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Schei TS, Abernethy K. The impact of a specialist-led digital health application on menopause symptoms in the workplace: A single-arm, longitudinal evaluation. Maturitas 2024; 187:108005. [PMID: 38851044 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108005] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the change in menopause symptoms and work impairment among a cohort of UK working women who utilised an employer-provided digital menopause health application offering education and personalised support. STUDY DESIGN We adopted a retrospective, single-arm, longitudinal approach by analysing data from 11,870 users of the Peppy Health menopause application. Users reported their menopause symptoms and work impairment on day 0 and after 90 and 180 days of application use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Menopause symptoms were measured by the Menopause Rating Scale, while work impairment was measured by a single question. RESULTS A significant decrease in the severity of menopause symptoms was observed in users across menopause stages, except for premenopausal users who saw lower severity and no change over time. Improvement in menopause symptoms was positively associated with the degree of application engagement. Work impairment also significantly reduced over time for menopausal users, and a significant association was observed between a reduction in menopause symptoms and a decline in work impairment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that engaging with a digital menopause application is associated with an improvement in menopause symptoms, which lends initial support for the use of personalised digital solutions to help working women through the menopause transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea S Schei
- Peppy Health, 128 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom.
| | - Kathy Abernethy
- Peppy Health, 128 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
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Elavsky S, Burda M, Cipryan L, Kutáč P, Bužga M, Jandackova V, Chow SM, Jandacka D. Physical activity and menopausal symptoms: evaluating the contribution of obesity, fitness, and ambient air pollution status. Menopause 2024; 31:310-319. [PMID: 38377450 PMCID: PMC10959689 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The menopausal transition is accompanied by transient symptoms that have been linked to subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD); CVD has also been linked to air pollution. Physical activity (PA) reduces CVD, improves body composition, and can reduce menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the links between PA and menopausal symptoms and whether obesity, fitness, and air pollution status play a role in this relationship. METHODS Women (40-60 y; N = 243; mean [SD] age, 47.8 [5.6] y) from areas with high versus low air pollution enrolled in the Healthy Aging in Industrial Environment Program 4 prospective cohort study completed psychological, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and menopausal status screening followed by a 14-day prospective assessment of menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale) using a mobile application. Daily PA was assessed objectively across 14 days via Fitbit Charge 3 monitor. General linear mixed models were conducted and controlled for age, menopausal status, day in the study, wear time, and neuroticism. RESULTS Peri/postmenopausal women ( β = 0.43, P < 0.001) and those residing in a high-air-pollution environment ( β = 0.45, P < 0.05) reported more somatovegetative symptoms. Hot flashes alone were associated with peri/postmenopausal status ( β = 0.45, P < 0.001), and for women residing in a high-air-pollution environment, lower reporting of hot flashes was observed on days when a woman was more physically active than usual ( β = -0.15, P < 0.001). No associations were found for cardiorespiratory fitness and visceral fat with any of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS PA may enhance resilience to hot flashes, especially when residing in high-air-pollution environments where we also observed higher reporting of somatovegetative menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steriani Elavsky
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Burda
- Institute for Research and Applications of Fuzzy Modeling, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic IT4Innovations
| | - Lukáš Cipryan
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kutáč
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Bužga
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Jandackova
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Sy-Miin Chow
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, USA
| | - Daniel Jandacka
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic
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Lewis Johnson T, Rowland LM, Ashraf MS, Clark CT, Dotson VM, Livinski AA, Simon M. Key Findings from Mental Health Research During the Menopause Transition for Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Women Living in the United States: A Scoping Review. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:113-131. [PMID: 38079223 PMCID: PMC10880275 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0276] [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] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) women experience social and structural factors that may affect their response to mental health treatment and menopausal symptoms during the menopause transition (MT). This scoping review on mental health during the MT for REM women in the United States was conducted to characterize factors associated with mental health challenges. Materials and Methods: Five databases were searched. Articles were included if focused on MT in REM women in the United States and its territories with specific mental illnesses and published in English from 2005 to 2021. Titles and abstracts and full text were screened. Screening and data collection were completed in duplicate by two reviewers in Covidence. Results: Sixty-five articles were included and indicate that REM women experience a disproportionate burden of depressive symptoms during the MT. Less evidence is reported about anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses. The risk factors associated with mental illness during MT are social, structural, and biological. Treatment response to therapeutic interventions is often underpowered to explain REM differences. Conclusion: Depression during the MT is associated with negative outcomes that may impact REM women differentially. Incorporating theoretical frameworks (e.g., intersectionality, weathering) into mental health research will reduce the likelihood that scientists mislabel race as the cause of these inequities, when racism and intersecting systems of oppression are the root causes of differential expression of mental illness among REM women during the MT. There is a need for interdisciplinary research to advance the mental health of REM women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Lewis Johnson
- Women's Mental Health Research Program, Office of Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura M. Rowland
- Neuroscience of Mental Disorders and Aging Program, Division of Translational Research, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Mahela S. Ashraf
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Crystal T. Clark
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vonetta M. Dotson
- Department of Psychology and Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alicia A. Livinski
- National Institutes of Health Library, Office of Research Services, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Public Health, and Medicine (IPHAM)—Center for Health Equity Transformation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Verburgh M, Verdonk P, Muntinga M, van Valkengoed I, Hulshof C, Nieuwenhuijsen K. "But at a certain point, the lights literally went out": A qualitative study exploring midlife women's experiences of health, wellbeing, and functioning in relation to paid work. Work 2024; 77:799-809. [PMID: 37781836 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220567] [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] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, the fact that midlife women constitute a considerable segment of the working population is relatively new. Generally paid work contributes to midlife women's wellbeing, but they also report health challenges, such as work-related fatigue and the menopause. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to understand how midlife women themselves perceive their health, wellbeing, and functioning in relation to paid work. METHODS In this exploratory qualitative study, 28 women participated in five ethnically homogeneous focus group discussions (FGDs). De FGDs were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using MAXQDA. RESULTS We identified exhaustion as central to our analysis. During midlife, exhaustion seems to occur once a certain limit has been reached, both physically and mentally, with women feeling to have reached the end of their rope. Besides obvious physiological challenges, we identified two major themes in which we discuss challenges both in paid work and private life: (1) work environment and working conditions, and (2) burdens in private life. Participants took various measures to manage and try to reduce exhaustion, including finding a new job or negotiating different job tasks, and reducing work hours. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the extent to which women experience exhaustion is associated with challenges in both paid work and private life. The underlying processes do not seem to reflect individual problems, but reflect a complex set of factors at the structural level. Nevertheless, women take several individual measures to reduce their exhaustion, including reducing their participation in paid work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Verburgh
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Verdonk
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Muntinga
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irene van Valkengoed
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel Hulshof
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Nieuwenhuijsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Dahlgren MK, Kosereisoglu D, Smith RT, Sagar KA, Lambros AM, El-Abboud C, Gruber SA. Identifying Variables Associated with Menopause-Related Shame and Stigma: Results from a National Survey Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:1182-1191. [PMID: 37852008 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0185] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the significance of menopause as a natural biological milestone experienced by approximately half the population, few studies have evaluated factors associated with menopause-related shame and stigma. Given previous research indicating increased shame and stigma are associated with negative outcomes that directly impact health (e.g., reduced access to health care), it is critical to identify variables associated with menopause-related shame and stigma. Materials and Methods: As part of a larger, national survey, 214 perimenopausal (n = 111) and postmenopausal (n = 103) individuals completed self-report questionnaires assessing demographics and menopause-related symptoms, shame, and stigma. Regression analyses examined variables associated with shame and stigma. Results: Over a third of respondents reported feeling shame related to their menopause-related symptoms (37.4%), while the majority of respondents reported feeling stigma associated with symptoms (82.7%). In addition, most respondents endorsed talking about their symptoms with friends, family, partners, or doctors (80.8%), and felt that their peers might experience the same symptoms (93.9%). Regression analyses identified several significant predictor variables; in particular, more severe psychosocial and urogenital symptoms, higher education level, and younger age were significantly associated with greater odds of reporting shame and stigma. Conclusions: Overall, findings suggest that even though menopausal individuals report feeling their symptoms are similar to their peers, shame and stigma are significantly associated with these symptoms, which may be impacted by symptom severity and socioeconomic factors. Results suggest that younger individuals (i.e., those just entering perimenopause) with more education may be more likely to feel shame and stigma, which could inform interventional strategies and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kathryn Dahlgren
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deniz Kosereisoglu
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rosemary T Smith
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelly A Sagar
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashley M Lambros
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Celine El-Abboud
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Staci A Gruber
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Effects of bothersome symptoms during the late reproductive stage and menopausal transition: observations from the Women Living Better Survey. Menopause 2023; 30:45-55. [PMID: 36576442 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bothersome symptoms during the late reproductive stage and menopausal transition sometimes interfere with women's activities of daily living and relationships, yet little is known about the specific effects of different groups of symptoms. Aims of these analyses were to examine the effects of bother related to 5 symptom groups on participant's assessment of 4 outcomes: interference with everyday activities, interference with relationships, "not feeling like myself," and self-ratings of health. METHODS Participants (N = 1,539 meeting eligibility and inclusion criteria) aged 35 to 60 years responded to the online Women Living Better Survey during March to August of 2020. In addition to rating 61 symptoms as bothersome on a scale from not at all bothered (0) to extremely bothered (6), they also indicated the degree to which their symptoms interfered with their activities and relationships indicating not at all (0) to a great deal (4). They indicated the extent to which they did not "feel like myself" choosing none of the time (0) to all of the time (4) and rated their health from poor (1) to excellent (5). Symptoms were grouped using results of principal components analysis. Five symptom groups with the highest bother ratings were analyzed for this report, including the following: brain fog, volatile mood, fatigue/pain, vasomotor symptoms (VMS)/sleep onset, and anxiety/vigilance symptoms. Two-stage hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine personal characteristics of the participants such as education, menopause-related factors, roles and stressors (stage 1), and effects of 5 symptom group bother ratings on interference with daily activities and relationships, "not feeling like myself," and health ratings (stage 2). RESULTS Interference with daily activities was related to difficulty paying for basic items and bother associated with the brain fog, anxiety/vigilance, fatigue/pain, and VMS/sleep onset symptom groups. Interference with relationships was correlated with being in a committed relationship and bother related to all 5 symptom groups. "Not feeling like myself" was related to having completed less education, reporting greater overall stress, brain fog, anxiety/vigilance, volatile mood, and fatigue/pain symptoms. More positive health ratings were related to having completed more education, having responsibility for children or dependents, experiencing greater satisfaction with roles, and less fatigue/pain symptom bother. Bother related to all 5 symptom groups was associated with increased interference with relationships, but bother related to interference with daily activities was related to only 4 of the 5 symptom groups, but not volatile mood symptoms. The phrase "not feeling like myself" was related to more bothersome anxiety/vigilance, volatile mood, brain fog, and fatigue/pain symptoms. Of interest was that VMS/sleep symptoms, often attributed to the menopausal transition, were not related to either "not feeling like myself" or to self-ratings of health. Moreover, self-rated health was related only to fatigue/pain symptom bother. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the experience of symptoms typically attributed to a developmental event, in this case perimenopause, may be viewed as unrelated to one's health. Further clarification of which symptoms can be attributed to perimenopause rather than other factors, such as aging, will improve anticipatory guidance about perimenopause. Similarly, additional investigation of the meaning of the phrase "not feeling like myself" could help clarify why bothersome symptoms, such as mood, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms, but not vasomotor/insomnia symptoms, are associated with this descriptor. Setting accurate expectations about what is typical can influence anticipations, understanding the spectrum of experiences, and attributions of symptoms. Further investigation on these fronts will contribute to timely, accurate anticipatory guidance and strategic symptom management for patients and providers.
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D’Angelo S, Bevilacqua G, Hammond J, Zaballa E, Dennison EM, Walker-Bone K. Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Work: Findings from Women in the Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:295. [PMID: 36612616 PMCID: PMC9819903 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Women make up a growing proportion of the workforce and therefore many women experience menopause while in paid employment. We explored the prevalence of menopausal symptoms, the relationship between symptoms and coping with work and the risk factors associated with struggling at work during the menopause. The Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) community-based cohort of people aged 50-64 years was incepted 2013-2014 to study health and work. In 2019, female participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their menopausal symptoms, and effect of those symptoms on their ability to cope at work. 409 women were eligible for inclusion. The commonest symptoms were vasomotor (91.7%); trouble sleeping (68.2%); psychological (63.6%) and urinary (49.1%). The prevalence of reporting symptoms was similar no matter which type of occupation women were performing at the time. Around one-third of women reported moderate/severe difficulties coping at work because of menopausal symptoms. Risk factors for difficulties coping at work included: financial deprivation, poorer self-rated health, depression, and adverse psychosocial occupational factors but not physical demands. More awareness is needed amongst employers in all sectors but women with financial difficulties and those with jobs in which they feel insecure, unappreciated, or dissatisfied are at greatest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania D’Angelo
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
| | - Gregorio Bevilacqua
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
| | - Julia Hammond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
| | - Elena Zaballa
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
| | - Elaine M. Dennison
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
| | - Karen Walker-Bone
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton SO15 3BX, UK
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Stute P, Lozza-Fiacco S. Strategies to cope with stress and anxiety during the menopausal transition. Maturitas 2022; 166:1-13. [PMID: 35964446 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The menopausal transition is often accompanied by psycho-vegetative symptoms, including stress and anxiety symptoms. Identifying stress and anxiety and intervening early can have an enormous public health impact. Health care practitioners like obstetrician-gynecologists or family doctors play a critical role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of stress and anxiety symptoms or disorders, as they often represent women's primary medical contact during the menopausal transition. However, they frequently do not feel confident in identifying and treating mental health problems. The aim of this review was to summarize current (since 2010) knowledge from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on diagnostics and treatment options, and to provide clinical decision-making algorithms. The recent literature suggests pharmacological, (cognitive) behavioral, and complementary treatments. The choice about which one to use should be discussed with the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Serena Lozza-Fiacco
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Verdonk P, Bendien E, Appelman Y. Menopause and work: A narrative literature review about menopause, work and health. Work 2022; 72:483-496. [PMID: 35570508 PMCID: PMC9277682 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Menopause is part of working women’s lives. In Western countries, labour market patterns are changing rapidly: women’s labour participation has increased, the percentage of full-time working women is rising, and retirement age is increasing. OBJECTIVE: This narrative literature study aims to provide an insight in the state of the art in the literature about the relationship between menopause, work and health and to identify knowledge gaps as input for further research. METHODS: The search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE and ScienceDirect. The final set includes 36 academic articles, 27 additional articles related to the topic and 6 additional sources. RESULTS: Research on menopause, work and health is scarce. Results are grouped thematically as follows: Menopause and (1) a lack of recognising; (2) sickness absence and costs; (3) work ability; (4) job characteristics; (5) psychosocial and cultural factors; (6) health; (7) mental health, and (8) coping and interventions. Work ability of women with severe menopausal complaints may be negatively affected. CONCLUSIONS: Due to taboo, menopause remains unrecognised and unaddressed within an organisational context. New theoretical and methodological approaches towards research on menopause, work and health are required in order to match the variety of the work contexts world-wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Verdonk
- Department Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Bendien
- Department Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Hachfeld A, Atkinson A, Stute P, Calmy A, Tarr PE, Darling K, Babouee Flury B, Polli C, Sultan-Beyer L, Abela IA, Aebi-Popp K. Women with HIV transitioning through menopause: Insights from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). HIV Med 2022; 23:417-425. [PMID: 35194949 PMCID: PMC9306735 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to assess prevalence and age at menopause, identify factors associated with early menopause and explore the provision and utilization of healthcare in women living with HIV in Switzerland. Methods This was a retrospective Swiss HIV Cohort Study analysis from January 2010 to December 2018. Descriptive statistics to characterise the population and menopause onset. Logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for early menopause. Results Of all women in the SHCS, the proportion of postmenopausal women tripled from 11.5% (n = 274) in 2010 to 36.1% (n = 961) in 2018. The median age at menopause was 50 years. Early menopause (< 45 years) occurred in 115 (10.2%) women and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) (< 40 years) in 23 (2%) women. Early menopause was associated with black ethnicity (52.2% vs. 21.6%, p < 0.001), but not with HIV acquisition mode, CDC stage, viral suppression, CD4 cell count, hepatitis C, smoking or active drug use. While 92% of the postmenopausal women underwent a gynaecological examination during the 36 months before menopause documentation, only 27% received a bone mineral density measurement within 36 months after the last bleed and 11% were on hormone replacement therapy at the time of menopause documentation. Conclusions The median age of women living with HIV at menopause is around 2 years lower than that reported for HIV‐negative women in Switzerland. HIV care providers need to adapt their services to the requirements of the increasing number of women living with HIV transitioning through menopause. They should be able to recognize menopause‐associated symptoms and improve access to bone mineral density measurement as well as hormone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hachfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Atkinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Petra Stute
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Department of Infectious Diseases University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philip E Tarr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Basel, Bruderholz, Switzerland
| | - Katharine Darling
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Baharak Babouee Flury
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian Polli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Leila Sultan-Beyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irene A Abela
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Aebi-Popp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Reeves AN, Elliott MR, Brooks MM, Karvonen-Gutierrez CA, Bondarenko I, Hood MM, Harlow SD. Symptom clusters predict risk of metabolic-syndrome and diabetes in midlife: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Ann Epidemiol 2021; 58:48-55. [PMID: 33631313 PMCID: PMC8165007 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women's cardio-metabolic risk increases in midlife. Previous work relating menopause symptoms to diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) does not consider the adverse impact of multiple concurrent physical and psychological symptoms in midlife. METHODS Data are from 3097 participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a cohort of midlife women followed for over 20 years. Baseline latent symptom classes (LSC) were derived from 58 questions assessing physical, psychological and menopausal symptoms. Six identified LSCs ranged from 1 (most symptoms present at high severity) to 6 (few symptoms present at low severity). Accelerated failure time models estimated time to onset of type 2 diabetes and MetS for each LSC. RESULTS Women with multiple high/moderate severity symptoms had an earlier onset of diabetes (13.2%, 14.1% and 20.8% earlier onset in LSCs 1, 2, 3, respectively) and MetS (15.5%, 13.0% and 19.7% earlier onset in LSCs 1, 2, 3, respectively) than women with few/low severity symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Having multiple concurrent moderate to high intensity physical and psychological symptoms in midlife are associated with early onset of diabetes and MetS. Monitoring and subsequent intervention on a broad range of symptoms in midlife may significantly mitigate cardio-metabolic risk during this critical life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Reeves
- Epidemiologic Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Michael R Elliott
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Maria M Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Irina Bondarenko
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michelle M Hood
- Epidemiologic Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Siobán D Harlow
- Epidemiologic Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Physiologic vasomotor symptoms are associated with verbal memory dysfunction in breast cancer survivors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:1209-1219. [PMID: 33110036 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), sleep disturbance, and cognitive complaints are common among women with a history of breast cancer and contribute to decreased quality of life. Studies in healthy women showed an association between verbal memory performance and physiologic VMS measured with ambulatory skin conductance monitors but not with VMS by self-report. We hypothesized that we would find a similar association in women with breast cancer. METHODS Participants included 30 female breast cancer survivors (mean age 52.7 y; 26.7% African-American) with moderate-to-severe VMS enrolled in a larger clinical trial of a nonhormonal intervention for VMS. At baseline, participants completed assessments of physiologic VMS, actigraphy-based assessments of sleep, questionnaires about mood, and two tests of verbal memory - Logical Memory (LM) and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Using baseline data, we conducted multivariate regression analyses to examine the association between VMS and memory, controlling for sleep and other factors. RESULTS On average, women reported 46% of total physiologic VMS. A higher frequency of physiologic VMS - but not reported VMS - was significantly associated with lower scores on the California Verbal Learning Test short-delay free recall (r[28] = -0.41, P = 0.03), long-delay free recall (r[28] = -0.42, P = 0.03), and total clustering, (r[28] = -0.39, P = 0.04). These associations were independent of sleep, mood, and other factors. CONCLUSIONS Independent of their effect on sleep, VMS may be a modifiable contributor to memory difficulties in women with breast cancer. These findings underscore the importance of objective measurement of VMS in cognitive studies. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A623.
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Ruiz-Montero PJ, Marín-Jiménez N, Borges-Cosic M, Aparicio VA. Association of objectively measured physical fitness with health-related quality of life of mid-life women: the FLAMENCO project. Climacteric 2021; 24:282-288. [PMID: 33586552 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1879778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the association of physical fitness with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mid-life women and to examine the potential independent association of physical fitness components with the physical and mental components from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) in this population. METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 183 mid-life women from southern Spain who participated in the FLAMENCO project. Body composition was measured through an impedanciometer, a stadiometer, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical fitness was objectively measured with the Senior Fitness Test battery (cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and dynamic balance/agility) plus handgrip strength (muscle strength). The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL of the participants. RESULTS All the physical fitness components were associated with the SF-36 physical function (all p < 0.05) except for lower-body flexibility. The rest of the physical fitness components showed associations with most of the SF-36 dimensions (all p < 0.05). Dynamic balance/agility and upper-body flexibility were independently associated with the SF-36 physical component scale, explaining 15% and 17% of the SF-36 physical component scale, respectively. Any physical fitness component showed independent associations with the SF-36 mental component scale. CONCLUSIONS Greater physical fitness levels are associated with better HRQoL of mid-life women. Dynamic balance/agility and upper-body flexibility were the strongest independent physical fitness components associated with the SF-36 physical component scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Ruiz-Montero
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, Melilla Campus, University of Granada, Melilla, Spain
| | - N Marín-Jiménez
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M Borges-Cosic
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - V A Aparicio
- Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Physiology, 'José Mataix Verdú' Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) and Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Evandrou M, Falkingham J, Qin M, Vlachantoni A. Menopausal transition and change in employment: Evidence from the National Child Development Study. Maturitas 2020; 143:96-104. [PMID: 33308643 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the impact of the menopausal transition and severe symptoms on changes in employment. STUDY DESIGN This longitudinal prospective study analysed data from a population-based cohort study, the UK National Child Development Study Wave 8 and Wave 9, when the cohort was aged 50 and 55 respectively. The analytical sample comprised 3109 employed women at age 50. MEASURES The outcome variable was the employment change from age 50 to age 55, with three categories: i) continued employed without reduced working time; ii) continued employed with reduced working hours; and iii) exit employment. The employment dynamics of women were compared using multinomial logistic regression modelling. Key independent variables included menopausal transition status and severe menopausal symptoms experienced. RESULTS 53.5 % of employed women at age 50 reported at least one severe menopausal symptom. Women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms had a higher chance of employment exit or reducing their working hours. The odds ratios contrasting severely symptomatic women with those with no severe symptoms were 1.43 (95 % CI = 1.11-1.84) between exiting employment vs continued employment without reducing working hours, and 1.23 (95 % CI = 1.02-1.48) between reducing working hours vs continued employment without reducing working hours. The strength of the association between women's severe menopausal symptoms and the risk of employment exit or reducing working hours varied according to their HRT usage and their partner's economic activity. CONCLUSIONS Menopausal symptoms can pose obstacles to some middle-aged women in terms of remaining in employment or maintaining their number of working hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Evandrou
- Centre for Research on Ageing, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; ESRC Centre for Population Change, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Jane Falkingham
- ESRC Centre for Population Change, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Min Qin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; ESRC Centre for Population Change, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Athina Vlachantoni
- Centre for Research on Ageing, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK; ESRC Centre for Population Change, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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Psychological health, sleep quality, and coping styles to stress facing the COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:225. [PMID: 32647160 PMCID: PMC7347261 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand Wuhan residents' psychological reactions to the COVID-19 epidemic and offer a reference point for interventions, an online questionnaire survey was conducted. It included the Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item Scale (PHQ-9), Athens Insomnia Scale, and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Categorical data were reported as numbers and percentages. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between demographic factors and anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and passive coping style. A total of 1242 Wuhan residents investigated, 27.5% had anxiety, 29.3% had depression, 30.0% had a sleep disorder, and 29.8% had a passive response to COVID-19. Being female was the risk factor for anxiety (OR = 1.62) and sleep disorder (OR = 1.36); being married was associated with anxiety (OR = 1.75); having a monthly income between 1000 and 5000 CNY (OR = 1.44, OR = 1.83, OR = 2.61) or >5000 CNY (OR = 1.47, OR = 1.45, OR = 2.14) was a risk factor for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder; not exercising (OR = 1.45, OR = 1.71, OR = 1. 85, OR = 1.71) was a common risk factor for anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and passive coping style; and having a higher education level (bachelor's degree and above) (OR = 1.40) was associated with having a sleep disorder. Wuhan residents' psychological status and sleep quality were relatively poorer than they were before the COVID-19 epidemic; however, the rate of passive coping to stress was relatively higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail A Greendale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Arun S Karlamangla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Pauline M Maki
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago
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Self-help cognitive behavior therapy for working women with problematic hot flushes and night sweats (MENOS@Work): a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Menopause 2019; 25:508-519. [PMID: 29315132 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of an unguided, self-help cognitive behavior therapy (SH-CBT) booklet on hot flush and night sweat (HFNS) problem rating, delivered in a work setting. METHODS Women aged 45 to 60 years, having 10 or more problematic HFNS a week, were recruited to a multicenter randomized controlled trial, via the occupational health/human resources departments of eight organizations. Participants were 1:1 randomized to SH-CBT or no treatment waitlist control (NTWC). The primary outcome was HFNS problem rating; secondary outcomes included HFNS frequency, work and social adjustment, sleep, mood, beliefs and behaviors, and work-related variables (absence, performance, turnover intention, and work impairment due to presenteeism). Intention-to-treat analysis was used, and between-group differences estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS A total of 124 women were randomly allocated to SH-CBT (n = 60) and NTWC (n = 64). 104 (84%) were assessed for primary outcome at 6 weeks and 102 (82%) at 20 weeks. SH-CBT significantly reduced HFNS problem rating at 6 weeks (SH-CBT vs NTWC adjusted mean difference, -1.49; 95% CI, -2.11 to -0.86; P < 0.001) and at 20 weeks (-1.09; 95% CI, -1.87 to -0.31; P < 0.01). SH-CBT also significantly reduced HFNS frequency, improved work and social adjustment; sleep, menopause beliefs, HFNS beliefs/behaviors at 6 and 20 weeks; improved wellbeing and somatic symptoms and reduced work impairment due to menopause-related presenteeism at 20 weeks, compared with the NTWC. There was no difference between groups in other work-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A brief, unguided SH-CBT booklet is a potentially effective management option for working women experiencing problematic HFNS.
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Relationship between symptom burden and disability leave among patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): findings from the Living with MPN patient survey. Ann Hematol 2019; 98:1119-1125. [PMID: 30694363 PMCID: PMC6469835 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-019-03610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) experience burdensome symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. How MPN symptoms relate with medical disability leave (MDL) among patients with the disease has not been previously examined. Using data collected from the Living with MPNs patient survey, symptom burden and functional status were compared in patients who reported taking MDL due to their MPN versus patients who reported no changes in employment status. Among 592 patients who were employed full- or part-time at diagnosis, 24.8% reported taking ≥ 1 MDL and 49.4% reported no change in employment status as a result of their MPN. Of the patients who took MDL, 29.9% took ≥ 2 MDLs, and most patients (62.6%) did not return to work. All 10 symptoms comprising the MPN Symptom Assessment Form were significantly more frequent and severe in patients who took MDL compared with those who had no employment change. Furthermore, functional impairments were also significantly more frequent among patients who went on MDL versus those with no employment change. Effective management of MPN-related symptoms may reduce disability leave among patients with high symptom burden.
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Sood R, Kuhle CL, Kapoor E, Thielen JM, Frohmader KS, Mara KC, Faubion SS. Association of mindfulness and stress with menopausal symptoms in midlife women. Climacteric 2019; 22:377-382. [DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1551344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sood
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C. L. Kuhle
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - E. Kapoor
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - J. M. Thielen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - K. C. Mara
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S. S. Faubion
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Menopause & Women's Sexual Health Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anxiety about memory during menopause can affect quality of life. We aimed to improve memory self-efficacy during menopause using a group memory strategies program. METHODS The program was run five times for a total of 32 peri- and postmenopausal women, age between 47 and 60 years, recruited from hospital menopause and gynecology clinics. The 4-week intervention consisted of weekly 2-hour sessions, and covered how memory works, memory changes related to ageing, health and lifestyle factors, and specific memory strategies. Memory contentment (CT), reported frequency of forgetting (FF), use of memory strategies, psychological distress, and attitude toward menopause were measured. A double-baseline design was applied, with outcomes measured on two baseline occasions (1-month prior [T1] and in the first session [T2]), immediately postintervention (T3), and 3-month postintervention (T4). To describe changes in each variable between time points paired sample t tests were conducted. Mixed-effects models comparing the means of random slopes from T2 to T3 with those from T1 to T2 were conducted for each variable to test for treatment effects. RESULTS Examination of the naturalistic changes in outcome measures from T1 to T2 revealed no significant changes (all Ps > 0.05). CT, reported FF, and use of memory strategies improved significantly more from T2 to T3, than from T1 to T2 (all Ps < 0.05). Neither attitude toward menopause nor psychological distress improved significantly more postintervention than during the double-baseline (all Ps > 0.05). Improvements in reported CT and FF were maintained after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The use of group interventions to improve memory self-efficacy during menopause warrants continued evaluation.
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Abstract
Effective antiretroviral therapy has resulted in a close to normal life expectancy for people living with HIV. This has led to a shift in the age distribution of women living with HIV in the UK, with one in three attending for HIV care estimated to be aged 45-56 years in 2014. The lack of experience of many HIV physicians in managing menopause, and the perceived complexity of managing menopause in women living with HIV by general practitioners means that many women are unable to access appropriate care and support. This is aggravated by the relative paucity of data on menopause in women living with HIV and conflicting results in this field, for example with regard to age of onset of menopause and symptomatology experienced. Furthermore, women living with HIV have unique considerations such as potential interactions between antiretroviral therapy and menopause hormone therapy (previously called hormone replacement therapy) and other physiological concerns such as a multifactorial propensity towards decreased bone mineral density and potentially increased cardiovascular risk. On the whole, menopause hormone therapy is probably underutilised in this group of women due to perceived concerns around drug-drug interactions, as well as fears shared with women in the general population about menopause hormone therapy. Menopausal women should be given adequate information on symptomatology, lifestyle modification and treatment options including menopause hormone therapy. Furthermore, a holistic approach which considers the increased burden of poor mental health in this population is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Bull
- 9762 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital , London, UK
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Carpenter JS, Bakoyannis G, Otte JL, Chen CX, Rand KL, Woods N, Newton K, Joffe H, Manson JE, Freeman EW, Guthrie KA. Validity, cut-points, and minimally important differences for two hot flash-related daily interference scales. Menopause 2017; 24:877-885. [PMID: 28509814 PMCID: PMC6002749 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct psychometric analyses to condense the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS) into a shorter form termed the Hot Flash Interference (HFI) scale; evaluate cut-points for both scales; and establish minimally important differences (MIDs) for both scales. METHODS We analyzed baseline and postrandomization patient-reported data pooled across three randomized trials aimed at reducing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in 899 midlife women. Trials were conducted across five MsFLASH clinical sites between July 2009 and October 2012. We eliminated HFRDIS items based on experts' content validity ratings and confirmatory factor analysis, and evaluated cut-points and established MIDs by mapping HFRDIS and HFI to other measures. RESULTS The three-item HFI (interference with sleep, mood, and concentration) demonstrated strong internal consistency (alphas of 0.830 and 0.856), showed good fit to the unidimensional "hot flash interference factor," and strong convergent validity with HFRDIS scores, diary VMS, and menopausal quality of life. For both scales, cut-points of mild (0-3.9), moderate (4-6.9), and severe (7-10) interference were associated with increasing diary VMS ratings, sleep, and anxiety. The average MID was 1.66 for the HFRDIS and 2.34 for the HFI. CONCLUSIONS The HFI is a brief assessment of VMS interference and will be useful in busy clinics to standardize VMS assessment or in research studies where response burden may be an issue. The scale cut-points and MIDs should prove useful in targeting those most in need of treatment, monitoring treatment response, and interpreting existing and future research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgos Bakoyannis
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
- Department of Biostatistics, Fairbanks School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Julie L. Otte
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chen X. Chen
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Kevin L. Rand
- Department of Psychology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
| | - Nancy Woods
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Hadine Joffe
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - JoAnn E. Manson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Ellen W. Freeman
- Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine A. Guthrie
- MsFLASH Data Coordinating Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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Chirwa M, Ma R, Guallar C, Tariq S. Managing menopause in women living with HIV: A survey of primary care practitioners. Post Reprod Health 2017. [PMID: 28629256 PMCID: PMC5613803 DOI: 10.1177/2053369117712181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective One in three women living with HIV (WLHIV) in the UK is aged 45–56, and therefore of potentially menopausal age. Little is known about the management of menopause in WLHIV in primary care. We aim to describe current knowledge and practice in the management of menopause in WLWH among primary care practitioners (PCPs). Methods A questionnaire-based study of 88 PCPs attending two sexual and reproductive health conferences. Results Almost all respondents (n = 87, 99%) routinely managed women with menopause-related symptoms; however, only 18 (20%) reported having managed menopause in WLHIV. Over 95% (n = 85) reported being confident in managing menopause in general, whereas less than half (n = 40) reported confidence in managing menopause in WLHIV (p < 0.001). The majority of respondents (n = 84) felt that menopause should be routinely managed in primary care, whereas just over half thought that menopause in WLHIV should be managed in primary care (n = 50, p < 0.001). Almost all respondents (n = 85) reported concerns about managing menopause in WLHIV. Conclusion PCPs reported limited experience of and low levels of confidence in managing menopause-related symptoms in WLHIV. Nearly all PCPs had concerns about managing menopause-related symptoms in WLHIV, many stating that this should be managed outside primary care. Development of national guidance and specialised training, coupled with good liaison between HIV services and PCPs, may improve confidence in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shema Tariq
- 3 Mortimer Market Centre, UK.,4 University College London, London, UK
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Pain Severity in Relation to the Final Menstrual Period in a Prospective Multiethnic Observational Cohort: Results From the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2016; 18:178-187. [PMID: 27836812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The development of pain is common in midlife, resulting in increased health care utilization and costs. The aim of this study was to determine the longitudinal trajectory of overall bodily pain among women during the transition between the reproductive years and menopause. We conducted analyses on a community-based, longitudinal cohort of women enrolled in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. One thousand four hundred ninety-five women met inclusion criteria, including: 1) defined date of the final menstrual period (FMP), and 2) complete data on Short Form-36 bodily pain. The primary exposure was time to/from the FMP. The primary outcome was the rate of change in Short Form-36 bodily pain, measured on a scale of 0 to 100 with 100 being the most severe pain. We performed within-person trajectory analyses using piecewise regression following nonparametric modeling of functional forms. Mean bodily pain score at the time of the FMP was 29. Mean bodily pain increased at a rate of .26 per year during the transmenopause (the interval spanning 4.5 years before the FMP through .5 years after the FMP), and decreased at a rate of .23 per year after that. Depression and sleep problems were associated with greater increases in pain during the late reproductive years, whereas abdominal cramps at baseline predicted greater decreases in pain during the late reproductive years. PERSPECTIVE This article shows that bodily pain increases during the transmenopause and then diminishes during postmenopause. These differences may reflect differences in underlying mechanisms of pain in the 2 periods. Although mean changes were small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful, the magnitude of change varied across subgroups of women.
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Woods NF, Mitchell ES. The Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study: a longitudinal prospective study of women during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause. Womens Midlife Health 2016; 2:6. [PMID: 30766702 PMCID: PMC6299967 DOI: 10.1186/s40695-016-0019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The need for longitudinal, population-based studies to illuminate women’s experiences of symptoms during the menopausal transition motivated the development of the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study. Methods Longitudinal, population-based study of symptoms women experienced between the Late Reproductive stage of reproductive aging and the early postmenopause. Data collection began in 1990 with 508 women ages 35–55 and continued to 2013. Entry criteria included age, at least one period in past 12 months, uterus intact and at least 1 ovary. Women were studied up to 5 years postmenopause. Data collection included yearly health questionnaires, health diaries, urinary hormonal assays, menstrual calendars and buccal cell smears. Results Contributions of the study included development of a method for staging the menopausal transition; development of bleeding criteria to differentiate bleeding episodes from intermenstrual bleeding from menstrual calendars; identification of hormonal changes associated with menopausal transition stages; assessment of the effects of menopausal transition factors, aging, stress-related factors, health factors, social factors on symptoms, particularly hot flashes, depressed mood, pain, cognitive, sexual desire, and sleep disruption symptoms, and urinary incontinence symptoms; identification of naturally occurring clusters of symptoms women experienced during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause; and assessment of gene polymorphisms associated with events such as onset of the early and late menopausal transition stages and symptoms. Conclusions Over the course of the longitudinal Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study, investigators contributed to understanding of symptoms women experience during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause as well as methods of staging reproductive aging. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40695-016-0019-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Fugate Woods
- 1Department of Biobehavioral Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
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Hunter MS, Hardy C, Norton S, Griffiths A. Study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of self-help cognitive behaviour therapy for working women with menopausal symptoms (MENOS@Work). Maturitas 2016; 92:186-192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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McCurry SM, Guthrie KA, Morin CM, Woods NF, Landis CA, Ensrud KE, Larson JC, Joffe H, Cohen LS, Hunt JR, Newton KM, Otte JL, Reed SD, Sternfeld B, Tinker LF, LaCroix AZ. Telephone-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women With Vasomotor Symptoms: A MsFLASH Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2016; 176:913-20. [PMID: 27213646 PMCID: PMC4935624 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Effective, practical, nonpharmacologic therapies are needed to treat menopause-related insomnia symptoms in primary and women's specialty care settings. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) vs menopause education control (MEC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A single-site, randomized clinical trial was conducted from September 1, 2013, to August 31, 2015, in western Washington State among 106 perimenopausal or postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years with moderate insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI] score, ≥12) and 2 or more daily hot flashes. Blinded assessments were conducted at baseline, 8, and 24 weeks postrandomization. An intent-to-treat analysis was conducted. INTERVENTIONS Six CBT-I or MEC telephone sessions in 8 weeks. Participants submitted weekly electronic sleep diaries and received group-specific written educational materials. The CBT-I sessions included sleep restriction, stimulus control, sleep hygiene education, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral homework; MEC sessions provided information about menopause and women's health. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcome was scores on the ISI (score range, 0-28; scores ≥15 indicate moderate to severe insomnia). Secondary outcome was scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (score range, 0-21; higher scores indicate worse sleep quality). Additional outcomes included sleep and hot flash diary variables and hot flash interference. RESULTS At 8 weeks, ISI scores had decreased 9.9 points among 53 women receiving CBT-I (mean [SD] age, 55.0 [3.5] years) and 4.7 points among 53 women receiving MEC (age, 54.7 [4.7] years), a mean between-group difference of 5.2 points (95% CI, -6.1 to -3.3; P < .001). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores decreased 4.0 points in women receiving CBT-I and 1.4 points in women receiving MEC, a mean between-group difference of 2.7 points (95% CI, -3.9 to -1.5; P < .001). Significant group differences were sustained at 24 weeks. At 8 and 24 weeks, 33 of 47 women (70%) and 37 of 44 (84%) in the CBT-I group, respectively, had ISI scores in the no-insomnia range compared with 10 of 41 (24%) and 16 of 37 (43%) in the MEC group, respectively. The CBT-I group also had greater improvements in diary-reported sleep latency, wake time, and sleep efficiency. There were no between-group differences in frequency of daily hot flashes, but hot flash interference was significantly decreased at 8 weeks for the CBT-I group (-15.7; 95% CI, -20.4 to -11.0) compared with the MEC group (-7.1; 95% CI, -14.6 to 0.4) (P = .03), differences that were maintained at 24 weeks for the CBT-I group (-22.8; 95% CI, -28.6 to -16.9) and MEC group (-11.6; 95% CI, -19.4 to -3.8) (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Telephone-based CBT-I improved sleep in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with insomnia and hot flashes. Results support further development and testing of centralized CBT-I programs for treating menopausal insomnia. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01936441.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M McCurry
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Katherine A Guthrie
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Charles M Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nancy F Woods
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Carol A Landis
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kristine E Ensrud
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis6Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Joseph C Larson
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hadine Joffe
- Division of Women's Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lee S Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Julie R Hunt
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katherine M Newton
- Group Health Research Institute, Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, Washington
| | - Julie L Otte
- Department of Science of Nursing Care, Indiana University, Indianapolis
| | - Susan D Reed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Barbara Sternfeld
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | - Lesley F Tinker
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andrea Z LaCroix
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla
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Tariq S, Anderson J, Burns F, Delpech V, Gilson R, Sabin C. The menopause transition in women living with HIV: current evidence and future avenues of research. J Virus Erad 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Tariq S, Anderson J, Burns F, Delpech V, Gilson R, Sabin C. The menopause transition in women living with HIV: current evidence and future avenues of research. J Virus Erad 2016; 2:114-6. [PMID: 27482447 PMCID: PMC4965243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As the life expectancy of people living with HIV improves as a result of antiretroviral therapy, increasing numbers of women living with HIV (WLHIV) are now reaching menopausal age. The menopause transition in WLHIV remains a relatively overlooked area in clinical HIV research. Whilst there is some evidence to suggest that WLHIV experience menopause at an earlier age and that they have more menopausal symptoms, there is no clear consensus in the literature around an impact of HIV infection on either timing or symptomatology of the menopause. Data are also conflicting on whether HIV-related factors such as HIV viral load and CD4 cell count have an impact on the menopause. Furthermore, menopausal symptoms in WLHIV are known to go under-recognised by both healthcare providers and women themselves. There is likely to be a burden of unmet health needs among WLHIV transitioning through the menopause, with significant gaps in the evidence base for their care. With this in mind, we have developed the PRIME study (Positive Transitions Through the Menopause). This mixed-methods observational study will explore, for the first time in the UK, the impact of the menopause on the health and wellbeing of 1500 ethnically diverse WLHIV. In establishing a cohort of women in their midlife and following them up longitudinally, we hope to develop a nuanced understanding of the gendered aspects of ageing and HIV, informing the provision of appropriate services for WLHIV to ensure that they are supported in maintaining optimal health and wellbeing as they get older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shema Tariq
- Corresponding author: Shema Tariq,
Research Department of Infection and Population Health,
University College London,
Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street,
LondonWC1E 6JB,
UK
| | - Jane Anderson
- Centre for the Study of Sexual Health and HIV,
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London,
UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health,
University College London,
UK
| | | | - Richard Gilson
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health,
University College London,
UK
| | - Caroline Sabin
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health,
University College London,
UK
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Tariq S, Delpech V, Anderson J. The impact of the menopause transition on the health and wellbeing of women living with HIV: A narrative review. Maturitas 2016; 88:76-83. [PMID: 27105703 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in survival due to advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have led to a shift in the age distribution of those receiving HIV care, with increasing numbers of women living with HIV (WLHIV) reaching menopausal age. We present a narrative literature review of 26 studies exploring the menopause transition in WLHIV, focusing on: (1) natural history (2) symptomatology and management, and (3) immunologic and virologic effects. Data are conflicting on the association between HIV and earlier age at menopause, and the role of HIV-specific factors such as HIV viral load and CD4 count. There are some data to suggest that WLHIV experience more vasomotor and psychological symptoms during the menopause than HIV-negative women, and that uptake of hormone replacement therapy by WLHIV is comparatively low. There is no evidence that menopause affects either CD4 count or response to ART, although there may be increased immune activation in older WLHIV. We conclude that menopause in WLHIV is a neglected area of study. Specific information gaps include qualitative studies on experiences of reproductive ageing; data on the impact of the menopause on women's quality of life and ability to adhere to health-sustaining behaviors; as well as studies investigating the safety and efficacy of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. There is likely to be a burden of unmet health need among this growing population, and better data are required to inform optimal provision of care, supporting WLHIV to maintain their health and wellbeing into their post-reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shema Tariq
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London WC1E 6JB, UK.
| | - Valerie Delpech
- Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
| | - Jane Anderson
- Centre for the Study of Sexual Health and HIV, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR, UK.
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Griffiths A, Ceausu I, Depypere H, Lambrinoudaki I, Mueck A, Pérez-López FR, van der Schouw YT, Senturk LM, Simoncini T, Stevenson JC, Stute P, Rees M. EMAS recommendations for conditions in the workplace for menopausal women. Maturitas 2016; 85:79-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Matura LA, McDonough A, Carroll DL. Symptom Interference Severity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 51:25-32. [PMID: 26300023 PMCID: PMC4698220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT While assessing symptom severity is an important component of evaluating symptoms, understanding those symptoms that interfere with patients' lives is also key. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic disease resulting in right heart failure and increased mortality. Patients with PAH experience multiple symptoms but we do not know which symptoms and to what extent their symptoms interfere with daily life. OBJECTIVES To: (1) describe the prevalence of those symptoms that interfere with life; (2) describe the severity of symptom interference; and (3) determine those sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and interfering symptoms associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with PAH. METHODS A convenience sample of 191 patients with PAH completed a sociodemographic form, the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Symptom Interference Scale (PAHSIS) and the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 to measure HRQOL. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to analyze demographic and medical characteristics along with symptom interference from the PAHSIS as predictors of HRQOL from the composite mental and physical health summary scores of the Short Form-36. RESULTS The most interfering symptoms reported were fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, and difficulty sleeping. Age, gender, functional class, oxygen use, fatigue, dizziness, and Raynaud phenomenon were associated with the HRQOL physical health summary scores. The symptoms fatigue and SOB while lying down were associated with the HRQOL mental health summary scores. CONCLUSION Patients with PAH are experiencing multiple symptoms that are interfering with their HRQOL and ability to function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Ann Matura
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | | | - Diane L Carroll
- Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, Institute for Patient Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
The peri- and postmenopausal periods represent a window of vulnerability for emergence of anxiety symptoms and disorders in the life cycle of adult women. Compared to depression, anxiety symptoms and disorders remain largely unexplored during this phase of a woman's life, despite the significant impact on quality of life if not diagnosed and treated. Here, we review the literature to present our current understanding of the epidemiology, causal factors, diagnosis, and treatment of anxiety in the aging woman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Siegel
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Sarah B Mathews
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mitchell ES, Woods NF. Hot flush severity during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: beyond hormones. Climacteric 2015; 18:536-44. [PMID: 25748168 DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2015.1009436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors promoting symptom severity is essential to developing innovative symptom management models. AIM To investigate hot flush severity during the menopausal transition (MT) and early postmenopause and effects of age, MT stages, age of onset of late stage and final menstrual period (FMP), estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cortisol, anxiety, perceived stress, body mass index, smoking, alcohol use and exercise. METHODS A subset of participants in the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study (n = 291 with up to 6973 observations) provided data during the late reproductive, early and late MT stages and early postmenopause, including menstrual calendars, annual health questionnaires, and symptom diaries and urine specimens assayed for hormones several times per year. Multilevel modeling with an R program was used to test models accounting for hot flush severity. RESULTS Hot flush severity persisted through the MT stages and peaked during the late MT stage, diminishing after the second year postmenopause. In individual analyses, hot flush severity was associated with being older, being in the late MT stage or early postmenopause, beginning the late MT stage at a younger age and reporting greater anxiety. In a model including only endocrine factors, hot flush severity was significantly associated with higher FSH and lower estrone levels. An integrated model revealed dominant effects of late MT stage and early postmenopause, with anxiety contributing to hot flush severity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Hot flush severity was affected largely by reproductive aging and anxiety, suggesting symptom management models that modulate anxiety and enhance women's experience of the menopausal transition and early postmenopause.
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Increased hot flash severity and related interference in perimenopausal human immunodeficiency virus-infected women. Menopause 2014; 21:403-9. [PMID: 23820600 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31829d4c4c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer, more are entering perimenopause. Prior studies suggest that HIV-infected women are more likely to have hot flashes than non-HIV-infected women. However, little is known regarding hot flash severity and hot flash-related interference with daily function, mood, and quality of life in this population. METHODS Perimenopausal HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected women matched by age, race, and menstrual patterns completed the Menopause Rating Scale (to assess hot flash severity) and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). Menopause Rating Scale and HFRDIS scores and subscores were compared between the groups. RESULTS Thirty-three HIV-infected women and 33 non-HIV-infected women who were similar in age (median [interquartile range], 47 [45-48] vs 47 [46-49] y), race (64% vs 52% nonwhite, P = 0.32), and menstrual patterns (number of periods in the past year; 5 [4-9] vs 6 [4-10], P = 0.53) were studied. Perimenopausal HIV-infected women reported greater hot flash severity (HIV vs non-HIV: 2 [1-3] vs 1 [0-3], P = 0.03) and hot flash-related interference (HFRDIS total score, 37 [10-60] vs 6 [0-20], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Perimenopausal HIV-infected women experience greater hot flash severity and related interference compared with non-HIV-infected perimenopausal women. Increased distress secondary to hot flashes may reduce quality of life and negatively impact important health-promoting behaviors, including adherence to antiretroviral therapy, in HIV-infected women.
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Rohr UD, Volko CD, Schindler AE. Comparison of steady state development and reduction of menopausal symptoms after oral or transdermal delivery of 17-β-estradiol in young healthy symptomatic menopausal women. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2014; 18:123-36. [PMID: 25390008 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2013-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a renewed interest in the delivery of estradiol (E2) for the reduction of menopausal symptoms in young symptomatic menopausal women. This paper compares experimentally and theoretically obtained E2 plasma values by oral and transdermal delivery and compares them with relevant menopausal symptoms. STUDY DESIGN Two independent previously published studies were compared, which each contained 42 young symptomatic menopausal women. Experimentally obtained plasma values at days 1, 7 and 21 were compared with a theoretical model, taken from the literature, for describing plasma values for an oral immediate release formulation, consecutively for 21 days. Menopausal symptoms were determined in the steady state for oral and transdermal delivery with the Kuppermann index, previously not reported. In the case of oral delivery, estradiol was compared with estradiol valerate. RESULTS Previously published results for transdermal delivery of E2 showed that the matrix system establishes a steady state condition with the application of the first patch. Excellent agreement between theoretically predicted and experimentally obtained E2 plasma values for oral delivery in menopausal women was obtained. Circadian E2 plasma levels were observed continuously for transdermal delivery, were seen in oral delivery during first application and disappeared when steady state was achieved. Application of the prodrug E2-valerate delayed the maximum plasma peak from 1 pm to 4 pm, similar to the transdermal matrix patch. Investigating menopausal symptoms determined with the Kuppermann index did not reveal differences between oral or transdermal "E2 kinetic (hot flushes) relationship". This relationship was similar to symptomatic women suffering from hot flushes in untreated menopausal women or premenopausal women. Different menopausal symptoms required different E2 plasma levels: the average E2 levels higher than 23 pg/mL in plasma did abolish insomnia in 50% of postmenopausal women, with 28 pg/mL is needed to suppress 50% of dysthymia; however, rather high levels of 41 pg/mL are needed to suppress 50% of hot flushes, suggesting a rather complex mechanism beyond an E2 receptor mediated process. CONCLUSION There is a difference in the steady state between oral and transdermal E2 delivery. Steady state condition is achieved in the first application of a matrix patch, whereas with the application of a tablet the steady state is achieved in transdermal delivery within 12-14 days. Our reported calculated missed intake of a E2 tablet shows that E2 plasma levels drop for 4 days consecutively. Our conducted study has several limitations: firstly, no cross-over was conducted, but a rather cumbersome mathematical modeling; secondly, healthy women with no accompanying severe diseases were included in this study. The higher the oral dose, the higher the E2 steady state levels, but the time to achieve steady state levels is independent from the E2 dose.
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Rutanen R, Luoto R, Raitanen J, Mansikkamäki K, Tomás E, Nygård CH. Short- and Long-term Effects of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Work Ability and Work Strain in Symptomatic Menopausal Women. Saf Health Work 2014; 5:186-90. [PMID: 25516810 PMCID: PMC4266772 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical exercise during leisure time is known to increase physical capacity; however, the long-term effects on work ability and work strain are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-month physical exercise program on work ability and work strain after 6 months and 30 months, among women with menopausal symptoms at baseline. METHODS A questionnaire including questions on work ability and work strain was mailed in the beginning, at 6 months and after 30 months after the intervention to occupationally active women participating in a randomized controlled study on physical exercise and quality of life. The intervention included aerobic exercise training 4 times per week, 50 minutes per session. Work ability was measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and with questions about physical and mental work strain. RESULTS Women aged 47-62 years (N = 89) who were occupationally active at baseline were included in the analyses. The increase in WAI from baseline to the end of the exercise intervention (6 months) was statistically significantly greater among the intervention group than among the control group (regression coefficient 2.08; 95% confidence interval 0.71-3.46). The difference between the groups persisted for 30 months. No significant short- or long-term effects on physical and mental work strain were found. CONCLUSION A 6-month physical exercise intervention among symptomatic menopausal women had positive short-term as well as long-term effects on work ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetta Rutanen
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Riitta Luoto
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jani Raitanen
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland ; UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Eija Tomás
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Van Kempen TA, Gorecka J, Gonzalez AD, Soeda F, Milner TA, Waters EM. Characterization of neural estrogen signaling and neurotrophic changes in the accelerated ovarian failure mouse model of menopause. Endocrinology 2014; 155:3610-23. [PMID: 24926825 PMCID: PMC4138565 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) can be induced in young mice with low doses of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), modeling the hormone changes observed across menopause. We assessed markers of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, anxiety-like behavior, and spatial learning longitudinally at 4 time points across the AOF model: premenopause, early perimenopause, late perimenopause, and postmenopause (POST). As others have shown, VCD administration decreased ovarian follicle counts and increased acyclicity as the model progressed to POST but with no impact on organ or body weights. The morphology of Iba1 immunoreactive microglia did not differ between vehicle- and VCD-administered mice. Hippocampal postsynaptic density 95 levels were minimally altered across the AOF model but decreased at POST in CA3b 24 hours after exogenous estradiol benzoate (EB). In contrast, hippocampal phosphorylated AKT levels transiently decreased in premenopause but increased at POST after 24 hours of EB in select subregions. Electron microscopy revealed fewer estrogen receptor α containing dendritic spines and terminals in CA1 stratum radiatum at POST. mRNA levels of most brain-derived neurotrophic factor exons (except V and VI) were lower in POST compared with ovariectomized mice. Exon V was sensitive to 24 hours of EB administration in POST-VCD. Anxiety-like behavior was unaffected at any menopause phase. Spatial learning was unaffected in all groups, but POST-VCD mice performed below chance. Our results suggest that the AOF model is suitable for longitudinal studies of neurobiological changes across the menopause transition in mice. Our findings also point to complex interactions between estrogen receptors and pathways involved in synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Van Kempen
- Brain and Mind Research Institute (T.A.V.K., T.A.M.) and Graduate Program in Neuroscience (T.A.V.K., A.D.G.), Weill Cornell Medical College, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology (J.G., T.A.M., E.M.W.), The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065; and Department of Environmental and Molecular Health Sciences (F.S.), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
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Assessing menopause-specific quality of life in studies of the menopausal transition and early postmenopause. Menopause 2014; 21:792-3. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bryant C, Kleinstäuber M, Judd F. Asptects of mental health care in the gynecological setting. WOMENS HEALTH 2014; 10:237-54. [PMID: 24956291 DOI: 10.2217/whe.14.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychological disorders are commonly associated with gynecological conditions, but are frequently undetected and untreated, and may influence the presentation and treatment outcomes of the physical condition. A literature search was conducted in order to provide a narrative review of psychological aspects of menopause, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, chronic pelvic pain, incontinence and polycystic ovarian syndrome. All the conditions that have been addressed in this review can be associated with an increased risk of psychological symptoms and disorders. Anxiety and depression are common and are associated with significant morbidity. Gynecological conditions, by their nature, are likely to be accompanied by impairments in social, occupational and personal functioning. Greater emphasis should be placed on the mental health aspects of gynecological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bryant
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
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Weber L, Thacker HL. ParoXetine: A First for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – a New Use: Approved for Vasomotor Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women. WOMENS HEALTH 2014; 10:147-54. [DOI: 10.2217/whe.14.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the USA, over 30 million women are In or near menopause. Menopause Is associated with a cluster of Issues. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are the number one complaint of most menopausal women. VMS are disruptive to women during the day and at night, which leads to poor sleep, anxiety, depression and poor concentration. Up until now, the only US FDA-approved medication for moderate-to-severe VMS was hormone therapy. Hormone therapy may not be appropriate for all women. Many drugs are used off-label to treat VMS. The most often used agents are agents that are FDA-approved medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors. The pharmaceutical company, Noven Pharmaceuticals (FL, USA), has studied paroxetine mesylate 7.5 mg, previously known as low-dose mesylate salt of paroxetine, specifically to treat moderate-to-severe VMS In postmenopausal women. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitor, and Is thought to help decrease VMS by regulating body temperature via neurotransmitters. Paroxetine Is approved to treat various psychiatric disorders, but Is used at much higher doses (20–60 mg/day).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Weber
- Women's Health Center, Gault Women's Health & Breast Pavilion, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Holly L Thacker
- Women's Health Center, Gault Women's Health & Breast Pavilion, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Worsley R, Bell R, Kulkarni J, Davis SR. The association between vasomotor symptoms and depression during perimenopause: A systematic review. Maturitas 2014; 77:111-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Hsu YW, Ho CH, Wang JJ, Hsieh KY, Weng SF, Wu MP. Longitudinal trends of the healthcare-seeking prevalence and incidence of insomnia in Taiwan: an 8-year nationally representative study. Sleep Med 2013; 14:843-9. [PMID: 23856295 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We used insurance claims of a nationally representative population-based cohort to assess the longitudinal healthcare-seeking prevalence and incidence of insomnia. METHODS Participants were identified from National Health Insurance enrollees in Taiwan during 2002 to 2009. Individuals with insomnia were identified using The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic and procedure codes of 780.52, 307.41, and 307.42. RESULTS In 2009 the prevalence of insomnia was 5.4% for women and 3.0% for men; the incidence of insomnia was 1.6% for women and 1.3% for men. Patients who were women (odds ratio [OR]), 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-1.86), who were older (50-64 years: OR, 23.25; 95% CI, 21.07-25.64; ≥ 65 years: OR, 24.70; 95% CI, 22.40-27.24), and who were in the middle socioeconomic status (SES) group (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.16-1.21) were more likely to have insomnia. An inverse U-shaped woman-to-man ratio trend for the insomnia prevalence was found, and this ratio reached a peak around the menopausal transitional period. CONCLUSIONS The persistence of healthcare-seeking behaviors with insomnia was more common in women. Our findings underscore the need to initiate treatment at an early stage as opposed to waiting for the spontaneous resolution of insomnia. Future research needs to identify causes of the persistence of insomnia and to develop proper interventions to reduce its rising prevalence. More active approaches toward preventive strategies for insomnia are needed, especially for women who are at higher risk for insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Hsu
- Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
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Effects of physical activity on vasomotor symptoms: examination using objective and subjective measures. Menopause 2013; 19:1095-103. [PMID: 22735162 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31824f8fb8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical activity (PA) is essential for successful aging and for the prevention and management of common chronic diseases. The empirical support for the beneficial effects of PA on vasomotor symptoms has, however, been mixed. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of acute aerobic exercise and daily PA on menopausal vasomotor symptoms. METHODS Community-dwelling midlife women (N = 121; age range, 40-60 y) not using hormone therapy were recruited for a 15-day daily diary study. Women completed psychological, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and hormonal status screening followed by a 15-day prospective assessment in a "real-life" setting using a personal digital assistant. Participants also completed a 30-minute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise bout on a treadmill between days 5 and 8. Daily PA was assessed objectively through accelerometry, and all symptomatic women (n = 92) completed two 24-hour Biolog sternal skin conductance recordings of hot flashes (HFs)-one at baseline and one immediately after treadmill exercise. RESULTS Both total objective (P = 0.054) and total subjective (P < 0.05) HFs decreased after the acute exercise bout. At the between-person level, daily PA was not associated with self-reported HFs. However, at the within-person level, performing more moderate physical activity than usual was associated with more self-reported HFs in women with lower fitness levels. CONCLUSIONS Moderate aerobic exercise decreases objective and subjective HFs 24 hours after exercise; however, in women with lower fitness levels, more daily moderate PA leads to more self-reported symptoms.
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Prevalence of insomnia and related factors in a large mid-aged female Colombian sample. Maturitas 2013; 74:346-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Cray LA, Woods NF, Herting JR, Mitchell ES. Symptom clusters during the late reproductive stage through the early postmenopause: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study. Menopause 2012; 19:864-9. [PMID: 22643229 PMCID: PMC4492115 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31824790a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify symptom clusters that characterize women's experiences through the late reproductive stage, the menopausal transition, and early postmenopause and to explore the influence of the menopausal transition stages and early postmenopause, compared with that of the late reproductive stage, on the clusters of symptoms women experience. METHODS Participants from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study whose symptom calendars were staged for the menopausal transition provided data for a total of 6,857 occasions. Multilevel latent class analysis was used to identify classes using scores for hot flashes and symptom factors (sleep, cognitive, mood, pain, tension). RESULTS Class 1 included observations of low severity levels for all symptoms, whereas class 2 included low-severity hot flashes and moderate-severity levels for all other symptom factors. Class 3 included high severity hot flashes with lower severity levels of all other symptom factors. During the early and late menopausal transition stages and early postmenopause, the likelihood of being in class 3 was significantly greater than being in class 1 relative to the late reproductive stage. There were no significant effects of the menopausal transition stages on the likelihood of being in class 2. CONCLUSIONS This effort is the first to examine the latent classes or clusters of symptoms during the prolonged period from late reproductive stage to early postmenopause. As such, the data contribute to the understanding of symptom experiences beyond our early efforts to characterize the late menopausal transition stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Cray
- College of Nursing, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Menopause and work--the experience of middle-aged female teaching staff in an Egyptian governmental faculty of medicine. Maturitas 2012; 71:294-300. [PMID: 22226630 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a global trend of increasing numbers of older women in the workforce. However, limited information is available regarding the relationship between the menopause transition and work, especially in developing countries. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between experience of the menopause transition and work and to examine the factors affecting how women cope, including the extent to which women disclosed their menopausal status. METHODS Using a cross-sectional single group design, 131 middle-aged female medical teaching staff working in Zagazig Faculty of Medicine completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Participants, particularly those who were postmenopausal, reported high average scores on depressed mood, memory/concentration, sleep problems, vasomotor symptoms, and sexual behavior subscales of the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ). Women reported that poor working environment and work policies and conditions, functioning as sources of work stress, aggravated their menopausal symptoms. Disclosure of their menopausal status was uncommon; limited time and socio-cultural barriers were the most commonly reported reasons for non-disclosure. CONCLUSION It could be concluded that the menopause transition is an important occupational health issue especially for women in developing countries. Implementing health promotion programs, improving working environment and work policies, and raising awareness of menopause are recommended to help women to cope with the menopause transition and to maintain well-being and productivity at work.
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