Climacteric[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Effects of age of menarche and menopause on mental health in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional survey.
Wang Y, Liu X, Zhang H … +7 more , Li Z, Zhang J, Tang X, Qiu J, Qu H, Zhao B, Wang C
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 41247819 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the independent and combined effects of age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) on postmenopausal women's mental health and to evaluate healthy life expect...
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the independent and combined effects of age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) on postmenopausal women's mental health and to evaluate healthy life expectancy (HLE) in different AAM and ANM groups based on mental disease dimensions. METHOD: Logistic regression was used to assess the associations of AAM and ANM with mental health. A period life table was used to calculate life expectancy, and HLE was calculated via the Sullivan method. RESULTS: A total of 11,908 postmenopausal women were included in this study. Compared with menarche at 12-15 years, multiple adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for depression, anxiety and mental disorder were 2.313 (1.079, 4.960), 2.401 (1.161, 4.966) and 2.103 (1.051, 4.205) for menarche age <12 years and 1.219 (1.013, 1.468), 1.244 (1.039, 1.491) and 1.210 (1.029, 1.421) for menarche age >15 years; early menopause was associated with depression and anxiety compared to the normal range of ANM. The early AAM and ANM groups tended to have the lowest HLE. CONCLUSION: Abnormal AAM and ANM are not only associated with increased risk of mental problems, but also affect mental HLE in postmenopausal women.
MenoPROMPT: co-design of a digital menopause pre-consultation tool for Australian general practice.
McBride C, Hunter B, Davis E … +2 more , McMorrow R, Manski-Nankervis JA
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 41247799 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the needs and preferences of women and general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a menopause-related digital pre-consultation screening tool to be used in Australian general practi...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the needs and preferences of women and general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a menopause-related digital pre-consultation screening tool to be used in Australian general practice. METHOD: The qualitative co-design design study brought together GPs and women with lived experience of menopause symptoms to develop a prototype for a digital pre-consultation screening tool for menopause symptoms. RESULTS: Twelve participants worked together to co-design a pre-consultation questionnaire. Themes highlighted the barriers around starting conversations about menopause, and the importance of normalizing these discussions. Participants envisioned that a well-designed pre-consultation tool could help address these needs. A prototype of the tool was successfully co-designed, receiving consensus agreement from all participants. Key elements of the tool include the use of signposting, clear language and logical sequencing of questions. CONCLUSION: The tool will be trialed in a pilot implementation study in 10 general practice clinics over a period of 12 months. Qualitative interviews will focus on the tool's functionality and workflow in practice.
Healthy aging in midlife and menopausal transition in Asia: nutrient synergy with dietary supplements.
Jaisamrarn U, Habana MA, Damodaran P … +9 more , Tint MT, Chuang HH, Hunter DJ, Makkar BM, Padma V, Oh SW, Krishna A, Dahia V, Macalintal MD
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 41182953 · Publisher ↗
Women in early midlife often experience specific health issues due to aging and the menopausal transition. Hormonal changes, systemic chronic inflammation and micronutrient deficiencies contribute to symptoms such as vas...
Women in early midlife often experience specific health issues due to aging and the menopausal transition. Hormonal changes, systemic chronic inflammation and micronutrient deficiencies contribute to symptoms such as vasomotor disturbances, metabolic syndrome, neurocognitive decline and reduced mobility, which can adversely affect overall health and quality of life. However, the menopausal transition also offers opportunities for improving health and preventing diseases. Many women use dietary supplements as a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage these complex challenges during this life stage. Given the multifaceted nature of these health concerns, an integrated approach that combines dietary supplements with conventional medicine and harnesses nutrient synergy for enhanced benefits should be considered. This article examines current evidence on the use of multivitamins, minerals and dietary supplements (including those containing phytonutrients and other CAMs) for health issues during early midlife and the menopausal transition. Although current evidence suggests that multi-nutrient dietary supplementation combinations are promising, further research is needed to verify their effectiveness and evaluate potential interactions with standard treatments across diverse populations. The successful integration of dietary supplements alongside conventional medicine during the menopausal transition will also require personalized care, support from healthcare professionals and public education.
Simulation-based model of menopause: hormonal changes and cardiovascular risk in a digital twin view.
Vallée A
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 41182000 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Menopause is associated with profound hormonal changes, including declines in estradiol and progesterone and increases in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which contribute to el...
OBJECTIVE: Menopause is associated with profound hormonal changes, including declines in estradiol and progesterone and increases in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which contribute to elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Digital twin frameworks offer a novel approach to simulate these complex dynamics. METHOD: This study developed a semi-mechanistic digital twin model of menopause using 1000 simulated women (50% age ≥55 years, 50% age <55 years) followed over 90 days. Hormonal dynamics were modeled as cyclical in non-menopausal women and stable in postmenopausal women. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with linear mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, body mass index and smoking. RESULTS: The model reproduced expected patterns, with estradiol and progesterone peaks at ovulation and luteal phases in non-menopausal women, and stable, low levels in postmenopausal women, alongside elevated gonadotropins. After adjustment, menopause remained significantly associated with hormonal changes and CVD risk ( < 0.001). CVD-related differences were more pronounced in non-menopausal women, where estradiol peaks and luteal progesterone amplitudes were attenuated. CONCLUSION: This proof of concept highlights the potential of digital twin models to capture menopause-related hormonal dynamics and their cardiovascular implications. Future work should integrate real-world data, perimenopausal variability and ethical governance to enhance clinical translation.
Osteo-sarcopenic obesity in midlife and older women: a current worldwide public health challenge.
Chedraui P, Giannini A, Simoncini T
Climacteric · 2025 Dec · PMID 41122794 · Publisher ↗
Sarcopenic obesity, defined as the coexistence of excess adiposity and sarcopenia, represents a high-risk clinical condition that amplifies the adverse effects of each disorder. When accompanied by bone loss, the entity...
Sarcopenic obesity, defined as the coexistence of excess adiposity and sarcopenia, represents a high-risk clinical condition that amplifies the adverse effects of each disorder. When accompanied by bone loss, the entity progresses to osteo-sarcopenic obesity (OSO), which further compromises physical function, metabolic health and overall prognosis. Affected individuals face an increased risk of falls, fractures, functional disability, hospitalization, cardiometabolic complications and premature mortality. In women transitioning through menopause, declining estrogen levels accelerate fat accumulation and muscle loss, while also heightening susceptibility to osteoporosis, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. These interrelated changes underscore the need for heightened awareness, early identification and multidisciplinary management of the OSO syndrome. Establishing clear and universally accepted diagnostic criteria, integrating patient education and implementing preventive strategies - including lifestyle, nutritional and medical interventions - are essential to address this complex and emerging clinical entity, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for midlife and older women.
Twenty-year cardiovascular disease incidence in menopausal women: insights from the ATTICA study.
Chrysohoou C, Iliakis P, Pitsillidi A … +7 more , Manta E, Barkas F, Liberopoulos E, Sfikakis PP, Pitsavos C, Tsioufis C, Panagiotakos D
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 41122785 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the 20-year incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in menopausal women, exploring the interplay of traditional and menopause-specific risk factors. METHOD: The ATTICA study is a...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the 20-year incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in menopausal women, exploring the interplay of traditional and menopause-specific risk factors. METHOD: The ATTICA study is a prospective cohort survey established in 2001-2002, with three consecutive follow-ups performed in 2006, 2012 and 2022. A total of 1001 women with complete data for CVD evaluation comprised the sample of the current study. For the purposes of this analysis, women were classified according to their menopausal status (at menopause, 276 out of 1001 women [27.6%]). RESULTS: The 20-year cumulative CVD incidence was 321 cases among 1001 women (32%); 274 out of the 337 (81.3%) who were at menopause developed CVD, whereas 47 out of 664 at premenopause developed CVD (7.1%). Age-adjusted analysis revealed that postmenopausal women had 2.25 times (95% confidence interval: 1.20, 4.24) higher risk of CVD, compared to women not at menopause. The fully adjusted model revealed that history of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia were significant predictors for the 20-year-CVD events. Moreover, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was a significant predictor for CVD events only in women aged above 52 years at menopause. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women had an age-adjusted 2.25 times higher 20-year risk of CVD, as compared to women who were not at menopause. Prevailed hypercholesterolemia and diabetes were the most important determinants for long-term CVD events, whereas chronic systemic inflammation had significant predictive value only in women aged above 52 years at menopause.
Is the patients' fear of cancer the main barrier to prescribing menopausal hormone therapy?
Pompei IM, Magdalena SLA, Arimura VS … +4 more , Machado RB, Fernandes CE, Nappi RE, Pompei LM
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 41001788 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms. However, many women avoid this therapy due to fear, and in Brazil numerous cities lack access to this treatme...
OBJECTIVE: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms. However, many women avoid this therapy due to fear, and in Brazil numerous cities lack access to this treatment in the public health system. This study aimed to investigate prescribing habits regarding MHT among gynecologist-obstetricians in the Brazilian public versus private health systems, and to identify the main barriers to its use. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized a quantitative approach. Gynecologist-obstetricians from across Brazil were invited to complete a structured electronic questionnaire assessing their prescribing practices in both the public and private health sectors. RESULT: A total of 433 valid responses were analyzed. Among them, 51.5% of participants reported providing care to climacteric patients in the public health system, with 46.2% working in both sectors. Among physicians practicing in both settings, 76.5% reported prescribing MHT more frequently in the private sector. The main barriers to MHT prescription in the public system were treatment cost (68.2%) and lack of availability of free medication (61.4%), while in the private system the predominant barriers were fear of therapy-related risks (93.6%), especially cancer. Only 27.8% reported free access to MHT in their cities. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that MHT prescribing practices in Brazil are still significantly influenced by structural barriers in the public sector and by negative perceptions in the private sector. Interventions aimed at expanding access and educating both physicians and patients are essential to ensure safe and equitable use of MHT.
The role of lifestyle medicine in menopausal health: a review of non-pharmacologic interventions.
Anekwe CV, Cano A, Mulligan J … +8 more , Ang SB, Johnson CN, Panay N, Schaedel Z, Akam EY, Porterfield F, Wang E, Nappi RE
Climacteric · 2025 Oct · PMID 40937901 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Menopause, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55 years, is a natural life stage marked by hormonal changes that can affect the symptom burden, quality of life and chronic disease risk. While not a disease...
OBJECTIVE: Menopause, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55 years, is a natural life stage marked by hormonal changes that can affect the symptom burden, quality of life and chronic disease risk. While not a disease, the transition often requires individualized, holistic care. Lifestyle medicine - encompassing healthy eating, physical activity, mental well-being, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep and healthy relationships - offers a promising non-pharmacological strategy to optimize health during this period. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science (January 2000-December 2024) using the following keywords and combinations: 'menopause', 'lifestyle medicine', 'healthy eating', 'physical activity', 'mental wellbeing', 'avoidance of risky substances', 'restorative sleep', 'healthy relationships', 'weight management', 'chronic disease prevention', 'health equity and access' and 'general health frameworks'. Peer-reviewed human studies in perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal women evaluating one or more lifestyle medicine pillars were included. Data were extracted on study design, population, interventions, outcomes and main findings. RESULTS: Lifestyle medicine interventions were associated with reductions in vasomotor symptoms, improved sleep quality, enhanced mental well-being, healthier weight regulation, and reduced cardiometabolic and osteoporosis risk. Multidisciplinary, person-centered approaches improved adherence and patient-reported outcomes. Strategies were cost-effective, adaptable and beneficial for long-term disease prevention across diverse populations. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle medicine offers a foundational, evidence-based framework for equitable menopause care. Integrating these strategies into clinical guidelines and public health policy can improve quality of care, empower women to manage their health and reduce disparities in access. Collaborative action among healthcare providers, policymakers and communities is essential to maximize impact.
The value of over-the-counter products/services in the management of mild-to-moderate menopausal symptoms.
Stute P, Currie H, Palacios S
Climacteric · 2025 Dec · PMID 40927917 · Publisher ↗
For women with mild-to-moderate menopausal symptoms, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products and services can be beneficial for symptom management, especially for those who are contraindicated or averse to using...
For women with mild-to-moderate menopausal symptoms, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products and services can be beneficial for symptom management, especially for those who are contraindicated or averse to using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise and improvements in diet, enhance overall health and are suggested by some low-level evidence - largely from observational studies - to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Over-the-counter dietary and herbal supplements are a popular alternative to MHT. While evidence is mainly low-level, some of these products have shown efficacy and tolerability in menopausal symptom management through meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, mixed evidence and inconsistencies in product dosage, components and quality remain an issue. In addition, caution is advised for women on other medications or with conditions such as breast cancer that could interact with or be impacted by these products. There is high-level evidence from RCTs supporting the efficacy of behavioral therapies, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy, in menopausal symptom management, and clinicians should consider their implementation. Education on menopause and its management is essential. The authors recommend a three-step approach for treating women with self-reported mild-to-moderate menopausal symptoms who prefer to avoid prescription medications even after being informed about their benefit-risk profiles: 1) lifestyle changes; 2) non-prescription options and over-the-counter products; and 3) prescription therapies, if still necessary and with patient agreement. This approach broadens access to menopausal symptom management, providing relief to a wide range of women.
The association between day-to-day impact of vaginal aging and female sexual function.
Koseoglu S, Yoldemir T
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 40927867 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between the day-to-day impact of vaginal aging and female sexual function among postmenopausal Turkish women. METHOD: The McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (M...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between the day-to-day impact of vaginal aging and female sexual function among postmenopausal Turkish women. METHOD: The McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) and the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire were distributed to 195 postmenopausal women. The most bothersome vulvovaginal symptoms were recorded. The scores for each of the MFSQ and DIVA domains were compared between women with moderate to severe symptoms and those with no or mild symptoms. RESULTS: The mean scores for the MFSQ sexual interest and MFSQ partner satisfaction domains, the total MFSQ, and the total DIVA decreased as women got older. Women with moderate to severe pain with penetration had a lower score for the MFSQ sexual interest domain, and a higher score for the DIVA self-concept and body image domain. Women with moderate to severe dryness had a higher score for the MFSQ sexual interest domain, and a lower score for the DIVA self-concept and body image domain. CONCLUSION: The mean scores of each of the MFSQ and DIVA domains were not influenced by vulvovaginal symptoms such as itching, pain, and irritation. The mean scores of the MFSQ sexual interest and DIVA self-concept and body image domains differed with the severity of dryness and pain with penetration.
Lifestyle medicine: a must-have in the menopause toolkit.
Nappi RE
Climacteric · 2025 Oct · PMID 40926763 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
'Menopausando': a digital health education platform for women in the transition to menopause and postmenopause.
Ignácio MO, Martins MG, Portella CFS … +5 more , Santiago AE, Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Baracat EC, Soares JM, Sorpreso ICE
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 40924002 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Social media is an increasingly relevant tool for health education, enabling information exchange, promoting autonomy and supporting informed decision-making. This study introduces Menopausando, a predominantl...
OBJECTIVE: Social media is an increasingly relevant tool for health education, enabling information exchange, promoting autonomy and supporting informed decision-making. This study introduces Menopausando, a predominantly Portuguese-language digital platform designed to support women during menopausal transition and postmenopause. METHOD: This cross-sectional study has been carried out in the Gynecology Discipline, São Paulo University, Brazil, since 2019. In the pre-implementation phase of the digital platform, interviews were conducted with 287 Internet users about their experiences and preferences to be disclosed on the digital platform. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance with Stata 16 SE were utilized. RESULTS: Interviewees were 83.3% white with mean age 54.3 (1.82) years, and 78.8% were interested in a menopause digital platform. The platform reached 21,617 website users, 3048 Instagram users, 133 Facebook users and 1126 Spotify users. Facebook users were older, men age 51.3 (9.3) years, than Spotify users, mean age 45.6 (12.2) years ( < 0.001). Female gender was present in all social networks ( < 0.001). The largest number of Brazilian users was on the website, with 21,000 (97.1%) ( < 0.001) (all groups), and other countries' websites and Instagram ( < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Menopausando effectively supports women during menopausal transition and postmenopause via multiple digital channels. The results expose digital access tendencies and inequalities.
Androgen therapy in midlife and older women: a position statement of the Latin American Association of Gynecological Endocrinology (ALEG).
Pilnik S, Belardo A, Marchesan LB … +6 more , Camero-Lascano A, Acuña-San Martín M, Elizalde-Cremonte A, Ojeda E, Manzur A, Chedraui P
Climacteric · 2025 Oct · PMID 40919649 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Androgens have been prescribed to alleviate symptoms in midlife women, but evidence regarding benefits and risks remains limited, with no clearly established indications for Testosterone therapy. In many Latin...
OBJECTIVE: Androgens have been prescribed to alleviate symptoms in midlife women, but evidence regarding benefits and risks remains limited, with no clearly established indications for Testosterone therapy. In many Latin American countries, Testosterone is prescribed without specific guidelines, making it difficult to identify patients who might benefit. This position statement aims to summarize evidence and provide a Latin American perspective on androgen therapy in midlife and older women. METHOD: Data were collected from Cochrane reviews, placebo-controlled studies, meta-analyses, international guidelines, consensus statements, and government regulations published between 2000 and the present. Analyses focused on efficacy, safety, and clinical recommendations for androgen therapy in midlife and older women. RESULTS: Testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women should be limited to those with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) confirmed through a formal biopsychosocial evaluation (Grade A: High). Routine serum measurements of Testosterone or other androgens are not recommended for diagnosis (Grade A: High), but baseline levels should be checked before therapy to exclude elevated concentrations (Grade C: Low). Treatment monitoring should occur within 3-6 weeks, maintaining Testosterone within the premenopausal physiological range (Grade C: Low). Transdermal formulations are preferred. Subcutaneous pellets and compounded "bioidentical" Testosterone are not recommended due to risks of supraphysiological dosing and insufficient evidence (Grade C: Low). Oral dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is not advised systemically (Grade A: High). Vaginal DHEA is approved only for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. CONCLUSION: Women should receive counseling aligned with current clinical guidelines. Prior to initiating Testosterone therapy, patients must be informed that its use is off-label. Evidence to date does not support systemic DHEA as an effective treatment for sexual symptoms.
IMS World Congress on Menopause.
Baber R
Climacteric · 2025 Aug · PMID 40843713 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study in Türkiye.
Yılmaz A, Şentürk Durmuş N, Yıldız Y … +6 more , Beşışık Yılmaz Z, Alkaç Ç, Can B, Capar E, Gündoğdu A, Tufan A
Climacteric · 2026 Feb · PMID 40811081 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial skeletal muscle disease commonly observed in the geriatric population. It is influenced by hormonal changes that occur during the postmenopausal period. This study aims to evalua...
OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial skeletal muscle disease commonly observed in the geriatric population. It is influenced by hormonal changes that occur during the postmenopausal period. This study aims to evaluate the sarcopenia status of postmenopausal women. METHOD: The study included 300 postmenopausal women. Sarcopenia was defined according to the updated European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP-2) definition. RESULTS: Of the evaluated patients, 44.7% ( = 134) and 15.4% ( = 46) were sarcopenic and sarcopenic obese, respectively. Older age, the number of chronic diseases, medications used and the status of polypharmacy were significantly higher in the sarcopenic group (all < 0.050). Non-obese patients with sarcopenia showed greater dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) ( = 0.002) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) ( = 0.001). In ADLs ( = 0.001) and IADLs ( = 0.001), non-sarcopenic obese patients showed greater independence. Postmenopausal sarcopenia was related to older age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.04-1.10]; < 0.001), the presence of osteoporosis (HR: 1.86, 95% CI: [1.05-3.30]; = 0.034) and the existence of vasomotor symptoms (HR: 2.30, 95% CI: [1.31-4.04]; = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of sarcopenia awareness among specialists providing healthcare services to postmenopausal patients. The study underscores the significance of initiating preventive and treatment strategies for at-risk patients before they reach old age.
Effect of cranial electro-stimulation on cognition in perimenopausal women: randomized control study.
Thakur N, Sharma N, Kaur S … +3 more , Kumar P, Kapri P, Negi P
Climacteric · 2026 Feb · PMID 40810328 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on cognition among perimenopausal women. METHODS: The pretest-post-test randomized controlled trial was conduct...
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on cognition among perimenopausal women. METHODS: The pretest-post-test randomized controlled trial was conducted between April 2024 and January 2025. Forty-six perimenopausal women, aged 40-55 years, were randomized into two groups: active CES ( = 23) or sham CES ( = 23). Participants were blinded to the study. Both groups received 30-min sessions, 4 days a week for 4 weeks. The participants were assessed at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks of intervention using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale. RESULTS: Demographic and baseline characteristics depicted a normal distribution for both groups, except for MoCA ( < 0.05). Within-group analyses of both groups demonstrated significant differences for MoCA (active CES, = 0.001; sham CES, = 0.002) with large effect size ≥ 0.5. Between-group analyses of MoCA showed no significant difference with = 0.212 and small effect size ≤ 0.3. The time and group interaction effect showed significant improvement with = 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: CES has the potential to enhance cognitive function in perimenopausal women. Additionally, no adverse events related to the study were reported.
Associations between declining testosterone concentrations and cognitive performance in community-dwelling older Australian women: a prospective cohort study.
Sultana F, Islam RM, Davis SR
Climacteric · 2026 Feb · PMID 40810327 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Testosterone may have a role in brain health. Whether older women who exhibit a decline in blood testosterone are at an increased risk of cognitive decline is uncertain. METHOD: A subset of Australian female p...
OBJECTIVE: Testosterone may have a role in brain health. Whether older women who exhibit a decline in blood testosterone are at an increased risk of cognitive decline is uncertain. METHOD: A subset of Australian female participants in the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial had testosterone concentrations measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and underwent a comprehensive cognitive test battery at baseline and study year 3. Cognitive decline was defined as a lower test score at year 3 compared with baseline. The mean change (baseline to year 3) of testosterone concentration was examined by paired-sample -test. Stable or increased (reference) versus a decline in testosterone concentration was used to investigate the association with cognitive decline using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 395 women (median [interquartile range] age 78.1 [73.7-82.3] years) provided data for analysis. In total, 154 women (39%) had a decline in blood testosterone which was not associated with a decline in any cognitive measure (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination: odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 1.49, = 0.86; Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised: Immediate Recall, OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.13, = 0.151 and Delayed Recall, OR = 1.42, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.26, = 0.14; Controlled Oral Word Association Test: OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.25, = 0.31; and Symbol Digit Modalities Test: OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.29, = 0.40). Limiting the analysis to 237 women aged 70-79 years (74.5 [interquartile range 72.2-77.1] years), no association was observed between a decline in blood testosterone and any cognitive outcome. CONCLUSION: : A decline in blood testosterone concentrations over 3 years was not associated with a decline in cognitive function in community-dwelling Australian women aged 70 years and older.
Intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pourbagherkhah P, Farjami M, Baghban Jaldian H
Climacteric · 2026 Feb · PMID 40810326 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically evaluate and quantify the impact of menopausal status on intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in women, through a comparative meta-analysis. METHOD:...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically evaluate and quantify the impact of menopausal status on intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in women, through a comparative meta-analysis. METHOD: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library up to 15 April 2025, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies included original research comparing IOP and/or CCT between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed via , and statistics. RESULTS: Ten studies were analyzed in this meta-analysis, including data from premenopausal and postmenopausal women (totaling 999 eyes). The pooled results indicated that postmenopausal women had significantly higher IOP and reduced CCT compared to premenopausal women. Despite high heterogeneity ( = 97.17% for CCT, = 84.20% for IOP), the direction of effect was consistent across most studies. The hormonal decline associated with menopause, particularly reduced estrogen levels, appears to affect corneal structure. CONCLUSION: Menopause is associated with elevated IOP and decreased CCT, likely due to hormonal alterations, notably estrogen deficiency. Menopausal status may be a relevant factor in ocular assessments and could have implications for risk assessment in conditions such as glaucoma.
The association between depression and female sexual function in postmenopausal women.
Yoldemir T, Garibova N
Climacteric · 2026 Feb · PMID 40810323 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between depression and female sexual function among postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: The study group was composed of 232 sexually active postmenopausal women....
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between depression and female sexual function among postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: The study group was composed of 232 sexually active postmenopausal women. Serum testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, fasting glucose, insulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels were analyzed. Quantification of pelvic organ prolapse was performed for each patient. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were distributed and compared between postmenopausal and premenopausal women. RESULTS: The mean BDI score was 17.5 ± 9.8. Sexual dysfunction determined by the mean FSFI score was 64.2%. In total, 70.5% of the postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction had moderate to severe depression. There was a low negative correlation between age and duration after menopause and mean FSFI scores ( = -0.334 and = -386, respectively). There was a negligible positive correlation between age and duration after menopause and mean BDI scores ( = 0.281 and = 0.276, respectively). The satisfaction domain of the FSFI was significantly decreased with postmenopausal depression. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction had higher depression scores. Age and time after menopause were weakly associated with both FSFI and BDI scores in postmenopausal women.
Sleep disorders and menopausal symptoms: a Latin American perspective on postmenopausal health.
Arteaga EE, Blümel JE, Vallejo MS … +15 more , Salinas C, Tserotas K, Calle A, Dextre M, Elizalde A, Espinoza MT, Escalante C, Gómez-Tabares G, Martínez-García A, Monterrosa-Castro Á, Ñañez M, Ojeda E, Rey C, Rodríguez-Vidal D, Rodrígues MA
Climacteric · 2026 Apr · PMID 40802647 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional, observational study, conducted in nine Latin American countries, aimed to examine the association between hot flashes and insomnia, and whether the severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) co...
OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional, observational study, conducted in nine Latin American countries, aimed to examine the association between hot flashes and insomnia, and whether the severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) correlates with sleep disturbances. METHOD: The study collected sociodemographic and clinical data, and evaluated the presence of sleep disorders using Jenkin's Sleep Scale (JSS-4) and menopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The study included 1185 postmenopausal women with average age 56.9 ± 5.7 years, body mass index (BMI) of 26.5 ± 5.2 kg/m² and 8.6 ± 6.4 years since menopause. Overall, 20.6% reported sleep disturbances. Compared to those without sleep problems, affected women had longer postmenopausal duration (12 ± 9.0 vs. 10.8 ± 7.8, < 0.03), had higher BMI (27.9 ± 5.6 vs. 26.1 ± 5.0, < 0.001), were more often smokers and homemakers, and had more comorbidities. They were also less likely to have a partner or have used menopausal hormone therapy. Sleep disturbances increased proportionally with VMS severity ( < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, sleep disorders were associated with VMS (odds ratio [OR] 4.47), psychotropic use (OR 1.84), obesity (OR 1.45) and comorbidities (OR 1.45). CONCLUSION: Women with VMS were more likely to experience sleep disorders and this effect was proportional to the magnitude of the hot flashes. The study also presents several factors associated with sleep disorders in postmenopausal women that should be considered to help prevent these disturbances.
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