Climacteric
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40391495
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine menopausal symptoms and their associated factors among premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups of middle-aged Chinese women. METHODS: The nationwide cross-sectional...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine menopausal symptoms and their associated factors among premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups of middle-aged Chinese women. METHODS: The nationwide cross-sectional study involved 9740 middle-aged women from 115 medical centers across 27 provinces in China. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between menopausal symptom severity and age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), smoking, employment status, income, education level, exercise and alcohol use. RESULTS: Among the 9740 participants, 17.6% ( = 1711) were premenopausal, 38.3% ( = 3730) were perimenopausal and 44.1% ( = 4299) were postmenopausal. The likelihood of moderate to severe menopausal symptoms was positively associated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.11; < 0.001), perimenopause (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.90-2.45; < 0.001) and postmenopausal stage (OR 5.96; 95% CI 5.25-6.77; < 0.001), smoking (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.39-2.77; < 0.001) and unemployment (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.31-1.65; < 0.001). In contrast, higher income was inversely associated with symptom severity (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.58-0.82; < 0.001). BMI demonstrated a positive association with symptom severity in premenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Age, menopausal status, smoking, unemployment and lower income were associated with more severe menopausal symptoms.
Climacteric
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40387642
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine differences in premature and early menopause across various regions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Data for 55 LMICs from the Demographic and Health Surveys (2...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine differences in premature and early menopause across various regions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Data for 55 LMICs from the Demographic and Health Surveys (2013-2023) were classified into nine regions. Proportions of premature (aged <40 years) and early (aged <45 years) menopause were calculated. Logistic regressions adjusted for covariates were also run. RESULTS: The proportion of women in premature menopause ranged from 1.58% in the European and Eastern Mediterranean regions to 6.87% in Southern Africa. For early menopause, proportions ranged from 4.92% in the Eastern Mediterranean region to 15.21% in the Americas. The Eastern Mediterranean region had systematic lower odds across menopause categories, even after the adjustments for relevant covariates. CONCLUSION: Significant variation exists in the proportion of the different age at menopause categories within LMIC regions. Higher proportions of premature and early menopause were found in all LMIC regions compared to those reported in current literature from high-income countries. A global health perspective on menopause is urgently needed, especially in relation to the increased disease risks with early and premature menopause, such as cardiovascular disease.
Climacteric
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40377107
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, despite significant public health efforts. The identification and targeting of modifiable risk factors - including hypertension, dyslipidemia, dia...Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, despite significant public health efforts. The identification and targeting of modifiable risk factors - including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking and obesity - have led to significant improvements in patient outcomes over the past 60 years. However, current strategies based on this model have been shown to underestimate CVD risk in women and they are less frequently targeted compared to men. In addition, female-specific biological differences known to contribute to CVD are frequently understudied or excluded from risk stratification efforts. This review explores the unique epidemiological burden, pathobiology and outcomes of CVD in women; the influence of traditional and sex-specific risk factors; and both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that may improve clinical outcomes in the future.
Fan Y, Huang J, Huang F
… +8 more, Tang R, Feng P, Yang X, Xie Z, Yang L, Ma X, Yang K, Chen R
Climacteric
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40377104
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OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the prevalence and related factors of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in a Chinese longitudinal cohort. METHOD: A total of 616 women in the menopausal transition or postmen...OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the prevalence and related factors of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in a Chinese longitudinal cohort. METHOD: A total of 616 women in the menopausal transition or postmenopausal stage from an urban Chinese community were included in this study. The study assessed the prevalence, degree and factors associated with different types of GSM. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate/severe GSM rose from 23.9% in the early menopausal transition to 36.8% in the late menopausal transition, to 56.1% in postmenopause stage +1 and 71.4% in postmenopause stage +2. More than half of the postmenopausal women reported loss of libido (68.7%), vaginal dryness (60.2%), stress urinary incontinence (59.8%) and low sexual pleasure (58.8%). Multivariable analysis revealed that Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 (STRAW +10) stages ( = 0.009), marital status ( < 0.001) and anxiety ( = 0.005) were independently associated with GSM. CONCLUSION: This study shows that as women progress through the menopausal transition, GSM symptoms become increasingly common and severe. In particular, postmenopausal women experience a higher burden of these symptoms. Additionally, menopausal stage, marital status and anxiety were identified as independent factors associated with GSM. These findings provide a comprehensive insight of GSM among middle-aged Chinese women, underlining the importance of diagnosis and treatment for GSM.
Climacteric
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40377060
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It was a true honor to be invited as President to deliver the Pieter Van Keep oration at the 2024 International Menopause Society (IMS) Congress in Melbourne, Australia. There was never any doubt that the topic of my lec...It was a true honor to be invited as President to deliver the Pieter Van Keep oration at the 2024 International Menopause Society (IMS) Congress in Melbourne, Australia. There was never any doubt that the topic of my lecture would be premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI is a condition which has been neglected for far too long given its greater global prevalence than originally estimated and its implications to the sufferers, both in terms of quality of life and long-term well-being. The hope is that we are now entering a new era of awareness given the recent update of the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE) POI guideline, achieved through a partnership of the ESHRE, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Centre for Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (CRE WHiRL) at Monash University and IMS with support from numerous global stakeholder organizations. Whilst as a minimum the update of the guideline is expected to improve clinical management of this condition, the process has also identified key areas of much-needed research, where currently only practical guidance can be given due to the lack of data. The aim of my Pieter Van Keep lecture, and therefore this article, was not to replicate the extensive work already conducted to systematically review the literature for the guideline. The aim was to provide a state-of-the-art commentary highlighting the key controversial topics regarding this distressing condition, and how these are being addressed, or should be addressed in the future, for the sake of sufferers and their families.
Ó Breasail M, Mesinovic J, Madanhire T
… +6 more, Kahari C, Ebeling PR, Simms V, Ferrand RA, Ward KA, Gregson CL
Climacteric
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40367188
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OBJECTIVE: Menopause-related changes in body composition and physical function are unclear in Southern Africa, particularly in the context of a generalized HIV epidemic with high antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. ME...OBJECTIVE: Menopause-related changes in body composition and physical function are unclear in Southern Africa, particularly in the context of a generalized HIV epidemic with high antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. METHOD: A total of 263 Zimbabwean women (53% women living with HIV [WLH]) aged 40-60 years provided data on menopause, ART use, anthropometry, body composition (appendicular lean mass [ALM], muscle area, fat mass), handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed. Linear regression determined relationships between body composition and physical function, unadjusted and age-menopause-adjusted, stratified by HIV status. Univariate logistic regression investigated associations between body composition and self-reported falls. RESULTS: WLH (96% ART established) were a median (interquartile range) 10.4 (6.4-14.5) years since diagnosis, with lower weight, body mass index, ALM, fat mass and HGS than women living without HIV (WLWOH). With menopause transition, WLH lost weight, ALM, gynoid mass and muscle area (all -trend <0.05); however, WLWOH did not. Both WLH and WLWOH lost HGS (-trend <0.05). ALM was positively associated with HGS in all women. In WLH, greater percentage body fat, particularly gynoid fat, was associated with increased odds of falls (1.69 [1.00-2.89], = 0.049 and 1.72 [1.08-2.75], = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSION: Women living with HIV were more likely to experience adverse changes in body composition through menopause; fat mass gains were associated with risk of falls.
Steiner ML, de Campos LGL, Martinelli Sonnenfeld M
… +5 more, Silva TG, da Silva MH, Strufaldi R, Fernandes CE, Pompei LM
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40367025
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with sarcopenia and identify risk profiles through cluster analysis in postmenopausal women treated at specialized outpatient clinics. METHODS: A retrospe...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with sarcopenia and identify risk profiles through cluster analysis in postmenopausal women treated at specialized outpatient clinics. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated data from 287 postmenopausal women. Sarcopenia was determined by handgrip and gait speed testing. Cluster analysis was applied to identify risk subgroups, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with sarcopenia. RESULTS: Sarcopenia was identified in 18.50% of women. Advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.16; < 0.01), number of pregnancies (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00-1.29; = 0.04), hip Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12-1.49; < 0.01), systemic arterial hypertension (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.66-6.17; < 0.01) and multiple comorbidities (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.19-5.09, = 0.01) were associated with higher risk for sarcopenia. Cluster analysis revealed an increased risk profile for women who were aged over 70 years, multiparous, hypertensive, with hip FRAX greater than 3% and with major fractures greater than 6%. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with sarcopenia are more likely to have fragility fractures at 10 years, to be older, multiparous and hypertensive, and to have multiple comorbidities.
Ozcivit Erkan IB, Gulcicek A, Sayili U
… +3 more, Bayram Deger V, Erel CT, Senturk LM
Climacteric
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40333032
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal women in a rural area of southeastern Turkey and their association with sleep quality, depression and sociod...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal women in a rural area of southeastern Turkey and their association with sleep quality, depression and sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 122 perimenopausal women aged 40-55 years residing in southeastern rural Turkey. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), alongside demographic data collection. RESULTS: The median age was 46 years (43-49 years). Higher MRS scores were significantly linked to a sedentary lifestyle, poor self-rated health and concerns about partner infidelity. MRS total scores were moderately correlated with global PSQI scores ( = 0.49, < 0.001) and strongly correlated with BDI scores ( = 0.71, < 0.001). Severe menopausal symptoms were significantly associated with poor sleep quality (odds ratio [OR] = 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-5.95), mild to severe depression (OR = 4.78; 95% CI: 2.08-10.98) and poor self-rated general health (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.03-7.41), even after adjusting for age, parity and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Perimenopausal women in southeastern rural Turkey experience severe menopausal symptoms that are significantly associated with self-rated general health, sleep quality and depression.
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40309757
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OBJECTIVE: Postmenopausal hypoestrogenism may cause significant changes in the oral cavity, interfering with inflammatory mechanisms such as salivary secretion. This study aimed to compare the salivary flow, pH levels an...OBJECTIVE: Postmenopausal hypoestrogenism may cause significant changes in the oral cavity, interfering with inflammatory mechanisms such as salivary secretion. This study aimed to compare the salivary flow, pH levels and prevalence of dry mouth in postmenopausal women treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), those treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and those without treatment. METHODS: Ninety postmenopausal women participated in the study. Of these, 30 used HRT, 30 used SSRIs and 30 did not receive any treatment (control). Salivary flow was measured using stimulated sialometry, while the pH level was measured using pH strips. Meanwhile, a questionnaire was used to assess for xerostomia. RESULTS: The salivary flow measurements were 1.66 ± 0.49 ml/min for the HRT group, 1.23 ± 0.50 ml/min for the SSRI group and 1.68 ± 0.65 ml/min for the control group ( = 0.005 for comparison). The pH values were 7.13 ± 0.43, 7.0 ± 0.26 and 6.97 ± 0.41 for the HRT, SSRI and control groups, respectively. Xerostomia was reported in 60% of women receiving HRT, 46.7% receiving SSRIs and 26.7% of the controls ( = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Women using SSRIs had lower salivary flow than the HRT or control group. However, xerostomia was more prevalent in women receiving HRT.
Climacteric
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40279107
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OBJECTIVE: With a growing population of women transitioning into menopause, there is a need to offer comprehensive care to midlife women in the Philippines. The Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine (PSCM) and the P...OBJECTIVE: With a growing population of women transitioning into menopause, there is a need to offer comprehensive care to midlife women in the Philippines. The Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine (PSCM) and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) recommend the establishment of menopause clinics in all centers. This study aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in establishing menopause clinics at hospitals in the Philippines. METHODS: A pre-workshop survey was sent to 95 hospitals followed by an online workshop on how to set up a menopause clinic. Thereafter, a series of lectures and group discussions regarding their clinics followed. There was an online evaluation of the workshop and an online test to assess their knowledge in menopause care and in setting up a menopause clinic. RESULTS: Thirty hospitals responded to the pre-workshop survey. There were 248 attendees who attended. Weaknesses and challenges included the lack of infrastructure support, limited training and interest in menopause care, and hesitancy in prescribing menopause hormone therapy (MHT). Strengths and opportunities mentioned were the existing curriculum on menopause, established referral system and supportive hospital administration. CONCLUSION: Similarities and differences between the institutions were identified and participants found the workshop helpful and relevant. In addition, the workshop increased participants' understanding of menopause and highlighted the importance for having a designated clinic and opportunities to address the gaps in midlife care.
Blümel JE, Vallejo MS, Chedraui P
… +15 more, Aedo S, Hipolito Rodrigues MA, Salinas C, Tserotas K, Calle A, Dextre M, Elizalde A, Escalante Gomez C, Gómez-Tabares G, Monterrosa-Castro ÁJ, Espinoza MT, Ñañez M, Ojeda E, Rey C, Rodríguez-Vidal D
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40275861
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and cognitive impairment. METHODS: This study is a sub-analysis of an observational, cross-sectional study in nine Latin American counties. Sociodem...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and cognitive impairment. METHODS: This study is a sub-analysis of an observational, cross-sectional study in nine Latin American counties. Sociodemographic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected, and cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool in 722 postmenopausal women. RESULTS: The mean age, body mass index (BMI) and years of education of the cohort were 56.9 years, 26.8 kg/m and 13.6 years, respectively. Women with cognitive impairment, compared to those without, had a higher BMI (27.8 ± 5.9 vs. 26.6 ± 4.9 kg/m, 0.037), had more children (3.1 ± 2.4 vs. 2.5 ± 1.7, 0.023), experienced more severe menopausal symptoms (56.3% vs. 31.9%, < 0.001) and presented more comorbidities (60.0% vs. 43.8%, 0.006). They also had fewer years of study (10.8 ± 5.1 vs. 13.9 ± 4.9 years, 0.001), were less physically active (35.0% vs. 49.1%, 0.018) and were less likely to use menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) (11.3% vs. 28.8%, 0.001). In binary logistic regression analysis, BMI ≥ 35.0 kg/m (odds ratio [OR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-4.76) and severe menopausal symptoms (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.29-3.43) were associated with cognitive impairment. In the model, factors related to lower risk were ever use of MHT (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.92) and having more years of education (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20-0.64). CONCLUSION: Severe obesity and severe menopausal symptoms increased the risk of cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women, while higher education and ever use of MHT were protective factors.
Nappi RE, Tiranini L, Martini E
… +3 more, Martella S, Barbagallo F, Cucinella L
Climacteric
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40262196
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Sexual health and sexual well-being are important components of the overall quality of life at midlife, a turning point carrying several biopsychosocial changes. As people age, they are likely to observe a significant in...Sexual health and sexual well-being are important components of the overall quality of life at midlife, a turning point carrying several biopsychosocial changes. As people age, they are likely to observe a significant increase in sexual difficulties in both sexes affecting every domain of sexual response, and a decline in the frequency of engaging in sexual activity. Women may report hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), two very common biologically driven midlife conditions that are often comorbid and may also be influenced by a multitude of individual and contextual risk factors. An appropriate and timely diagnosis is important to avoid chronification of sexual dysfunction that may become refractory to treatment. The therapeutic algorithm comprises a multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management. Individualized treatment is the key to providing integrated care with positive attitudes for the aging couples in order to expand the 'sexspan' of both partners. This article reports our point of view on the topic of midlife sexuality in the context of a stable relationship, as presented at the 19th World Congress on Menopause in Melbourne (Australia) on 22 October 2024.
Fausto DY, Martins JBB, da Rocha ARA
… +4 more, Gil PR, Freitas CR, Pelegrini A, Guimarães ACA
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40261952
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of jazz dance or concurrent training on the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength and sleep quality of postmenopausal women. METHOD: A randomized clinical tri...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effects of jazz dance or concurrent training on the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength and sleep quality of postmenopausal women. METHOD: A randomized clinical trial with 6-month and 12-month follow-up was conducted including 70 postmenopausal women (mean age 53.19 ± 3.39 years). Participants were randomized into the jazz dance intervention (JD) group, concurrent training intervention (CT) group and control group (CG). CRF was assessed using the 6-min walk test, muscle strength using the isokinetic dynamometer and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations with post-hoc minimum significant difference were used, and intention-to-treat and protocol adherence analyses were performed. RESULTS: CRF showed changes between groups, times and interactions, but the CT group achieved greater gains compared to the JD group. Isokinetic strength showed long-term intragroup improvement for both intervention groups, at peak extension and flexion. Intergroup differences were observed, with the JD group presenting higher means in peak extension at all times compared to the CG post intervention; however, the CT group achieved higher means compared to the JD group; and at peak flexion, the JD group presented with higher averages compared to the CG post intervention. The JD group showed an improvement in sleep duration in the short term, while the CT group did so at the 6-month follow-up. There were intergroup changes in the reduction in sleep medication in both intervention groups compared to the CG. CONCLUSION: Both modalities are effective for improving CRF, muscle strength and sleep quality.
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40261951
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OBJECTIVE: Menopause has a significant effect on a woman's quality of life, which leads to physical illnesses and mental stresses. Social media listening (SML) studies reveal the experiences of users, sources of informat...OBJECTIVE: Menopause has a significant effect on a woman's quality of life, which leads to physical illnesses and mental stresses. Social media listening (SML) studies reveal the experiences of users, sources of information on disease experiences and health dynamics in populations. The aim of this study was to assess the overview of portraits, complaints, symptom distribution and treatment methods of menopausal women through SML. METHODS: An info-surveillance study was conducted wherein the search was performed in the question and answer (Q&A) search and online consultation forums. Using the Python + Scrapy crawl technology tool, the search involved single or combined keywords related to menopause, including population, diagnosis, symptom, treatment and treatment comparison. RESULTS: Data were extracted from three menopause-related Q&A search platforms and 15 online consultation forums. Menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, and menopausal examination and treatment were the high-frequency keywords while irritability, insomnia and hot flashes were the most commonly mentioned symptoms. A total of 76.62% of menopausal women had a willingness for tier 3 hospitals, with gynecology being the most preferred department chosen by the majority. Among the 359 women reporting hormone treatment to be effective, 90.96% women showed an improvement in symptoms, and the rest had improvement in emotions, various improvements and overall improvement. CONCLUSION: The results of this SML study indicate that menopausal women in China have a strong urge for menopause-related knowledge but are not well informed. Thus, there is a need for science popularization to sensitize menopausal women to choose the right department, and explore the long-term management of menopause and menopausal hormone therapy.
Bahri N, Riazi H, Keshavarz Z
… +1 more, Montazeri A
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40261278
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OBJECTIVE: Sexual dysfunction and sexual dysfunctional beliefs are common problems in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sexual counseling based on the BETTER (Bring up, Explain...OBJECTIVE: Sexual dysfunction and sexual dysfunctional beliefs are common problems in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sexual counseling based on the BETTER (Bring up, Explain, Tell, Time, Educate, Record) model in these women. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 106 postmenopausal women in 2023. Eligible women were assigned randomly to the intervention and control groups. Accordingly, the intervention group received two individual counseling sessions based on the BETTER model. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ) were used for collecting data at baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: The sexual function score in the intervention group increased from 15.97 to 18.51 ( = 0.001), and the score of sexual dysfunctional beliefs decreased from 33.80 to 24.86 ( = 0.001). In the control group, the sexual function score decreased from 19.09 to 18.59 ( = 0.032) and the sexual dysfunctional beliefs score increased from 31.83 to 32.18 ( = 0.111). CONCLUSION: Sexual counseling based on the BETTER model has demonstrated efficacy in promoting sexual function and diminishing sexual dysfunctional beliefs. Consequently, the use of this model in the sexual health counseling of postmenopausal women can be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20150128020854N12; October 12, 2023. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/71128/view.
Climacteric
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40202406
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This invited review is a synthesis of a plenary lecture presented at International Menopause Society Conference in Melbourne 2024. The focus was to set the historic context within which research about women in the workpl...This invited review is a synthesis of a plenary lecture presented at International Menopause Society Conference in Melbourne 2024. The focus was to set the historic context within which research about women in the workplace must be approached. It is exciting for occupational health researchers to see expansion of the evidence about health and work but we urge menopause and work researchers to collaborate with occupational health colleagues. The growing literature suggests that most women do not experience problems coping with their menopause in the workplace. Most research, however, fails to consider any workplace factors or even the nature of the job women are needing to do. Where studies have focused on occupational groups, they have focused on nurses or other professional/leadership groups. So far, it appears that women's ability to cope is influenced by the number of symptoms, severity of symptoms, and workplace and personal psychosocial factors. However, the problems with coping may be greater for disadvantaged women doing less well-paid work with less flexibility and autonomy. The same women probably have less access to appropriate advice, treatment and support. Researchers must focus on women at highest risk and take a nuanced approach to optimize support without increasing gender-based discrimination.
Climacteric
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40177961
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize menopause timing, type (natural or surgical) and symptoms in US-based South Asian women. METHOD: The study included 405 women of South Asian descent aged between 43 and 78 year...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize menopause timing, type (natural or surgical) and symptoms in US-based South Asian women. METHOD: The study included 405 women of South Asian descent aged between 43 and 78 years who participated in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. Menopause experiences were assessed with structured questionnaires. The study described sociodemographic, health and lifestyle characteristics and menopause symptoms by menopause stage, type (natural or surgical) and timing, and tested for differences using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Most women (92%) were postmenopausal, and 7% reported surgical menopause. The mean recalled age at natural menopause was 48 years, and the median recalled age was 49 years. Nearly a third of women experienced premature/early menopause (age ≤45 years). Overall, women reported hot flashes of any intensity (from mild to extremely bothersome) in the past month (30%), urinary incontinence in the past 12 months (37%) and depressive symptoms (15%). Menopause symptoms varied by menopause timing and type (natural vs. surgical). Particularly, the point prevalence of bothersome hot flashes of any intensity in the past month, urinary leakage in the past 12 months and depressive symptoms in the past week was 28%, 37% and 14%, respectively, for women who had natural menopause, and 40%, 48% and 20%, respectively, for surgical menopause. CONCLUSION: Women of South Asian ancestry reported an earlier recalled age at natural menopause than the average age of 52 years reported in the USA. The burden of hot flashes of any intensity, urinary and mood disturbances suggested distinct postmenopause experiences.