive lifespan was defined as years from age at menarche to age at menopause. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between the association of reproductive life span, age at menarche and age at menopause with the incidence of depression. RESULTS Totally, 2947 patients aged 60 and above were enrolled in the trial, with 241 individuals (8.18 %) diagnosed with depression. Higher odds of depression were found to be significantly correlated with a shorter reproductive lifespan [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.95, 95 % Confidence interval (CI) = 0.92-0.98] or an earlier ager at menopause (OR = 0.95, 95 % CI = 0.92-0.99), according to the results of multivariable logistic regression analysis after full adjustment. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests indicated a similar association. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional study could not yield any conclusions regarding causality. CONCLUSION In this large cross-sectional study, our result suggested that populations with a shorter reproductive lifespan or an earlier age at menopause were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms in older U.S. women. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted for a comprehensive analysis of the role of the reproductive lifespan and age at menopause in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuxin Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui La
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Yixing People's Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingchen Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongliao City Hospital, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yulun Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuan Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical University, Sichuan, China
| | - Wu Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangnan Xu
- Department of Urology, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lixin Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China.
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Dubey P, Reddy S, Singh V, Yousif A, Dwivedi AK. Association of heavy menstrual bleeding with cardiovascular disease in US female hospitalizations. BMC Med 2024; 22:208. [PMID: 38783294 PMCID: PMC11119710 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common menstrual disorder associated with multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. In addition, HMB is often present with irregular menstruation (IM) which is a risk factor for CVD outcomes. However, the relationship between HMB and CVD outcomes is unexplored in the presence or absence of IM. We determined the association of HMB with multiple CVD outcomes using a nationally representative sample of female hospitalizations in the US. METHODS All hospitalizations of females with HMB diagnosis and normal menstrual cycles from ages of 18 to 70 years were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample Database, 2017. The HMB was defined using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 for excessive and frequent menstruation bleeding and included any current or history of HMB diagnosis. Outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF) or arrhythmia, myocardial infarction (MI), and diabetes (DM) were defined using ICD-10 codes. Adjusted logistic regression and prosperity scores-matched logistic regression analyses were conducted to summarize adjusted associations with an odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Among 2,430,851 hospitalizations, HMB was observed in 7762 (0.68%) females with age ≤ 40 years and 11,164 (0.86%) females with age > 40 years. Among hospitalizations with age ≤ 40 years, HMB was significantly associated with increased odds of CVD outcomes including MACE (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.08), CHD (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.71), stroke (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.40), HF (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.03), and AF/arrhythmia (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.54). These associations were confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses. In contrast, HMB was not robustly associated with CVD events among hospitalizations of women with age > 40 years. HMB without IM was strongly associated with DM, HF, AF, and MACE outcomes while HMB with IM was strongly associated with CHD and AF outcomes in hospitalizations of young women. CONCLUSIONS HMB is associated with CVD events among US hospitalizations of young women. A routine investigation and screening of menstrual disorders, especially HMB, is useful for CVD risk stratification and management in young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Dubey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sireesha Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Vishwajeet Singh
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Consulting Lab, Office of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Abdelrehman Yousif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Alok Kumar Dwivedi
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Consulting Lab, Office of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Division of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
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Wang Z, Jukic AMZ, Baird DD, Wilcox AJ, Li H, Curry CL, Fischer-Colbrie T, Onnela JP, Williams MA, Hauser R, Coull BA, Mahalingaiah S. Irregular Cycles, Ovulatory Disorders, and Cardiometabolic Conditions in a US-Based Digital Cohort. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e249657. [PMID: 38700861 PMCID: PMC11069087 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism, is a common ovulatory disorder. Having an irregular cycle is a potential marker for cardiometabolic conditions, but data are limited on whether the associations differ by PCOS status or potential interventions. Objective To evaluate the association of PCOS, time to regularity since menarche (adolescence), and irregular cycles (adulthood) with cardiometabolic conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used a large, US-based digital cohort of users of the Apple Research application on their iPhone. Eligibility criteria were having ever menstruated, living in the US, being at age of consent of at least 18 years (or 19 years in Alabama and Nebraska or 21 years in Puerto Rico), and being able to communicate in English. Participants were enrolled between November 14, 2019, and December 13, 2022, and completed relevant surveys. Exposures Self-reported PCOS diagnosis, prolonged time to regularity (not spontaneously establishing regularity within 5 years of menarche), and irregular cycles. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was self-reported cardiometabolic conditions, including obesity, prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism measured using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to estimate prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs. Effect modification by lifestyle factors was also estimated. Results The study sample (N = 60 789) had a mean (SD) age of 34.5 (11.1) years, with 12.3% having PCOS and 26.3% having prolonged time to regularity. Among a subset of 25 399 participants who completed the hormonal symptoms survey, 25.6% reported irregular cycles. In covariate-adjusted logistic regression models, PCOS was associated with a higher prevalence of all metabolic and several cardiovascular conditions, eg, arrhythmia (POR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20-1.55), coronary artery disease (POR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.95-4.29), heart attack (POR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.54), and stroke (POR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24). Among participants without PCOS, prolonged time to regularity was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46), hypertension (POR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), arrhythmia (POR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.35), and TIA (POR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01-1.73), and having irregular cycles was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.69), high cholesterol (POR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30), arrhythmia (POR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43), and TIA (POR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.06-2.26). Some of these associations were modified by high vs low body mass index or low vs high physical activity. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that PCOS and irregular cycles may be independent markers for cardiometabolic conditions. Early screening and intervention among individuals with irregular menstrual cycles may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Marie Z. Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Allen J. Wilcox
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Huichu Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Jukka-Pekka Onnela
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle A. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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5
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Lai S, Jin Q, Wang D, Li T, Wang X. Effects of menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea on cardiovascular disease: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1302312. [PMID: 38375191 PMCID: PMC10875084 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1302312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Observational studies have demonstrated associations between menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it remains unclear whether these associations are causal. This study is to investigate whether menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea causally affect the risk of CVD. Methods The summary data for menstrual disorders (excessive menstruation and irregular menses) and dysmenorrhea were obtained from FinnGen study, summary data for CVD were obtained from UK Biobank and meta-analysis. The inverse-variance-weighted method was mainly used in the Mendelian randomization for causality analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed by several methods under different model assumptions. Results Genetic liability to excessive menstruation was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio (OR), 1.078 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.015-1.145]; P=0.014), but a lower risk of hypertension (OR, 0.994 [95% CI: 0.989-0.999]; P=0.016). Irregular menses was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.095 [95% CI: 1.015-1.182]; P=0.02), hypertension (OR, 1.007 [95% CI: 1.000-1.013]; P=0.047), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.172 [95% CI: 1.060-1.295]; P=0.02), ischemic heart disease, (OR, 1.005 [95% CI: 1.000-1.010]; P=0.037) and coronary heart disease (OR, 1.004 [95% CI: 1.001-1.008]; P=0.026). Dysmenorrhea was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.052 [95% CI: 1.014-1.092]; P=0.008) and Ischemic stroke (cardioembolic) (OR, 1.122 [95% CI: 1.002-1.257]; P=0.046). After Benjamini-Hochberg correction, irregular menses was associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction. Conclusion We confirmed a causal relationship of excessive menstruation, irregular menses and dysmenorrhea on cardiovascular outcomes independent of sex hormone levels, with an emphasis on the link between irregular menses and myocardial infarction. These clinical features can be utilized as markers to identify women at higher risk of developing CVD in the future, recommending early clinical intervention of menstrual diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Lai
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiubai Jin
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dayang Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tianli Li
- National Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Center for Cardiovascular Disease, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Johnson CY, Grajewski B, Lawson CC, MacDonald LA, Rocheleau CM, Whelan EA. Occupational physical demands and menstrual cycle irregularities in flight attendants and teachers. Occup Environ Med 2024; 81:oemed-2023-109099. [PMID: 38184367 PMCID: PMC11226562 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Flight attendants perform physically demanding work such as lifting baggage, pushing service carts and spending the workday on their feet. We examined if more frequent exposure to occupational physical demands could explain why previous studies have found that flight attendants have a higher reported prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularities than other workers. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 694 flight attendants and 120 teachers aged 18-44 years from three US cities. Eligible participants were married, had not had a hysterectomy or tubal ligation, were not using hormonal contraception and were not recently pregnant. Participants reported menstrual cycle characteristics (cramps, pain, irregular cycles, flow, bleed length, cycle length) and occupational physical demands (standing, lifting, pushing/pulling, bending/twisting, overall effort). We used modified Poisson regression to examine associations between occupation (flight attendant, teacher) and menstrual irregularities; among flight attendants, we further examined associations between occupational physical demands and menstrual irregularities. RESULTS All occupational physical demands were more commonly reported by flight attendants than teachers. Flight attendants reported more frequent menstrual cramps than teachers, and most occupational physical demands were associated with more frequent or painful menstrual cramps. Lifting heavy loads was also associated with irregular cycles. CONCLUSIONS Occupational physical demands were associated with more frequent and worse menstrual pain among flight attendants. The physical demands experienced by these workers may contribute to the high burden of menstrual irregularities reported by flight attendants compared with other occupational groups, such as teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Y Johnson
- Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Barbara Grajewski
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Christina C Lawson
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Leslie A MacDonald
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carissa M Rocheleau
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Whelan
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Purohit A, Kim YJ, Michos ED. Cardiovascular disease prevention in women - the current state in 2023. Curr Opin Cardiol 2024; 39:54-60. [PMID: 37921758 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women globally. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of CVD prevention in women, focusing on what is currently understood about female-specific or female-predominant CVD risk factors and the importance of tailored strategies for risk assessment and medical interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have demonstrated the need to account for risk factors specific to women in current risk assessment models for CVD, including early menarche, polycystic ovary syndrome, adverse pregnancy outcomes, early menopause, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Incorporation of these findings has led to advancements in sex-specific guidelines, diagnostic tools, and treatment approaches that have led to improvement in the precision of CVD prevention strategies. At-risk women benefit similarly to lipid-lowering and other preventive therapies as men but are less likely to be treated. SUMMARY CVD prevention in women has made substantial progress over the past decade, marked by increasing awareness among clinicians, improved understanding of sex-specific risk-enhancing factors, and incorporation of sex-specific guidelines for management. However, there remain knowledge gaps that warrant ongoing efforts to optimize CVD prevention strategies in women, which will ultimately lead to improved cardiovascular health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin D Michos
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Shufelt CL, Saadedine M, Cook-Wiens G, Pisarska MD, Manson JE, Berga SL, Arditi M, Shah PK, Bairey Merz CN. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and Preclinical Cardiovascular Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 109:e51-e57. [PMID: 37610989 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endothelial dysfunction is a preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) marker. Due to various neuroendocrine aberrations, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) may be a sex-specific risk factor for CVD in young women. OBJECTIVE To investigate endothelial function in women with FHA, compared with eumenorrheic controls and recently menopausal women. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis among women with FHA (n = 30), eumenorrheic controls (n = 29), and recently menopausal women (n = 30). FHA was defined as amenorrhea ≥3 consecutive months, estradiol <50 pg/mL, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) < 10 mIU/mL, and luteinizing hormone (LH) < 10 mIU/mL, excluding other etiologies. Participants were recruited through obstetrics and gynecology referrals, social media advertising, and review of electronic health records. Preclinical CVD was measured using EndoPAT 2000 to calculate reactive hyperemic index (RHI). RHI ≤1.67 indicates endothelial dysfunction. RESULTS Mean estradiol levels in women with FHA, as compared with eumenorrheic controls and recently menopausal women, were 29.0 ± 18.1, 46.4 ± 15.7, and 10.9 ± 14.4 pg/mL (P < .0001), respectively. Women with FHA had lower insulin (P = .0095) and higher cortisol (P = .0004) compared with controls. RHI was significantly lower in women with FHA compared with eumenorrheic controls and recently menopausal women (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.6, respectively; P = .008), and 35% of women with FHA had RHI ≤1.67, consistent with endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate endothelial dysfunction in 1 out of 3 young women with FHA. FHA may be a contributor to preclinical CVD, and it is not explained by hypoestrogenemia alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisandra L Shufelt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Women's Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Mariam Saadedine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Galen Cook-Wiens
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - JoAnn E Manson
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Department of Pediatrics and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Prediman K Shah
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - C Noel Bairey Merz
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Attia GM, Alharbi OA, Aljohani RM. The Impact of Irregular Menstruation on Health: A Review of the Literature. Cureus 2023; 15:e49146. [PMID: 38130524 PMCID: PMC10733621 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Women are considered to have an irregular menstrual cycle if their cycle length is less than 21 days or more than 35 days, accompanied by less or very severe blood flow. The prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularities varies across countries. Irregular periods can occur due to changes in the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which disrupt the normal pattern of the period. Menstrual irregularity has been found to be associated with various diseases and medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia, osteoporosis, psychological problems, impaired quality of life, and infertility have also been recorded. Moreover, a significant correlation between irregular periods and the risk of developing pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, as well as an increased risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes, has been proven. Therefore, irregular menstruation is considered an important health indicator among women. Physical, mental, social, psychological, and reproductive problems are often associated with menstrual irregularities. Thus, evaluating the factors associated with irregular menstruation is necessary to determine appropriate preventive and treatment strategies and to decrease the associated health problems. The aim of this review was to define normal and irregular menstruation, their types, and prevalence, to recognize the risk factors and causes of irregular menstruation, and to understand their impact on women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalia M Attia
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
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Stujenske TM, Mu Q, Pérez Capotosto M, Bouchard TP. Survey Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Menstrual Cycle Tracking Technologies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1509. [PMID: 37763628 PMCID: PMC10534579 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Digital health and personalized medicine are advancing at an unprecedented pace. Users can document their menstrual cycle data in a variety of ways, including smartphone applications (apps), temperature tracking devices, and at-home urine hormone tests. Understanding the needs and goals of women using menstrual cycle tracking technologies is the first step to making these technologies more evidence based. The purpose of this study was to examine the current use of these technologies and explore how they are being used within the context of common hormonal and reproductive disorders, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and infertility. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating menstrual cycle tracking technology use. Participants were recruited in January-March 2023 using social media groups and a Marquette Method instructor email listserv. Data were collected using an electronic survey with Qualtrics. Data collected included participant demographics, menstrual cycle characteristics, reproductive health history, and menstrual cycle tracking behavior. Results: Three-hundred and sixty-eight participants were included in the analysis. Women had various motivations for tracking their menstrual cycles. Most participants (72.8%) selected "to avoid getting pregnant" as the primary motivation. Three hundred and fifty-six participants (96.7%) reported using a fertility awareness-based method to track and interpret their menstrual cycle data. The Marquette Method, which utilizes urine hormone tracking, was the most frequently used method (n = 274, 68.2%). The most frequently used cycle technology was a urine hormone test or monitor (n = 299, 81.3%), followed by a smartphone app (n = 253, 68.8%), and a temperature tracking device (n = 116, 31.5%). Women with PCOS (63.6%), endometriosis (61.8%), and infertility (75%) in our study reported that the use of tracking technologies aided in the diagnosis. Most participants (87.2%) reported a high degree of satisfaction with their use and that they contributed to their reproductive health knowledge (73.9%). Conclusions: Women in our study reported avoiding pregnancy as their primary motivation for using menstrual cycle tracking technologies, with the most frequently used being a urine hormone test or monitor. Our study results emphasize the need to validate these technologies to support their use for family planning. Given that most women in this study reported using a fertility awareness-based method, the results cannot be generalized to all users of menstrual cycle tracking technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiyan Mu
- Institute for Natural Family Planning, College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA;
| | | | - Thomas P. Bouchard
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3H 0N9, Canada;
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Kazzi B, Shankar B, Elder-Odame P, Tokgözoğlu LS, Sierra-Galan LM, Michos ED. A Woman's Heart: Improving Uptake and Awareness of Cardiovascular Screening for Middle-Aged Populations. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1171-1183. [PMID: 37520181 PMCID: PMC10377626 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s328441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mid-life, the years leading up to and following the menopause transition, in women is accompanied by a change in cardiometabolic risk factors, including increases in body weight, changes in body composition, a more insulin-resistant state, and a shift towards a more atherogenic dyslipidemia pattern. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment should be performed continually throughout the lifespan, as risk is not stagnant and can change throughout the life course. However, mid-life is a particularly important time for a woman to be evaluated for CVD risk so that appropriate preventive strategies can be implemented. Along with assessing traditional risk factors, ascertainment of a reproductive history is an integral part of a comprehensive CVD risk assessment to recognize unique female-specific or female-predominant factors that modify a woman's risk. When there is uncertainty about CVD risk and the net benefit of preventive pharmacotherapy interventions (such as statins), measuring a coronary artery calcium score can help further refine risk and guide shared decision-making. Additionally, there should be heightened sensitivity around identifying signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease in women, as these may present differently than in men. Ischemia from coronary microvascular disease and/or vasospasm may be present even without obstructive coronary artery disease and is associated with a heightened risk for major cardiovascular events and reduced quality of life. Therefore, correctly identifying CVD in women and implementing preventive and treatment therapies is paramount. Unfortunately, women are underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, and more data are needed about how to best incorporate novel and emerging risk factors into CVD risk assessment. This review outlines an approach to CVD screening and risk assessment in women using several methods, focusing on the middle-aged population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Kazzi
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bairavi Shankar
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Petal Elder-Odame
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lale S Tokgözoğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lilia M Sierra-Galan
- Cardiology Department of the Cardiovascular Division, American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erin D Michos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Seeland U. [Gender-sensitive medical approaches in cardiology]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2023; 148:538-546. [PMID: 37094589 DOI: 10.1055/a-1892-4687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Gender-sensitive medicine takes into account differences of men and women in various diseases with regard to the biological ("sex") as well as the sociocultural ("gender") dimension. This article highlights gender differences in cardiovascular disease and the different prevention strategies based on these differences.
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Okoth K, Smith WP, Thomas GN, Nirantharakumar K, Adderley NJ. The association between menstrual cycle characteristics and cardiometabolic outcomes in later life: a retrospective matched cohort study of 704,743 women from the UK. BMC Med 2023; 21:104. [PMID: 36941638 PMCID: PMC10029324 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02794-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female reproductive factors are gaining prominence as factors that enhance cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; nonetheless, menstrual cycle characteristics are under-recognized as a factor associated with CVD. Additionally, there is limited data from the UK pertaining to menstrual cycle characteristics and CVD risk. METHODS A UK retrospective cohort study (1995-2021) using data from a nationwide database (The Health Improvement Network). Women aged 18-40 years at index date were included. 252,325 women with history of abnormal menstruation were matched with up to two controls. Two exposures were examined: regularity and frequency of menstrual cycles; participants were assigned accordingly to one of two separate cohorts. The primary outcome was composite cardiovascular disease (CVD). Secondary outcomes were ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease, heart failure (HF), hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to derive adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of cardiometabolic outcomes in women in the exposed groups compared matched controls. RESULTS During 26 years of follow-up, 20,605 cardiometabolic events occurred in 704,743 patients. Compared to women with regular menstrual cycles, the aHRs (95% CI) for cardiometabolic outcomes in women with irregular menstrual cycles were as follows: composite CVD 1.08 (95% CI 1.00-1.19), IHD 1.18 (1.01-1.37), cerebrovascular disease 1.04 (0.92-1.17), HF 1.30 (1.02-1.65), hypertension 1.07 (1.03-1.11), T2DM 1.37 (1.29-1.45). The aHR comparing frequent or infrequent menstrual cycles to menstrual cycles of normal frequency were as follows: composite CVD 1.24 (1.02-1.52), IHD 1.13 (0.81-1.57), cerebrovascular disease 1.43 (1.10-1.87), HF 0.99 (0.57-1.75), hypertension 1.31 (1.21-1.43), T2DM 1.74 (1.52-1.98). CONCLUSIONS History of either menstrual cycle irregularity or frequent or infrequent cycles were associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic outcomes in later life. Menstrual history may be a useful tool in identifying women eligible for periodic assessment of their cardiometabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Okoth
- Institute of Applied Health Research, IOEM Building, University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - William Parry Smith
- Institute of Applied Health Research, IOEM Building, University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - G Neil Thomas
- Institute of Applied Health Research, IOEM Building, University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar
- Institute of Applied Health Research, IOEM Building, University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Nicola J Adderley
- Institute of Applied Health Research, IOEM Building, University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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