Climacteric
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39819275
·
Publisher ↗
Testosterone is unquestionably a normal female hormone that exerts important physiological effects in multiple tissues. Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated benefits of testosterone therapy on several domains o...Testosterone is unquestionably a normal female hormone that exerts important physiological effects in multiple tissues. Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated benefits of testosterone therapy on several domains of sexual function for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire causing substantial personal concern. Whether other benefits can be attributed to testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women remains uncertain. This article summarizes the available data for the use of testosterone therapy beyond the treatment of low sexual desire with distress. The article is not a systematic review of the entire published literature in the field. Rather, it includes recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses the author highlighted in their plenary lecture at the 2024 World Congress on the Menopause. The aim was to provide an overview of the published data for clinicians and researchers in this field.
OBJECTIVE: For patients with contraindications to hormone therapy, the absence of effective treatments for ovarian dysfunction post chemotherapy represents a critical issue requiring resolution. Local administration of m...OBJECTIVE: For patients with contraindications to hormone therapy, the absence of effective treatments for ovarian dysfunction post chemotherapy represents a critical issue requiring resolution. Local administration of mitochondria may enhance ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) by ameliorating diminished mitochondrial activity. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of literature on the efficacy of mitochondrial transplantation through intravenous injection, a less invasive and more convenient method than local injection, for the improvement of ovarian function in POI following chemotherapy. METHOD: Mitochondria were isolated from mouse livers, their activity and integrity were validated with MitoTracker Red and their localization was examined via confocal microscopy, real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay post tail vein injection. An ovarian insufficiency animal model induced by chemotherapy was developed, and ovarian function was assessed through ovarian diameter, vaginal smear, body weight, sex hormone levels and histological analysis. The impact of mitochondrial transplantation on an ovarian cell model was examined through the assessment of mitochondrial function, apoptosis and levels of reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSION: Tail vein injection of isolated mitochondria has the potential to enhance ovarian functions in an animal model of POI induced by cyclophosphamide, increase mitochondrial activity in impaired ovarian cells and decrease the rate of apoptosis.
Baghban Jaldian H, Mirzajani A, Amini Vishteh R
… +2 more, Abolghasemi J, Pourbagherkhah P
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39692080
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of menopause on ocular health and visual function. METHOD: Sixty-two women (31 premenopausal and 31 postmenopausal) who visited Rasht Health Center were selected and...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of menopause on ocular health and visual function. METHOD: Sixty-two women (31 premenopausal and 31 postmenopausal) who visited Rasht Health Center were selected and matched based on their ages and compared in terms of their hormonal status, central corneal thickness (CCT), contrast sensitivity (CS), binocular vision variables and refractive error. RESULTS: CCT and corneal curvature were significantly thinner in postmenopausal women. However, menopause had no significant impact on CS, binocular vision or refractive error. CONCLUSION: Age-related hormonal abnormalities play a significant role in corneal thinning, highlighting the intricate relationship between systemic hormonal changes and ocular health. In contrast, binocular vision functions remain unaffected by menopause.
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39671323
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a therapeutic lifestyle modification (TLM) intervention on health-related quality of life, sexual functioning and cardiometabolic health in perimenopausal Chinese wo...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a therapeutic lifestyle modification (TLM) intervention on health-related quality of life, sexual functioning and cardiometabolic health in perimenopausal Chinese women. METHOD: The study was a randomized controlled trial (registration number: ChiCTR2300070648). Ninety-four perimenopausal women aged between 40 and 55 years were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive the TLM intervention or usual care for 12 weeks. Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and composite cardiometabolic indicators were evaluated at baseline and post intervention. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, linear mixed-effects models showed that the TLM intervention led to a statistically significant improvement in MENQOL (-0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.80 to -0.41), FSFI (3.82, 95% CI 2.03 to 5.61), resting heart rate (-5.44, 95% CI -10.40 to -0.48), waist circumference(-3.14, 95% CI -4.15 to -2.13) and body fat percentage (-4.25, 95% CI -6.92 to -1.58) compared to the control group. There were also statistically significant differences between the intervention (TLM) group and the control group in the proportions of PFMS ( = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The TLM intervention effectively improved menopause-specific quality of life in midlife women, supported by enhancements in female sexual functioning and cardiometabolic health status.
Jaafarpour M, Rashan N, Bahmani M
… +1 more, Direkvand-Moghadam A
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39671303
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Menopause can impact women's physical and mental well-being, including sexual function. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model on improving the sexual fun...OBJECTIVE: Menopause can impact women's physical and mental well-being, including sexual function. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model on improving the sexual function of postmenopausal women. METHODS: The randomized trial focused on postmenopausal married women who did not have any pre-existing health conditions. The intervention group were provided with personalized sexual counseling grounded in the PLISSIT model, whereas the control group were given educational pamphlets. Participants filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and were categorized into two groups through randomized blocking, utilizing blocks of four and six. The main outcome measure was the average sexual function score assessed at the start of the study, as well as at 4 and 8 weeks following the intervention. RESULTS: A total of 60 eligible participants were included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation participant age was 58.7 ± 3.5 years. At week 4 following the intervention, statistically significant differences were observed between the study groups in the mean scores of sexual desire ( = 0.023), arousal ( = 0.002), orgasm ( = 0.0001), lubrication ( = 0.001) and satisfaction ( = 0.004). At week 8 following the intervention, significant differences were noted in the mean scores for sexual arousal ( = 0.001), orgasm ( = 0.000), lubrication ( = 0.031) and satisfaction ( = 0.004) between the study groups. CONCLUSION: The sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model can significantly improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, making it a valuable intervention for healthcare providers to consider in their practice.
ESHRE, ASRM, CREWHIRL and IMS Guideline Group on POI, Panay N, Anderson RA
… +17 more, Bennie A, Cedars M, Davies M, Ee C, Gravholt CH, Kalantaridou S, Kallen A, Kim KQ, Misrahi M, Mousa A, Nappi RE, Rocca WA, Ruan X, Teede H, Vermeulen N, Vogt E, Vincent AJ
Climacteric
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39647506
·
Publisher ↗
STUDY QUESTION: How should premature/primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) be diagnosed and managed, based on the best available evidence from published literature? SUMMARY ANSWER: The current guideline provides 145 recomm...STUDY QUESTION: How should premature/primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) be diagnosed and managed, based on the best available evidence from published literature? SUMMARY ANSWER: The current guideline provides 145 recommendations on symptoms, diagnosis, causation, sequelae and treatment of POI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: POI presents a significant challenge to women's health, with far-reaching implications, both physically and emotionally. The potential implications include adverse effects on quality of life, on fertility and on bone, cardiovascular and cognitive health. Although hormone therapy (HT) can mitigate some of these effects, many questions still remain regarding the optimal management of POI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The guideline was developed according to the structured methodology for development of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines. Key questions were determined by a group of experts and informed by a scoping survey of women and healthcare professionals. Literature searches and assessment were then performed. Papers published up to 30 January 2024 and written in English were included in the guideline. An integrity review was conducted for the randomized controlled trials on POI included in the guideline. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Based on the collected evidence, recommendations were formulated and discussed within the guideline development group until consensus was reached. Women with lived experience of POI informed the recommendations in general, and particularly those on provision of care. A stakeholder review was organized after finalization of the draft. The final version was approved by the guideline development group and the ESHRE Executive Committee. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: New data indicate a higher prevalence of POI, 3.5%, than was previously thought. This guideline aims to help healthcare professionals apply best practice care for women with POI. The recent update of the POI guideline covers 40 clinical questions on diagnosis of the condition, the different sequelae, including bone, cardiovascular, neurological and sexual function, fertility and general well-being, and treatment options, including HT. The list of clinical questions was expanded from the previous iteration of the guideline (2015) based on the scoping survey and appreciation of emerging knowledge of POI. Questions were added on the role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the diagnosis of POI, fertility preservation, muscle health and specific considerations for HT in iatrogenic POI. Additionally, the topic on complementary treatments was extended with specific focus on non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle management options. Significant changes from the previous 2015 guideline include the recommendations that only one elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) >25 IU is required for diagnosis of POI and guidance that AMH testing, repeat FSH measurement and/or AMH may be required where there is diagnostic uncertainty. Recommendations were also updated regarding genetic testing, estrogen doses and regimens, use of the combined oral contraceptive and testosterone therapy. Women with lived experience of POI informed the recommendations on provision of care. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The guideline describes different management options, but it must be acknowledged that for most of these options, supporting evidence is limited for POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The guideline provides healthcare professionals with clear advice on best practice in POI care, based on the best evidence currently available. In addition, a list of research recommendations is provided to guide further studies in POI.
Wang Y, Yu C, Islam RM
… +5 more, Hussain SM, Barker AL, Lacaze P, McNeil JJ, Davis SR
Climacteric
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39636029
·
Full text
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and fracture risk in community-dwelling older women and explore whether this was explained by the genet...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and fracture risk in community-dwelling older women and explore whether this was explained by the genetic regulation of SHBG. METHODS: This prospective cohort study examined 4871 women aged ≥70 years who were not taking medications influencing SHBG concentrations. A genome-wide association study was undertaken to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SHBG concentrations. Incident fracture was confirmed by medical imaging and adjudicated by expert review committee. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 74.0 years. Over 3.9 (standard deviation 1.4) years of follow-up, 484 participants had an incident fracture. There was a linear trend for a positive association between SHBG concentrations and fracture risk ( = 0.001), with the highest SHBG quartile associated with a significantly greater fracture risk compared with the lowest quartile (hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.04, = 0.003), adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, impaired renal function, treatment allocation, medications affecting bone and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Two independent SNPs were associated with SHBG concentrations, rs10822163 and rs727428, but neither was associated with fracture risk. CONCLUSION: SHBG concentrations were positively associated with a greater fracture risk in community-dwelling women aged ≥70 years, which was not explained by genetic variants associated with SHBG regulation.
Korpe B, Kose C, Mermi S
… +2 more, Ergorun SK, Keskin HL
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39636023
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to assess the association of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) with postmenopausal osteoporosis and investigate longitudinal changes in TyG index levels in relation to os...OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to assess the association of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) with postmenopausal osteoporosis and investigate longitudinal changes in TyG index levels in relation to osteoporosis risk. METHODS: Out of 704 women, after excluding those with osteopenia, a total of 517 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Participants were categorized based on -scores derived from lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Demographic data, biochemical parameters and TyG index levels were analyzed. Logistic regression, correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The osteoporosis group ( = 254) exhibited significantly higher TyG index and triglyceride levels compared to controls ( = 263). Longitudinal analysis revealed significant increases in TyG index levels among women developing osteoporosis over time. ROC analysis demonstrated the TyG index's accuracy for osteoporosis (first TyG area under the curve [AUC]: 0.767, second TyG AUC: 0.818, < 0.001). Regression analyses identified the TyG index as a significant factor associated with osteoporosis (odds ratio: 39.468, 95% confidence interval: 12.884-120.903, < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index emerges as a valuable indicator for postmenopausal osteoporosis. These results emphasize the need for integrating metabolic health indicators into osteoporosis management strategies, warranting further research into targeted interventions.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of serum uric acid levels with handgrip strength (HGS) and dynapenia in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 422 participants collected data...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of serum uric acid levels with handgrip strength (HGS) and dynapenia in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 422 participants collected data on age, age at menopause, adiposity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, current smoking status, HGS (measured using a digital dynamometer) and physical activity. Serum levels of creatinine, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, thyroid-stimulating hormone and uric acid were evaluated. Women were categorized into quartiles. A directed acyclic graph was designed to identify confounding variables. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess associations between uric acid with HGS or dynapenia. RESULTS: Women with hyperuricemia presented significant association with lower HGS ( = 0.00028). After adjusting for potential confounders, the multivariable linear regression to analyze the association between uric acid and HGS showed an inverted U-shaped curve, with quartile 1 (β = -0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.50, 0.40), quartile 3 (β = -0.21; 95% CI: -1.20, 0.74) and quartile 4 (β = -1.3; 95% CI: -2.3, -0.37) compared with quartile 2. Serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with HGS ( = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The association between uric acid quartiles with HGS or dynapenia displayed an inverted U-shaped curve. These findings suggest that specific serum uric acid levels within the normal range are associated with better HGS.
Fux-Otta C, Torre D, Chedraui P
… +22 more, Melgarejo B, Ramos N, Carlo MD, Benzi M, Banús V, Estario ME, Leiderman S, Gecchelin R, Bartolacci I, Tarletta M, Ziperovich C, Lella SD, Aramayo C, Martín L, Pereyra C, Real C, Dogliani P, Ñañez M, López M, Iraci G, Fernández G, Writing Group for the Argentinian Association of Menopause and Andropause (AAMA)
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39540243
·
Publisher ↗
Excessive androgen levels in women after menopause often result from an imbalance in ovarian steroid secretion: a rapid decline in estrogen secretion associated with a slow decrease in androgen secretion, compounded by a...Excessive androgen levels in women after menopause often result from an imbalance in ovarian steroid secretion: a rapid decline in estrogen secretion associated with a slow decrease in androgen secretion, compounded by a physiological decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin. Hyperandrogenism is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and gynecological neoplasms, also impacting the emotional well-being of affected women. Therefore, the aim of these guidelines is to guide the clinical physician in the appropriate clinical and biochemical evaluation of hyperandrogenism after menopause, thus optimizing therapeutic outcomes. The most frequent consultation in this stage of life is facial hirsutism associated with hair loss. If the onset of signs is abrupt, severe, associated with virilization and accompanied by serum testosterone levels in the male range, it is necessary to rule out a tumoral origin. A thorough medical history guides the diagnosis. Determination of total testosterone using reliable methods and imaging studies are valid tools to assist when doubts arise in the differential diagnosis.
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39535295
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine factors associated with (a feeling of loneliness and solitude) - including aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms, social support and self-efficacy - in middle-aged women to provide fu...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine factors associated with (a feeling of loneliness and solitude) - including aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms, social support and self-efficacy - in middle-aged women to provide fundamental data for future research endeavors. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-nine women aged 40-60 years were recruited from two cities in Gyeongnam Province and Busan City. Gu and Eun's Scale was employed to evaluate , alongside questionnaires to assess menopause status and symptoms, self-efficacy, social support and aging anxiety. To determine factors influencing , a multiple stepwise regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The average score was 2.4 ± 0.44, indicating a moderate level of experienced by the participants. was positively correlated with aging anxiety and menopausal symptoms, and negatively with self-efficacy and social support, among which aging anxiety most significantly influenced . Aging anxiety, menopausal symptoms and social support combined accounted for 60.9% of the variation observed in . CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate the importance of health interventions aimed at reducing aging anxiety and menopausal symptoms and enhancing social support for promoting well-being and facilitating a healthy menopausal transition among middle-aged women. Additionally, can serve as a valuable process indicator during this stage of multiple transitions for women.
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39535279
·
Publisher ↗
Age alone should not be an absolute contraindication for any contraceptive methods. However, medical eligibility criteria for combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use must be taken into consideration when choosing an ap...Age alone should not be an absolute contraindication for any contraceptive methods. However, medical eligibility criteria for combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use must be taken into consideration when choosing an appropriate contraceptive method. Women should be counseled on the benefits and risks of CHC while in their 40s. If there are no contraindications, women may use CHC for contraception up until the age of 50 years. Loss of libido is a common symptom during the late 40s. While women associate this with hormone levels, libido is multifactorial and is influenced by family and work stress, tiredness, self-image, medications and the physical changes in their partner. During this stage, women might experience urogenital issues such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and bladder problems, which can further affect the woman's sexual function. Before attributing the cause of sexual dysfunction to CHC use, a complete gynecologic examination and a full biopsychosocial assessment of the woman and her partner should be conducted to define other potential causes. When CHC-related female sexual dysfunction is suspected, using an oral CHC with a higher estrogen dose, a vaginal contraceptive ring or a transdermal contraceptive patch, or switching to a progesterone-only pill or non-hormonal method, might be suggested.
Cagnacci A, Villa P, Grassi GP
… +9 more, Biglia N, Gambacciani M, Di Carlo C, Nocera F, Caruso S, Becorpi A, Lello S, Paoletti AM, Group of Special Interest on Menopause of the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SIGO)
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39503540
·
Publisher ↗
The specific Italian Group of Study of the Menopause formulated a consensus opinion on the use of estrogen therapy (ET) or combined estro-progestin hormone therapy (HT) after breast and gynecological cancers. This consen...The specific Italian Group of Study of the Menopause formulated a consensus opinion on the use of estrogen therapy (ET) or combined estro-progestin hormone therapy (HT) after breast and gynecological cancers. This consensus is based on the risk of recurrence of the specific cancer during ET/HT, the presence of steroid receptors in cancer cells, the use of adjuvant hormone therapies and data on the use of ET/HT after cancer. The following positions were reached. ET/HT can be used after vulvar cancers and melanoma, but with great caution after the rare adenocarcinomas. ET/HT can be used after cervical cancer, but ET should be used with caution after adenocarcinomas. ET/HT can be used after International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) stage I-II estrogen-dependent endometrial cancers, except in Black women, and can probably be used after estrogen-independent endometrial cancers. ET/HT cannot be administered or should be used with great caution after most uterine sarcomas. ET/HT can probably be used after ovarian neoplasms except for granulosa cell tumors, and with great caution after low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and serous borderline ovarian tumors. ET/HT can be used with great caution in women after estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)-positive breast cancer and is probably allowed after ER/PR-negative breast cancer.
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39495047
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the vaginal erbium laser (VEL) in association with vaginal hyaluronic acid (HA) in postmenopausal women suffering from genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). METH...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the vaginal erbium laser (VEL) in association with vaginal hyaluronic acid (HA) in postmenopausal women suffering from genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). METHODS: One hundred sexually active postmenopausal women were selected and divided into three groups using a block randomization method; 10 women declined to participate. The remaining women received three laser applications at 30-day intervals; 22 women dropped out for personal reasons or protocol violations. Group 1 ( = 25) received VEL treatment (XS Fotona Smooth; Fotona, Slovenia) alone; Group 2 ( = 22) received daily vaginal HA tablets for 10 days after VEL treatment, followed by a twice a week administration during the follow-up period; and Group 3 ( = 21) received daily HA tablets for 10 days before the first VEL treatment and for 10 days after each laser application, followed by a twice a week administration for the follow-up period. Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia were assessed at the screening visit, before VEL treatment, after 1 and 3 months from the last laser treatment, using the visual analog scale. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and a linear mixed model for repeated measures. The post-hoc test for the interaction between time and treatment was performed using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: A significant ( < 0.001) improvement in both vaginal dryness and superficial dyspareunia was evident, with greater ( < 0.001) improvement in Group 2 and Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that vaginal HA administration can improve the VEL effects on GSM in postmenopausal women.
Ren M, Yu Q, Custodio MG
… +6 more, Simoncini T, Nappi RE, Tatarchuk T, Kahler E, Piha T, Stevenson JC
Climacteric
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39475406
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Oral, low-dose and ultra-low-dose continuous combined 17β-estradiol (E) plus dydrogesterone (D) reduce vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Two phase 3, double-blind studies were included...OBJECTIVE: Oral, low-dose and ultra-low-dose continuous combined 17β-estradiol (E) plus dydrogesterone (D) reduce vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Two phase 3, double-blind studies were included. In the European study, postmenopausal women were randomized 2:1:2 to receive E0.5 mg/D2.5 mg (ultra-low dose), E1 mg/D5 mg (low dose) or placebo for 13 weeks. In the Chinese study, women were randomized 1:1 to receive E0.5 mg/D2.5 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. Post-hoc endpoints assessed in body mass index (BMI) subgroups (<25 kg/m; ≥25 kg/m) included number of hot flushes and moderate-to-severe hot flushes per day, and the proportion of women with amenorrhea. RESULTS: A total of 640 women were included. At the end of treatment, the mean (95% confidence interval) numbers of daily hot flushes were significantly lower ( ≤ 0.05) for all treatment groups versus placebo, with E0.5 mg/D2.5 mg (BMI < 25 kg/m: 2.5 [1.9, 3.1]; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m: 3.2 [2.5, 3.8]) and E1 mg/D5 mg versus placebo (BMI < 25 kg/m: 2.7 [1.2, 4.2]; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m: 2.3 [1.1, 3.5]) than with placebo (BMI < 25 kg/m: 4.4 [3.8, 50]; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m: 4.2 [3.6, 4.9]). A similar pattern was seen for moderate-to-severe hot flushes. The amenorrhea rate was high (79-98%) across both studies and BMI subgroups. CONCLUSION: Oral, ultra-low-dose continuous combined E0.5 mg/D2.5 mg and low-dose continuous combined E1 mg/D5 mg alleviated postmenopausal VMS compared with placebo, irrespective of BMI.
Kingsberg S, Nappi RE, Scott M
… +6 more, Schoof N, Moeller C, Lee L, Janssenswillen C, Caetano C, Banks V
Climacteric
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39400034
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate physician-patient alignment on menopausal symptom burden and impact for women experiencing natural vasomotor symptoms (nVMS) or VMS induced by endocrine therapy for breast cancer (...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate physician-patient alignment on menopausal symptom burden and impact for women experiencing natural vasomotor symptoms (nVMS) or VMS induced by endocrine therapy for breast cancer (iVMS). METHODS: For this real-world, cross-sectional survey, physicians from the USA and five European countries provided data for consulting patients experiencing nVMS/iVMS; patients optionally self-reported their experiences. Alignment between physician and patient responses was assessed using weighted Cohen's analysis. RESULTS: Physicians and patients completed 1029 pairs of surveys (846 nVMS; 183 iVMS). In 28.1% of cases for nVMS and 29.6% for iVMS, patients reported more severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) than physicians; alignment of responses was slight (nVMS, = 0.1364, ≤ 0.0001; iVMS, = 0.1014, = 0.039). For the non-VMS symptoms surveyed, 18.5-34.9% of patients with nVMS and iVMS reported symptoms without a corresponding physician report; sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties and mood changes were among the symptoms most under-reported by physicians. Alignment regarding the impact of nVMS and iVMS on sleep, mood and overall quality of life was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Only slight to moderate physician-patient alignment was found across all areas surveyed. These findings suggest that physicians often underestimate the severity of VMS and the presence of other menopausal symptoms, highlighting a need to improve physician-patient communication.