Maturitas[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Metabolic impact of exercise timing: Myonectin dynamics in overweight and obese postmenopausal women following high-intensity interval training.
Jafari A, Amani Beni S
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308879 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Myonectin is a myokine that regulates lipid metabolism, and levels are often reduced in obesity and insulin resistance. This study examined whether the timing of exercise influences myonectin and metabolic re...
BACKGROUND: Myonectin is a myokine that regulates lipid metabolism, and levels are often reduced in obesity and insulin resistance. This study examined whether the timing of exercise influences myonectin and metabolic responses to high-intensity interval training in obese postmenopausal women. METHODS: Fifty-eight sedentary postmenopausal women (body mass index 28-35 kg/m2) were randomized to high-intensity interval training or a control condition. The exercise group completed two counterbalanced cycling sessions (morning 08:00 h, evening 18:00 h). Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 2 h post-exercise to measure serum myonectin, free fatty acids, glycerol, cortisol, and lipid profiles. RESULTS: High-intensity interval training significantly increased serum myonectin 2 h post-exercise in both morning and evening sessions (p ≤ 0.01). Free fatty acids and glycerol increased (p ≤ 0.01), and triglycerides decreased (evening: -4.8%, p ≤ 0.01). Evening exercise produced a lower peak heart rate (p = 0.042) and perceived exertion (p = 0.031) than morning exercise. No significant changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, or total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: A single session of high-intensity interval exercise increased serum myonectin and lipolysis-related markers and reduced triglyceride concentrations in overweight and obese postmenopausal women. The higher 2-h myonectin value after evening exercise appears to reflect a time-specific variation rather than clear evidence of an overall evening-exercise advantage. Longitudinal studies using baseline-adjusted and mechanistic analyses are needed to determine whether acute timing-related differences translate into clinically meaningful adaptations. Trial prospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20180822040849N3.
Menopause in rare diseases: Shared research concerns and the case for a dedicated subfield.
Sufian S
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308878 · Publisher ↗
Scientific knowledge about menopause in females with rare diseases remains scarce, despite emerging evidence that symptoms of rare diseases and the menopausal transition may interact in clinically significant ways. This...
Scientific knowledge about menopause in females with rare diseases remains scarce, despite emerging evidence that symptoms of rare diseases and the menopausal transition may interact in clinically significant ways. This narrative review synthesizes the literature on menopause across eight rare diseases: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), cystic fibrosis (CF), Huntington's disease (HD), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), myasthenia gravis (MG), systemic scleroderma (SSc), sickle cell disease (SCD), and Turner syndrome (TS), to identify shared research priorities and propose a coordinated agenda for future investigation. Eight cross-cutting themes emerge: (1) hormonal modulation of disease pathophysiology; (2) sex disparities in populations with rare diseases; (3) earlier onset of menopause; (4) overlapping disease and menopausal symptoms that complicate diagnosis and care; (5) disease-specific symptom profiles and menopause outcomes; (6) menopause hormone therapy; (7) quality-of-life issues; and (8) unmet educational needs among rare-disease specialists and gynecologists. Based on these converging themes, we propose establishing a dedicated subfield within menopause research focused on populations with rare diseases. Such a subfield would enable cross-disease comparative inquiry, promote methodological innovation compatible with small populations, support the development of disease-specific clinical guidelines and a registry that proposes hormonal therapy risks and safe options, and advance provider training at the intersection of rare disease and women's health.
Mat Pilates vs. belly dance: Effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in women with breast cancer: A randomized trial.
Boing L, Raimundo JAG, Pereira GS … +7 more , de Bem Fretta T, Fausto DY, Martins JBB, da Silveira J, Benetti M, Bergmann A, de Azevedo Guimarães AC
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42296761 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of 16 weeks of Mat Pilates or belly dance, compared with a control condition, on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in women with breast cancer undergoing hormone therapy, wi...
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of 16 weeks of Mat Pilates or belly dance, compared with a control condition, on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in women with breast cancer undergoing hormone therapy, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 52 women were allocated to Mat Pilates (n = 18), belly dance (n = 18), or control (n = 16) groups. Exercise groups trained three times per week for 60 min over 16 weeks. The control group maintained usual activities and attended educational sessions. Outcomes included peak oxygen uptake (V̇O₂peak) via submaximal cycle ergometer, 6-min walk test (6MWT), perceived exertion, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and fat percentage (determined using ultrasound). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Post-intervention, the belly dance group showed a greater 6MWT improvement (+83.1 m; p = 0.016) and lower perceived exertion at 35 W (p = 0.019) than controls. Waist circumference decreased across all participants (p < 0.001), with the largest reduction in the Mat Pilates group (-9.8 cm). No significant changes were observed in V̇O₂peak immediately post-intervention. At follow-up, both exercise groups showed decreased fat percentage (p = 0.002) but increased waist circumference (p < 0.001). V̇O₂peak declined in the belly dance group at both 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mat Pilates and belly dance improved functional capacity and reduced abdominal circumference in women with breast cancer receiving hormone therapy. Despite some loss of benefits at follow-up, sustained reductions in fat percentage suggest these modalities may be valuable in oncological rehabilitation programs. GOV REGISTRATION: NCT03194997.
Obesity treatment for postmenopausal women: Established therapies and emerging approaches - a narrative review.
Kunicki M, Katulska Z, Wolert W … +1 more , Kunicka A
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42288042 · Publisher ↗
Obesity has become one of the most prevalent chronic conditions of the twenty-first century, affecting women's health throughout their lifespan. It is associated with many chronic diseases and malignancies. It also worse...
Obesity has become one of the most prevalent chronic conditions of the twenty-first century, affecting women's health throughout their lifespan. It is associated with many chronic diseases and malignancies. It also worsens vasomotor symptoms. It is estimated that 50-80% of menopausal women have vasomotor symptoms and may need menopausal hormonal therapy. Although data indicate that it can reduce abdominal fat, obesity treatment strategies based solely on menopausal hormone therapy are not currently recommended by any gynecological or endocrinological society. Based predominantly on general population data, current obesity pharmacotherapies appear effective; however, dedicated trials in postmenopausal women are urgently needed, given documented metabolic and hormonal differences and evidence from bariatric surgery of age-dependent treatment responses.
Breast cancer risk-reducing medications - featuring the new kid, "baby tam".
Klassen CL, Fraker J, Khatri L … +1 more , Pruthi S
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42284820 · Publisher ↗
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States annually, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. There are many methods available to estimate a woman's risk of breast cancer so o...
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States annually, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. There are many methods available to estimate a woman's risk of breast cancer so one can intervene early. Several medications have been shown to be highly effective in reducing breast cancer risk; however, uptake and adherence to these medications is very low. This is partly due to lack of awareness on the part of clinicians of a patient's candidacy for the medication. However, adverse effects and perceived risks of these medications often lead to hesitation by patients to take the medications. This review discusses the risks and benefits of breast cancer risk-reducing medications to assist with shared decision-making for the most appropriate options.
Neurokinin pathway botanical antagonist for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Lederman S, Minkin MJ, Doyle AL … +4 more , Rubio J, Recker S, Lin LX, VanDusseldorp T
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42284819 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are a prevalent and disruptive manifestation of menopause, and many women prefer nonhormonal, nonpharmacologic treatment options. This study evaluated the efficacy of a patented multi-...
OBJECTIVE: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are a prevalent and disruptive manifestation of menopause, and many women prefer nonhormonal, nonpharmacologic treatment options. This study evaluated the efficacy of a patented multi-ingredient botanical neurokinin inhibitor (BNI) on VMS and other patient-reported outcome measures. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in menopausal women with 5 or more moderate to severe hot flashes daily. Participants were enrolled from community medical practices in the United States and randomized to BNI or placebo for 12 weeks. BNI is a novel formulation of plant extracts that attenuates neurokinin receptor signaling in vivo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary endpoints were changes in daily VMS frequency and score on the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). Secondary endpoints included changes in Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Serum estrogen and liver function were assessed in a subgroup of patients. RESULTS: Of 74 randomized participants, 68 completed the trial (BNI, n = 32; placebo, n = 36). BNI supplementation reduced VMS frequency by 2.2 hot flashes per day more than placebo (p = 0.003), corresponding to a 47.7% relative decrease. HFRDIS was improved in the BNI group (p = 0.037), with significant reduction on all subscales. No significant differences were observed in global menopause symptoms (MENQOL) or sleep quality (PSQI). No changes in serum estradiol or liver function abnormalities were detected. BNI was well tolerated, with no difference in adverse events between groups. CONCLUSION: A combination of botanically derived neurokinin inhibitors produces significant and sustained relief of vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. CLINICALTRIALS: gov registration: NCT05813067.
Menopause in context: Embedded socioeconomic conditions and emerging challenges.
Riach K
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42263449 · Publisher ↗
Accounts of menopause across media, policy and workplaces have begun to highlight the relationship between menopause and the economy. However, embedded and emerging socioeconomic dynamics also underpin experiences of men...
Accounts of menopause across media, policy and workplaces have begun to highlight the relationship between menopause and the economy. However, embedded and emerging socioeconomic dynamics also underpin experiences of menopause in ways that are often overlooked. This commentary introduces three intersecting socioeconomic concepts shaping the contemporary experience of menopause. First, the 'economic iceberg of menopause' highlights how gendered patterns, including cumulative disadvantage, insecure employment, and financial vulnerability, converge during midlife to shape work participation and social and economic outcomes for those experiencing menopause. Second, the increasing reach of 'menomarkets' shows how market-driven ecosystems shape expectations and influence health-seeking behaviour. Finally, the concept of 'menocynicism' is introduced to describe cycles of scepticism surrounding menopausal knowledge and support. This scepticism is intensified by partisanship and patterns of prosumption, operating against the backdrop of the identity threat associated with menopause and its intersection with gendered ageism. Collectively, these socioeconomic concepts have profound implications for evidence-informed behaviours and inclusive menopausal practices. The article proposes enhanced education and awareness of contemporary socioeconomic dynamics and outlines possible interventions to overcome the ways they may impede effective menopause support.
Menopause and PMOS: Redefining cardiometabolic risk across the lifespan.
Manta A, Kempegowda P, Armeni E
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42259686 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Nutritional status modifies the effect of rehabilitation strategy on functional recovery after hip fracture in older adults.
Lim SK, Lim JY
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42250394 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of integrated rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation after hip fractures and evaluate whether nutritional status modifies the effect of rehabilitation strategies on functi...
OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of integrated rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation after hip fractures and evaluate whether nutritional status modifies the effect of rehabilitation strategies on functional recovery in older adults. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational cohort study included adults aged ≥65 years who underwent hip fracture surgery and received either integrated or conventional rehabilitation at a tertiary hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Malnutrition was assessed using the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Functional recovery was evaluated using the modified Barthel index at admission, discharge, and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between nutritional status, rehabilitation strategy, and their interactions with longitudinal modified Barthel index trajectories and baseline-adjusted changes. Missing data were handled using multiple imputations, with complete-case analyses as sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Among 107 participants (mean age 81.8 ± 6.2 years), both modified Barthel index trajectories and baseline-adjusted changes improved significantly over time (all p < 0.001). At 6 months, integrated rehabilitation was associated with greater functional improvement among patients with malnutrition compared with conventional rehabilitation (estimate = 13.5; p = 0.030). Baseline-adjusted change scores of the modified Barthel index further demonstrated significantly greater 6-month functional gains with integrated rehabilitation in malnourished patients (estimate = 14.5; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Malnourished patients responded more to structured multidisciplinary rehabilitation after hip fractures than to conventional rehabilitation. These findings highlight the importance of early nutritional assessment and support for a stratified rehabilitation approach based on nutritional risk to optimize postoperative functional recovery after hip fractures. CLINICALTRIALS: gov registration number NCT03430193.
Metabolic and endocrine factors involved in handgrip strength and dynapenia in postmenopausal women.
Pérez-López FR, Fernández-Alonso AM, Rodríguez I … +1 more , García-Alfaro P
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42248709 · Publisher ↗
This narrative review examines current evidence concerning the evolution of handgrip strength and dynapenia in postmenopausal women, and the implications of menopause, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and endocrin...
This narrative review examines current evidence concerning the evolution of handgrip strength and dynapenia in postmenopausal women, and the implications of menopause, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and endocrine factors. A literature search was performed using PubMed and ResearchGate to identify clinical studies of handgrip strength or dynapenia in postmenopausal women. Main analyses of relevant data from middle-aged and older women were selected, giving preference to results from available meta-analyses. From the fifth decade of life, there is a progressive reduction in skeletal muscle function. The longitudinal muscle ageing process is more abrupt among postmenopausal women than in men. Low handgrip strength is associated with menopausal changes related to subclinical inflammation, body fat accumulation and distribution, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and lipid accumulation product. Menopause hormone therapy did not improve muscle strength, and new therapeutic options are needed to maintain muscle function as long as possible.
Gluteal muscle density, but not size, is independently associated with fall risk in older adults with hip fractures: A cross-sectional study using opportunistic CT imaging.
Ge Y, Li R, Tao X … +5 more , Chen Y, Li T, Wang L, Yang M, Wu X
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42247814 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether different peri-hip muscle groups show differential associations with fear of falling and past-year fall history in older adults with hip fractures, and whether muscle density is more infor...
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether different peri-hip muscle groups show differential associations with fear of falling and past-year fall history in older adults with hip fractures, and whether muscle density is more informative than cross-sectional area. METHODS: This single-center, post hoc cross-sectional analysis was conducted within a prospective cohort of 590 patients aged ≥65 years with hip fractures. Fear of falling was evaluated using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, and past-year fall history was obtained by questionnaire. Muscle density and cross-sectional area were measured from computed tomography (CT) scans for the gluteus maximus muscle (G.MaxM), the gluteus medius and minimus muscles (G.MedMinM), and the upper thigh muscles (thighM). Multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 590 patients, 214 (36.3%) reported fear of falling and 331 (56.1%) had had prior falls. All muscle measures were lower in the fear-of-falling group. After multivariable adjustment, only G.MedMinM density remained independently associated with lower odds of fear of falling (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.98, P = 0.031). In contrast, G.MaxM density, thighM density, and all muscle area parameters were not independently associated with fear of falling after full adjustment. For past-year falls, G.MedMinM density showed a similar inverse association in partially adjusted models, but this association was attenuated after additional adjustment for hip bone mineral density (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65-1.03, P = 0.082). Associations were stronger in patients aged≥80 years, with visual impairment, or low physical activity. CONCLUSION: Among the peri-hip muscle groups examined, G.MedMinM showed the strongest associations with fear of falling and past-year falls. Muscle density was more informative than muscle size, and G.MedMinM density remained independently associated with fear of falling. Opportunistic preoperative hip CT may help support perioperative risk stratification after hip fracture.
Association between intrinsic capacity and incident chronic kidney disease: The mediating role of metabolomic signatures.
Li C, Xu M, Lu S … +6 more , Yan Y, Suo X, Han J, Ye H, Bo Y, Lyu Q
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42235097 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The relationship between intrinsic capacity and incident chronic kidney disease and its underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study investigated this relationship and assessed the potential role of metaboli...
BACKGROUND: The relationship between intrinsic capacity and incident chronic kidney disease and its underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study investigated this relationship and assessed the potential role of metabolic mechanisms. METHODS: We included 431,208 UK Biobank participants without baseline chronic kidney disease. An intrinsic capacity deficit score was computed from 7 factors across 4 intrinsic capacity domains. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to investigate the association between intrinsic capacity deficit score and incident chronic kidney disease. Elastic net regression determined the metabolic signature associated with intrinsic capacity deficit score. Mediation analysis assessed the mediating role of metabolic signature and specific metabolites. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 13.9 years, 19,264 incident chronic kidney disease cases were identified. Compared with participants with an intrinsic capacity deficit score of 0, those with a score of 4+ exhibited a significantly elevated risk of chronic kidney disease (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.40-1.59). We identified 43 metabolites related to intrinsic capacity deficit score (17 positively, 26 negatively). The metabolic signature partly mediated the association between intrinsic capacity deficit score and risk of chronic kidney disease (proportion of mediation effects 4.10%, 95% CI 2.67-5.92). Significant mediation effects were also observed for metabolites related to lipid metabolism, fatty acids, and amino acids, with PM% ranging from 0.13 to 1.78. CONCLUSIONS: Higher intrinsic capacity deficit score was associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease. This relationship was partially mediated through perturbations in metabolic profiles-particularly those involving lipid-related metabolites, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Assessing age at natural menopause from self-reported data in a long-running population-based cohort study.
Pieterse IJ, Picavet HSJ, MenoPause Consortium … +2 more , Verschuren WMM, Broekman BFP
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42235096 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To assess whether age at natural menopause could be determined through self-report, and evaluate consistency and reproducibility in self-reported age at natural menopause in a long-running population-based co...
OBJECTIVES: To assess whether age at natural menopause could be determined through self-report, and evaluate consistency and reproducibility in self-reported age at natural menopause in a long-running population-based cohort study. METHODS: We used longitudinal data from 3394 women participating in the Doetinchem Cohort Study (1987-2017), who reported menstrual status and age at menopause up to seven times over 30 years. We assessed the proportion of women for whom age at natural menopause could be determined, within-person variation across repeated reports, and reproducibility defined as agreement within one year across increasing recall intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion determination of age at natural menopause, within-person variation across reports, and reproducibility defined as agreement within one year across increasing recall intervals. RESULTS: Age at natural menopause could be determined in 57% of women who reached menopause during follow-up; in the remaining women, this was mainly precluded by hormone use and gynecologic surgery. Among women who had experienced natural menopause, 60% reported age differences of ≤2 years and 17% ≥4 years across reports. Variation increased with longer recall intervals, with underreporting among women already postmenopausal at baseline. Agreement within one year declined from 62% at 5 years to 45% at 30 years. CONCLUSION: For a substantial proportion of women, age at natural menopause is difficult to determine and inconsistently reported, especially over longer recall periods. Accurate documentation of menopausal status, hormone use, and surgical history are therefore crucial for both research and clinical care. Clear definitions and careful prospective documentation of hormone use can improve reproducibility and data quality, enhancing comparability across studies and supporting appropriate female-specific health care.
The effect of vaginal tamoxifen on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women with and without breast cancer.
Yazici Sarikaya S, Nyback S, Derntl B … +6 more , Ljungman L, Hirschberg AL, Kopp Kallner H, Sundström Poromaa I, Wikman A, Kunovac Kallak T
Maturitas · 2026 Jun · PMID 42235095 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a common condition among postmenopausal women. Although estrogen therapy is considered an effective treatment, some women are hesitant to use it; others are advised agai...
OBJECTIVES: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a common condition among postmenopausal women. Although estrogen therapy is considered an effective treatment, some women are hesitant to use it; others are advised against it medically. We previously showed that vaginal tamoxifen effectively treats genitourinary syndrome of menopause. However, because vaginal tamoxifen may have systemic effects and its impact on mental health and health-related quality of life has not been previously evaluated, we focused on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in this study, extending our earlier findings. STUDY DESIGN: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, postmenopausal women with and without breast cancer received once-weekly vaginal tamoxifen or placebo for three months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life were assessed using standardized questionnaires before and after treatment. Mixed-design ANOVAs with treatment and time as factors were conducted for the full sample and separately for women with breast cancer. RESULTS: A total of 115 postmenopausal women (23.5% with breast cancer) were included. A significant time × treatment interaction was observed for anxiety. Anxiety decreased slightly over time in the tamoxifen group but remained stable in the placebo group. However, baseline anxiety scores were below clinically relevant thresholds in both groups. Notably, vaginal tamoxifen was associated with a greater reduction in overall pain compared with placebo. No other outcomes reached significance. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, weekly vaginal tamoxifen was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms and clinically relevant reduction in overall pain. Although anxiety levels were in the non-clinical range, these changes may still be meaningful for individuals. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and broader benefits of vaginal tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with and without breast cancer.
Living with premature ovarian insufficiency: A thematic analysis of women's quality-of-life experiences.
Pisana B, Stapleton P, Deane FP … +1 more , Beekhuyzen J
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42229115 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Quality-of-life research in premature ovarian insufficiency is limited by the under-representation of women aged ≤25 and the lack of attention to how age at diagnosis shapes outcomes. This study addresses the...
OBJECTIVES: Quality-of-life research in premature ovarian insufficiency is limited by the under-representation of women aged ≤25 and the lack of attention to how age at diagnosis shapes outcomes. This study addresses these gaps by employing recruitment strategies to increase participation of younger women, while exploring age at diagnosis as a key influence on their experiences. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative design was employed using an online open-ended questionnaire distributed through social media support groups. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were 191 women aged 20-56 years from three English-speaking countries. Women described debilitating symptoms affecting sleep, cognition, mood, sexual functioning and relationships, alongside treatment-related burdens that disrupted education and employment. Difficulties accessing timely diagnosis and care were reported, citing provider knowledge gaps and limited adolescent-focused diagnostic expertise. A number of women disclosed a history of suicidal ideation, with some attributing it to untreated hormone-related symptoms and others to existential loss related to infertility and disrupted life trajectories. Age at onset shaped identity disruption; adolescence-onset was associated with developmental stalling. Women approaching midlife described a 'care cliff' where they felt abandoned by services. Across groups, interactions with healthcare providers were central to adjustment and long-term health. CONCLUSIONS: Reports of suicidal ideation highlighted the need for both optimised hormonal treatment and psychological support. Participants reported that many clinicians were inadequately prepared to manage the condition. Provider education in premature ovarian insufficiency is essential, particularly to improve timely adolescent diagnosis and prevent irreversible permanent developmental impacts.
Household cooking fuel use and intrinsic capacity trajectories in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal cohort study.
Zhang J, Dong J, Gui M … +3 more , Tang Z, Han Y, Xing F
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42229114 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Intrinsic capacity is a key indicator of healthy ageing. Household air pollution from cooking fuels may influence functional ageing, yet longitudinal evidence remains limited. This study examined the associat...
BACKGROUND: Intrinsic capacity is a key indicator of healthy ageing. Household air pollution from cooking fuels may influence functional ageing, yet longitudinal evidence remains limited. This study examined the association between cooking fuel use and trajectories of intrinsic capacity. METHODS: Data were obtained from four waves (2011-2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, including 11,368 adults aged ≥45 years. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify intrinsic capacity trajectories, and multinomial logistic regression was applied to examine associations with cooking fuel use. RESULTS: Three intrinsic capacity trajectories were identified: low (18.1%), moderate (35.5%), and high (46.4%). Compared with solid fuel use, the use of clean cooking fuel was associated with higher odds of having the moderate (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.30-1.70) and high trajectories (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.81-2.43). Longer duration of solid fuel use was associated with lower odds of belonging to favourable trajectories (P for trend <0.001). These associations were consistent across subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Cooking fuel use was associated with intrinsic capacity trajectory. Clean fuel use was linked to more favourable trajectory patterns, whereas prolonged solid fuel use was associated with less favourable trajectories. These findings highlight household air pollution as a potentially modifiable environmental determinant of functional ageing.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause in women with cancer - a narrative review.
Ryan HM, Brennan DJ
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42224847 · Publisher ↗
This review explores the use of local vaginal estrogen therapy for managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause by survivors of hormone-sensitive breast and gynaecological cancer, emphasizing its role in improving qualit...
This review explores the use of local vaginal estrogen therapy for managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause by survivors of hormone-sensitive breast and gynaecological cancer, emphasizing its role in improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and recurrent urinary tract infections. Treatments for hormone-sensitive cancers often cause sudden menopause, and prolonged use of endocrine therapies can worsen the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The syndrome is frequently under-recognized and inadequately managed, and women should be screened and educated about symptoms and treatment options, especially survivors of breast and gynaecological cancer. Shared decision-making is central to managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause in hormone-sensitive cancers, as options balance the side-effects of cancer treatments and endocrine therapies against quality of life. While nonhormonal therapies are recommended as first-line treatment, if ineffective, low-dose vaginal estrogen provides significant symptom relief and efficacy in easing genitourinary symptoms and reducing urinary tract infections with minimal systemic absorption. While caution has traditionally been suggested in estrogen-sensitive cancers, the use of vaginal estrogen therapy by women with breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors and by women with hormone-sensitive gynaecological cancers is discussed. Interpreting safety data-especially for hormone-sensitive cancers-requires careful, individualized decision-making in collaboration with oncology teams. Individualized care is essential to balance symptom relief, patient safety and compliance with treatments, optimizing outcomes and quality of life for these patients. The paper highlights the need for additional research on long-term safety and efficacy across cancer subtypes to improve personalised care.
Age at menopause, frailty, and risk of incident sarcopenia among middle-aged and older Chinese women: A longitudinal cohort study.
Gong X, Liu S, Shen L … +11 more , Li Y, Xie W, Cai Y, Chen Q, Li X, Liu Z, Wang C, Gong S, Zhou R, Zou K, Liu X
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42224846 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the independent and joint associations of menopausal status and frailty with incident sarcopenia among middle-aged and older Chinese women, and to identify potential threshold effects. STUDY DE...
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the independent and joint associations of menopausal status and frailty with incident sarcopenia among middle-aged and older Chinese women, and to identify potential threshold effects. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2015). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incident sarcopenia was ascertained according to the 2025 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Menopausal status was categorized as premature (<40 years), early (40-44 years), normal (45-55 years), and late (>55 years). Frailty was defined by a frailty index ≥25 based on 32 health deficits. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval; restricted cubic splines and additive/multiplicative interaction analyses were employed. RESULTS: Among 4503 women, premature menopause was independently associated with increased risk of sarcopenia (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.22-2.18). Restricted cubic spline analysis identified a critical threshold at 46 years: below this age, each additional year of delayed menopause reduced risk by 6% (hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.96). Frailty was linearly associated with sarcopenia (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.69). Women with both premature menopause and frailty exhibited the highest risk (hazard ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.08-3.92). CONCLUSIONS: Menopause before age 46 represents a critical threshold for an elevated risk of sarcopenia. Premature menopause and frailty act as independent rather than synergistic risk factors.
Vascular risk at menopause: The importance of a cardio-gynecological program.
Cavadias I, Kretz S, Kedziora C … +3 more , Mounier-Vehier C, Trémollières F, Plu-Bureau G
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42224845 · Publisher ↗
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among postmenopausal women in the European region. While women share traditional cardiovascular risk factors with men, the prevalence and impact on the cardiovascu...
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among postmenopausal women in the European region. While women share traditional cardiovascular risk factors with men, the prevalence and impact on the cardiovascular system of these factors differ by gender. Moreover, women-specific risk factors have recently been identified, including premature or early-onset menopause, migraine, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes and endometriosis. This review details the example of three French gynecological-cardiological care pathways addressing these issues. The first example, based at Cochin-Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Paris, is a gynecological and cardiological pathway focusing on women with premature ovarian failure, perimenopause, or menopause. The results reveal that over half of women assessed had either at least one new diagnosis of a major risk factor (hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia), or adjustments of their treatment. The second example is Menopause Center in Toulouse, assessing women aged 45 to 60. The assessment found that 35% had a single risk factor and another 35% had two or more traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The third example is the Women's Cardiovascular Healthcare Foundation, a mobile unit that visits 20 cities across France to carry out cardiac and gynecological screening, specifically targeting those in precarious situations. The results show that 90.2% of women had more than two cardiovascular risk factors. All these findings highlight the urgent need to address women's cardiovascular health. Collaboration between gynecologists and cardiologists could be strengthened to become a highly effective strategy for improving the cardiovascular health of women.
Menopausal hormone therapy and endometrial cancer: Risk assessment of various regimens and risk evaluation for endometrial cancer survivors.
Piral J, Rozenberg S, Roman M … +3 more , Vandromme J, Marlier L, Joris A
Maturitas · 2026 May · PMID 42203615 · Publisher ↗
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