The effect of diet and exercise on climacteric symptomatology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the effects of health education, diet and exercise interventions on the climacteric symptoms of perimenopausal women. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 78 perimenopausal women in a gynaecological clinic from June 2018 to August 2018 were recruited and divided randomly into the following three groups: A (centralised education alone), B (health education + per-sonalised diet guidance) and C (health education + personalised diet guidance + intensive resistance exercise). The changes in diet score, exercise habits and climacteric symptoms were observed after 3 months. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in food intake scores and total scores before the interventions. After the interventions, the total diet score of group C was higher than in groups A and B, and the red meat score decreased significantly (p<0.05). After the interventions, the number of resistance exercises per week in group B increased significantly. The number of aerobic exercises and resistance exercises per week in group C also increased significantly (p<0.05). The total score for climacteric symptoms in the three groups decreased significantly before and after the interventions (p<0.05), and the scores for insomnia and sexual disorders in group A decreased significantly (p<0.01). In group B, there was a significant effect on the improvement of moderate and severe climacteric symptoms (p<0.01), and the scores for seven other common symptoms (i.e. hot flushes, sweating, irritability, depression, suspicion, fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, palpitations and sexual disorders) decreased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Centralised health education, personalised dietary guidance and intensive resistance exercise improved the menopausal symptoms experienced by peri-menopausal women; the most indicative changes of this improvement were obtained using combined health education and personalised dietary guidance.

Síntomas climatéricos y calidad de vida mediante índice de Kupperman-Blatt y escala de Cervantes / Climacteric Symptoms and Quality of Life according to the Kupperman-Blatt Index and the Cervantes Scale

Introducción: Durante el climaterio o perimenopausia se reflejan una serie de síntomas asociados a la disminución progresiva de las secreciones hormonales de estrógeno y progesterona, estas deficiencias provocan diversos síntomas de orden somático, vasomotor, sexual y psicológico que perjudican la calidad de vida en general de las mujeres, además de las alteraciones en el ciclo menstrual. Objetivo: Determinar la severidad de los síntomas climatéricos en mujeres perimenopáusicas mediante el índice de Kupperman-Blatt y la Escala de Cervantes. Métodos: Se trató de un estudio de corte cuantitativo, tipo descriptivo, observacional, y correlacional, en pacientes que asistían al Centro de Salud Las Moras, en el Departamento de Huánuco, Distrito Huánuco Perú. La muestra estuvo conformada por 60 mujeres que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se aplicaron el Índice Menopáusico de Kupperman-Blatt y la Escala de calidad de vida de Cervantes. Resultados: La evaluación global del Índice Menopáusico de Kupperman-Blatt clasificó a 55 por ciento de las pacientes con intensidad de síntomas leve, seguido de 35 por ciento en pacientes que declararon no tener síntomas. Esto se correspondió en la Escala de calidad de vida de Cervantes con 45 por ciento en pacientes clasificadas con compromiso leve de su calidad de vida, seguido de 40 por ciento con mediano compromiso de calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05, se demostró que durante la etapa climatérica ambos test presentan una correlación positiva, entre la intensidad de la sintomatología medida con el Índice Menopáusico de Kupperman-Blatt y la calidad de vida valorada con la Escala de Cervantes(AU)

Introduction: During climacteric or perimenopause, a series of symptoms are reflected in association with a progressive decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormone secretion. These deficiencies cause diverse somatic, vasomotor, sexual and psychological symptoms that impair the general quality of life of women, in addition to alterations in their menstrual cycle. Objective: To determine the severity of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women, using the Kupperman-Blatt index and the Cervantes scale. Methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive, observational and correlational study with patients attending Las Moras health center, Huanuco Department, Huanuco District, Peru. The sample consisted of 60 women who met the inclusion criteria. The Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index and the Cervantes Quality of Life Scale were applied. Results: According to the global assessment using the Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index, 55 percent of the patients were classified as presenting mild symptom intensity, followed by 35 percent of patients who reported no symptoms. This values were consistent with the Cervantes Quality of Life scale, with 45 percent of patients classified as presenting mild compromise of their quality of life, followed by 40 percent with medium compromise of quality of life. Conclusions: With a significance level of P<0.05, it was demonstrated that, during the climacteric stage, both tests present a positive correlation, regarding the intensity of the symptoms measured with the Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index and the quality of life assessed with the Cervantes scale(AU)

Does climacteric status impact regulation of the autonomic nervous system at the age of 46 years?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an earlier-onset climacteric phase is associated with autonomic imbalance at the age of 46 years. METHODS: This cross-sectional birth cohort study included 2661 women aged 46 years. Participants were divided into climacteric (n = 359) and preclimacteric (n = 2302) groups based on menstrual history and follicle stimulating hormone values. The mean heart rate (HR), low-frequency (LF) power, high-frequency (HF) power and LF/HF ratio were analyzed from heart rate variability recordings. The variables were compared between the groups using multivariable linear regression models, including body mass index, smoking and physical activity. The effects of hormone therapy and hot flashes on autonomic function were evaluated in sub-analyses. RESULTS: Climacteric women had a lower mean HR in seated (71.9 ± 10.5 vs. 72.6 ± 10.4 bpm, p = 0.015) and standing (81.2 ± 12.8 vs. 83.6 ± 12.1 bpm, p = 0.002) positions compared to preclimacteric women, and the differences remained significant after the adjustments. In the sub-analyses, more frequent hot flashes were associated with a lower LF power and LF/HF ratio in the sitting position. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested an association between greater parasympathetic activation in women with more advanced climacteric status at the age of 46 years.

Long-term effects of a combination of isoflavones, agnus castus and magnolia extracts on climacteric symptoms and cardiometabolic risk profile in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effects of a combination of isoflavones, agnus castus and magnolia extracts (combined isoflavone compound [CIC]) on climacteric symptoms and cardiometabolic risk in symptomatic postmenopausal women. METHODS: This interventional, prospective study evaluated climacteric symptoms, mood and sleep disorders using the 21-item Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) and 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires; and cardiovascular, metabolic and thrombotic risk markers at baseline (T0) and after 12 months of CIC treatment (T1). RESULTS: In healthy postmenopausal women (N = 71), 12-month CIC treatment significantly reduced patient-reported vasomotor symptoms (100% vs. 17%), mood disorders (67% vs. 25%) and sleep disorders (89% vs. 19%%) (all p < .001) compared with baseline; and significantly improved GCS psychological, somatic, and vasomotor domain scores and ISI sleep disturbance scores (all p < .05). CIC significantly reduced systolic (p = .022) and diastolic blood pressure (p < .001), and heart rate (p < .001); glucose concentrations (p = .018), HOMA index (p = .013), and ALT (p = .035), homocysteine (p = .005) and NT-proBNP (p = .003) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term CIC therapy improved vasomotor symptoms, mood disorders, sleep disorders, hemodynamic measurements and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy postmenopausal women. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03699150.

El climaterio como etapa fisiológica crucial en la prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular / The climacteric as a crucial physiological stage in the prevention of cardiovascular disease

El climaterio es una etapa fisiológica que permite al médico reconocer tempranamente los riesgos de patologías y la gran oportunidad de revertirlas. Este trabajo examinará la evidencia actual de la terapia hormonal en la prevención primaria de la enfermedad cardiovascular en mujeres, así como la importancia que igualmente tienen la indemnidad de los ovarios, el peso normal, el uso correcto de antibióticos, la preservación de la microbiota intestinal, las dietas antioxidantes, los estilos de vida saludables y el obligatorio abandono del hábito de fumar.

Validity and precision of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for climacteric women using computational intelligence techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and precision of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for climacteric women using computational intelligence techniques. The instrument was applied to 873 women aged between 40 and 65 years. Considering the proposal to regroup the set of data related to the level of physical activity of climacteric women using the IPAQ, we used 2 algorithms: Kohonen and k-means, and, to evaluate the validity of these clusters, 3 indexes were used: Silhouette, PBM and Dunn. The questionnaire was tested for validity (factor analysis) and precision (Cronbach's alpha). The Random Forests technique was used to assess the importance of the variables that make up the IPAQ. To classify these variables, we used 3 algorithms: Suport Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Network and Decision Tree. The results of the tests to evaluate the clusters suggested that what is recommended for IPAQ, when applied to climacteric women, is to categorize the results into two groups. The factor analysis resulted in three factors, with factor 1 being composed of variables 3 to 6; factor 2 for variables 7 and 8; and factor 3 for variables 1 and 2. Regarding the reliability estimate, the results of the standardized Cronbach's alpha test showed values between 0.63 to 0.85, being considered acceptable for the construction of the construct. In the test of importance of the variables that make up the instrument, the results showed that variables 1 and 8 presented a lesser degree of importance and by the analysis of Accuracy, Recall, Precision and area under the ROC curve, there was no variation when the results were analyzed with all IPAQ variables but variables 1 and 8. Through this analysis, we concluded that the IPAQ, short version, has adequate measurement properties for the investigated population.

Effects of peripheral oxytocin administration on body weight, food intake, adipocytes, and biochemical parameters in peri- and postmenopausal female rats.

Recent studies have revealed that the administration of oxytocin has beneficial effects on the regulation of body weight, food intake, and metabolic functions, especially in obese individuals. Obesity is common in women after the menopause and drives many components of metabolic syndrome. Weight gain in menopausal women has been frequently reported. Although obesity and associated metabolic disorders are frequently observed in peri- and postmenopausal women, there are few medical interventions for these conditions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of chronic oxytocin administration on appetite, body weight, and fat mass in peri- and postmenopausal female rats. Sixteen naturally premenopausal or menopausal rats were intraperitoneally injected with oxytocin (1,000 µg/day) for 12 days. The daily changes in their body weight and food intake were measured at the same time as the oxytocin and vehicle injections. Intraperitoneally administering oxytocin for 12 days significantly reduced food intake, body weight, and visceral adipocyte size. In addition, oxytocin administration caused reductions in serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, while it did not disturb hepatic or renal functions or locomotor activity. This is the first study to show the effects of oxytocin on the metabolic and feeding functions of peri- and postmenopausal female rats. Oxytocin might be a useful treatment for metabolic disorders caused by the menopause or aging.

Interrelationships between obesity, blood pressure and metabolic profile in climacteric women / Inter-relações entre obesidade, pressão arterial e perfil metabólico em mulheres climatéricas

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to evaluate the interrelationships between obesity, blood pressure and metabolic profile in climacteric women. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 874 women, aged 40 to 65 years, assisted in Family Health Strategies units in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A structural equation model was used to assess the interrelationships between obesity, blood pressure and metabolic profile, adjusted for age. The variables blood pressure, obesity and metabolic profile were treated as constructs, which measurement models were developed using confirmatory factor analysis. Results It was observed that age has a positive and significant effect on blood pressure (β=0.20; p<0.001) and obesity (β=0.10; p=0.004). There was a direct and positive effect of obesity on blood pressure (β=0.26; p<0.001) and on the metabolic profile (β=0.10; p=0.037), adjusted for physical activity. Conclusions The simultaneous analysis of the relationships between age, obesity, blood pressure and metabolic profile in menopausal women suggests that, ageing has an effect on the increase of obesity and blood pressure, just as obesity increases blood pressure and changes the metabolic profile.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar as inter-relações entre obesidade, pressão arterial e perfil metabólico em mulheres climatéricas. Métodos Trata-se de estudo transversal com amostra aleatória composta por 874 mulheres com idade entre 40 a 65 anos assistidas em unidades de Estratégias de Saúde da Família em Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foi utilizado modelo de equação estrutural para avaliar as inter-relações entre obesidade, pressão arterial e perfil metabólico, ajustado pela idade. As variáveis pressão arterial, obesidade e perfil metabólico foram tratadas como construtos, cujos modelos de mensuração foram construídos utilizando-se a análise fatorial confirmatória. Resultados Observou-se que a idade exerce efeito positivo e significativo sobre a pressão arterial (β=0,20; p<0,001) e a obesidade (β=0,10; p=0,004). Houve efeito direto e positivo da obesidade na pressão arterial (β=0,26; p<0,001) e no perfil metabólico (β=0,10; p=0,037), ajustado por atividade física. Conclusão A análise simultânea das relações entre idade, obesidade, pressão arterial e perfil metabólico em mulheres no climatério sugere que o aumento da idade tem efeito sobre o aumento da obesidade e da pressão arterial, assim como a obesidade tem efeito positivo sobre o aumento da pressão arterial e sobre a alteração no perfil metabólico.

Elevated leptin levels in healthy climacteric women from Northeastern Brazil: an effect of age or adiposity?

OBJECTIVE: Climacterium is associated with elevated leptin levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. Conflicting data diverge on whether high leptin levels in climacterium reflect increasing adipose mass or, at least partially, age-related hormonal changes. This study addresses this issue in women from a Brazilian state with a low human development index. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 136 women from the state of Maranhão, 52 (38.2%) climacteric and 84 (61.8%) non-climacteric. Biometric, biochemical, hormonal and immunological parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Climacteric women showed a moderately increased waist/hip ratio (0.894 versus 0.834, p < 0.05), sustained body mass index (27.46 versus 28.68, p > 0.05) increased leptin levels (9.59 versus 7.13, p < 0.05) and no evidence of metabolic syndrome. No other parameters were altered. The climacteric cohort didn't show significant body fat gains but displayed a typical age-related redistribution of adipose tissue. Even so, leptin levels were significantly elevated compared with non-climacteric women. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these data support the hypothesis that leptin is elevated, at least partially, as a function of age and climacterium and is not necessarily correlated with metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of higher leptin levels on postmenopausal women. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):276-81.

Elevated leptin levels in healthy climacteric women from Northeastern Brazil: an effect of age or adiposity?

ABSTRACT Objective Climacterium is associated with elevated leptin levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. Conflicting data diverge on whether high leptin levels in climacterium reflect increasing adipose mass or, at least partially, age-related hormonal changes. This study addresses this issue in women from a Brazilian state with a low human development index. Subjects and methods A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 136 women from the state of Maranhão, 52 (38.2%) climacteric and 84 (61.8%) non-climacteric. Biometric, biochemical, hormonal and immunological parameters were analyzed. Results Climacteric women showed a moderately increased waist/hip ratio (0.894 versus 0.834, p < 0.05), sustained body mass index (27.46 versus 28.68, p > 0.05) increased leptin levels (9.59 versus 7.13, p < 0.05) and no evidence of metabolic syndrome. No other parameters were altered. The climacteric cohort didn't show significant body fat gains but displayed a typical age-related redistribution of adipose tissue. Even so, leptin levels were significantly elevated compared with non-climacteric women. Conclusions Altogether, these data support the hypothesis that leptin is elevated, at least partially, as a function of age and climacterium and is not necessarily correlated with metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of higher leptin levels on postmenopausal women. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):276-81

The role of stress and self-efficacy in somatic and psychological symptoms during the climacteric period - Is there a specific association?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence and specificity of sociodemographic and psychological factors on the perception of symptoms associated with menopause. STUDY DESIGN: Data are based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey study in Germany. A representative sample of 1350 females aged 14-95 years was examined. Sociodemographic factors, perceived stress, and self-efficacy were assessed. Women were divided into three age groups (young women ≤ 44 years; perimenopausal women 45-60 years; older women ≥ 61 years), and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used over the entire life span. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total score on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and hot flushes/sweating assessed via the MRS. RESULTS: The MRS total score increased with age. Both MRS total score and hot flushes were positively associated with perceived stress in all three age groups. The MRS total score was negatively associated with self-efficacy; for hot flushes, this association could be shown for perimenopausal women only. Furthermore, interaction effects between perceived stress and self-efficacy were found: in perimenopausal and older women, the association between perceived stress and the MRS total score was stronger the lower self-efficacy was. This interaction effect was not observed in younger women. No interaction effect was found in any age group for hot flushes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that self-efficacy influences the severity of symptoms measured with the MRS. Interventions aimed to reduce stress and strengthen self-efficacy could lead to a lower symptom burden in perimenopausal women.

Hormonal therapy in menopausal transition: implications for improvement of health-related quality of life.

The study aim was to assess scores of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) among women who use and desire to use hormonal therapy (HT), as well as to evaluate factors contributing to HT use and desire to use HT among women in menopausal transition. A total of 513 mid-aged women participated in the study. Data were collected using socio-demographic questionnaire, MRS and Beck Depression Inventory. The prevalence of current HT use was 9.7%, while 4.5% of women who did not use HT expressed a desire to start using HT. The MRS cutoff score for HT use was 10.5 and 11.5 among those who desire to use HT. Living in the central city districts, having lower body mass index, younger age at menopause, more gynecological illnesses, and worse MRS were associated with HT use. Living in the central city districts, having fewer births, more gynecological and chronic illnesses and having more depressive symptoms were associated with the desire to use HT. Mid-aged women who perceive their quality of life as poor due to climacteric symptoms should be advised to consider HT to improve their health status and everyday functioning.

Experiences and Needs of Perimenopausal Women With Climacteric Symptoms in Singapore: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: Women in the perimenopause stage may face climacteric symptoms where physical and mental challenges are experienced. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the experiences and needs of perimenopausal women with climacteric symptoms in Singapore. Method: This is a descriptive qualitative study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 perimenopausal women with climacteric symptoms from a tertiary public hospital in Singapore. Semistructured face-to-face interviews and thematic analysis were used for data collection and analysis, respectively. Results: Participants lacked knowledge resulting in misconceptions of the condition. Experiencing climacteric symptoms led to mixed feelings. The availability of support varied in different sources and forms. Participants seek for more information, understanding, compassion, and empathy from family members and health care professionals. Discussion: Health care professionals should provide adequate support to cater to the diverse experiences and needs of multiracial perimenopausal women with climacteric symptoms. Future research should include the perspectives of health care professionals and family members.

Enfoque neuropsicológico de la memoria de trabajo en el climaterio / Neuropsychological approach to working memory in menopausal status

Introducción: Estudios multidisciplinarios que involucran mecanismos hormonales, neuronales, conductuales y de cognición contribuyen en las neurociencias. Los estrógenos localizados en el hipocampo y en la corteza prefrontal, pueden afectar la memoria de trabajo. Objetivo: evaluar neuropsicológicamente y comparar el desempeño en memoria de trabajo verbal y visual, durante la premenopausia, perimenopausia y postmenopausia. Se hipotetizó el peor desempeño en memoria de trabajo verbal en etapa de perimenopausia y, la mejor competencia en memoria de trabajo visual para mujeres en etapa de postmenopausia. Método: Estudio exploratorio, no experimental, transversal, con muestreo no probabilístico. 59 mujeres saludables de la población general en edad mediana. Variables clínicas y memoria de trabajo. Resultados: En la memoria de trabajo verbal no hubo diferencia significativa. En la memoria de trabajo visual, hubo diferencia significativa e importante (Ɛ2 R = .23, p = .001 y Ɛ2 R = .12, p = .047) en subpruebas que involucran la visoconstrucción, a diferencia de la subprueba de elección múltiple que no hubo diferencia significativa con el peor desempeño en la perimenopausia. Conclusiones: La memoria de trabajo se encuentra disociada, observando en la memoria de trabajo verbal el rendimiento en función del envejecimiento reproductivo y en la memoria de trabajo visual afectación por fluctuaciones hormonales, siendo una función sensible para detectar fallas cognoscitivas en forma temprana, que pudieran asociarse con enfermedades neurodegenerativas en la vejez. Es relevante considerar al momento de valorar a las mujeres, la etapa del climaterio que estén transitando, por la posible comorbilidad en el SNC.

Introduction: Multidisciplinary studies involving hormones, neurons, behavioral and cognitive functions promote neurosciences. Estrogens located in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex can affect working memory. Aim: Neuropsychological evaluation and comparison the efficiency in verbal and visual working memory in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages. It was hypothesized the worst performance in verbal working memory in perimenopause stage, and the best competition in visual working memory in the postmenopausal stage. Method: Exploratory, non-experimental, cross-sectional study, with non-probability sampling. 59 healthy women from the general population. Study clinical, mental health and working memory. Results: There was no significant difference in verbal working memory. In visual working memory there was significant and relevant difference (Ɛ2 R = .23, p = .001 y Ɛ2 R = .12, p = .047) in the subtest involves visual construction; unlike the multiple-choice subtest there was no significant difference, finding the worst performance in perimenopause. Conclusions: Working memory is dissociated, verbal working memory observed performance based on reproductive aging and visual working memory supports the participation of hormonal fluctuations. It is considered a sensitive measure to detect cognitive failures early, which could be associated with neurodegenerative diseases in the aging. When evaluating middle-aged women, it is important to consider the stage of menopausal status that is transiting, due to the possible comorbidity in the CNS.

Effect of symptoms of climacteric syndrome, depression and insomnia on self-rated work ability in peri- and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was evaluation of the relationship between severity of symptoms of climacteric syndrome, depressive disorders and sleep problems, and the self-rated work ability of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 287 women aged 45-60 years, employed in various institutions as non-manual workers. Work Ability Index, Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Athens Insomnia Scale were used. RESULTS: The examined peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment obtained good work ability on the Work Ability Index. The severity of menopausal syndrome, according to the Greene Climacteric Scale, was moderate, placing the examined women between results for the general population of women and the pattern for menopausal women. Depressive disorders ranked between low mood and moderate depression. No depression was observed in 59% of the women, whereas moderate depression was observed in 39%, and severe depression in only 2%. Sleep disorders were on the border of normal range. As many as 46% of the women had no sleep problems, which was on the border of normal range in 36%. Only 19% of the examined women suffered from insomnia. Work ability correlated negatively with depression and insomnia severity, as well as with psychological and vasomotor symptoms of climacteric syndrome, but not to its somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing the occurrence and treatment of menopausal symptoms, sleep and mood disorders may contribute to maintaining the work ability of women in peri- and post-menopausal age.

Analysis of factors that influence the quality of sexual life of climacteric women in China.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify the factors associated with the sexual lives of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China. METHODS: A total of 426 participants were approached about this study from May 2012 to August 2013. In total, 252 cases were included in this study. One hundred and ninety-seven women who filled out the Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire for Women (QSLQW) and the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) had an active sexual life. Pearson's coefficient index was used to determine the correlation between the KMI and different domains of the QSLQW. Multivariable statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between different factors and the sexual life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. RESULTS: When the participants reported a higher KMI, they suffered lower sexual satisfaction (r = -0.16, p = 0.035), more severe sexual anxiety (r = -0.367, p = 4.9 × 10-7), and less sexual response (r = -0.21, p = 0.004). No correlation was found between the KMI and sexual communication, sexual attitude, and self-image. Multivariable statistical analysis showed that menopause status and higher KMI scores are associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction among Chinese women (ß = -9.76, 95% CI -16.89 to -2.64 and ß = -0.41, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.15, respectively), and that the better the spousal relationship, the fewer deliveries and the higher the scores of sexual life quality (ß = 8.86, 95% CI -0.91 to 18.63 and ß = -6.65, 95% CI -11.83 to -1.48, respectively). CONCLUSION: Factors including parity, spousal relationship, menopausal status, and menopausal symptoms are associated with the quality of sexual life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China.

Síndrome climatérico en mujeres de edad mediana / Climacteric syndrome in women of middle age

introducción: Es evidente que el síndrome climatérico puede manifestarse de formas diferentes, con un mayor o menor grado de intensidad, de acuerdo a las condiciones sociales y ambientales de cada mujer, esto puede afectar el patrón biológico y variar su estado de salud.Objetivos: Caracterizar a las mujeres de edad mediana en virtud de la intensidad del síndrome climatérico y un conjunto de características biológicas, psicológicas y sociales, así como identificar entre las variables evaluadas, aquellas que constituyen factores de riesgo para los niveles más intensos del síndrome climatérico en las mujeres de edad mediana Métodos: La investigación clasifica como observacional, que transita del nivel descriptivo al analítico, con una muestra de 532 mujeres de edad entre 40 a 59 años del municipio Plaza de la Revolución durante el primer semestre de 2017. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad en años, edad de aparición de los síntomas, apoyo familiar y cantidad de enfermedades. Resultados: La intensidad del síndrome climatérico en mujeres de edad mediana, de manera global, mostró ser menos intenso en aquellas que no han tenido la menopausia, con una tendencia decreciente con la edad en este segmento poblacional. Conclusiones: La intensidad del síndrome climatérico está asociada con la edad cronológica de la mujer de edad mediana, la edad de aparición de la menopausia, el apoyo familiar y la cantidad de enfermedades relacionadas(AU)

Introduction: The climacteric syndrome can evidently manifest itself in different ways, with a greater or lower degree of intensity. According to the social and environmental conditions of each woman, this can affect the biological pattern and vary the woman's state of health. Objectives: To characterize women of middle age based on the intensity of the climacteric syndrome and a set of biological, psychological and social characteristics, as well as to identify, among the variables evaluated, those that constitute risk factors for the most intense levels of the climacteric syndrome in women of middle age. Methods: The research was classified as observational, which moves from the descriptive to the analytical level, with a sample of 532 women aged 40-59 years of Plaza de la Revolución Municipality during the first semester of 2017. The variables studied were age in years, age of symptoms onset, family support and number of diseases. Results: The intensity of the climacteric syndrome in women of middle age showed to be globally less intense in those that have not had menopause, with a tendency that decreases with age in this population segment. Conclusions: The intensity of the climacteric syndrome is associated with the chronological age of the woman of middle age, the age of menopause onset, family support and the number of associated diseases(AU)

Demandas de mulheres no climatério na Estratégia Saúde da Família: estudo descritivo / Demands of women in the climaterium in the Family Health Strategy: descriptive study / Demandas de mujeres durante el climaterio en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia: estudio descriptivo

OBJETIVO: conhecer as principais demandas de mulheres no climatério, atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde, a partir dos relatos dos profissionais de saúde. MÉTODO: pesquisa de caráter descritivo com abordagem qualitativa desenvolvida em uma unidade de Estratégia Saúde da Família do município do Rio de Janeiro. Através de um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado foram entrevistados 17 profissionais de saúde, entre médicos e enfermeiros, finalizando a coleta com a utilização da técnica de amostragem por saturação teórica. As entrevistas foram tratadas por meio da análise de conteúdo temático-categorial. RESULTADOS: as demandas foram: problemas conjugais, perda de libido, dispareunia, ressecamento e atrofia vaginal. CONCLUSÃO: recomenda-se atualização dos profissionais quanto aos conceitos e aos aspectos relacionados ao climatério, visando que suas ações atendam essas mulheres integralmente. IMPLICAÇÕES PRÁTICAS: a atenção à saúde deve considerar questões do âmbito da sexualidade para poder contribuir para a saúde sexual das mulheres na fase do climatério.

AIM: to know the main demands of women in the climaterium, attended in the Primary Health Care, from the reports of health professionals. METHOD: a descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed in a Family Health Strategy unit in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Through a semi-structured interview script, 17 health professionals were interviewed among physicians and nurses, finishing the collection using the technique of sampling by theoretical saturation. The interviews were treated through analysis of thematic-categorial content. RESULTS: the demands were: marital problems, loss of libido, dyspareunia, dryness, and vaginal atrophy. CONCLUSION: it is recommended to update the professionals regarding the concepts and aspects related to the climacteric, aiming that their actions attend these women integrally. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: health care should consider issues of sexuality in order to contribute to the sexual health of women in the climacteric phase.

OBJETIVO: conocer las principales demandas de las mujeres durante el climaterio, atendidas en la Atención Primaria de Salud, a partir de los relatos de los profesionales de salud. MÉTODO: investigación de carácter descriptivo, con abordaje cualitativo, realizada en una unidad de Estrategia Salud de la Familia del municipio de Rio de Janeiro. A través de un programa de entrevista semiestructurada se entrevistaron a 17 profesionales de salud, entre médicos y enfermeros, finalizando el muestreo utilizándose la técnica de muestreo por saturación teórica. Las entrevistas se analizaron por medio del análisis de contenido temático-categorial. RESULTADOS: las demandas fueron: problemas conyugales, pérdida de libido, dispareunia, sequedad y atrofia vaginal. CONCLUSIÓN: se recomienda que los profesionales actualicen los conceptos y los aspectos relacionados al climaterio, para que sus acciones atiendan a esas mujeres integralmente. IMPLICACIONES PRÁCTICAS: la atención a la salud debe considerar cuestiones del ámbito de la sexualidad para poder contribuir a la salud sexual de las mujeres durante el climaterio.

Climacteric-related symptoms in menopause transition and beyond: a prospective 19-year follow-up study on previously hysterectomized women.

OBJECTIVE: Only a few extended follow-up studies have investigated the natural progress of climacteric-related symptoms. The results have been conflicting. Thus, our aim was to evaluate, through a 19-year longitudinal study, whether these symptoms decrease or disappear as time elapses after menopause. METHODS: Our study was a prospective follow-up survey of 65 hysterectomized peri or postmenopausal women. The women were interviewed at the baseline, and at 6 and 19 years thereafter. Changes in various climacteric-related symptoms were evaluated by repeated-measures analysis of variance with time as the independent variable. The analyses were adjusted for baseline age, body mass index, employment, and use of hormone therapy. Climacteric-related symptoms were evaluated with the Women's Health Questionnaire, of which we included seven symptom domains (vasomotor, sleep, depressive, anxiety/fears, cognitive, sexual, and somatic). RESULTS: Vasomotor symptoms decreased remarkably during the follow-up period. In addition, a statistically significant decrease was found in sleep problems and cognitive difficulties. However, the decrease was minor, and thus probably clinically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The only symptom with notable decrease was vasomotor symptoms. The etiology of other symptoms, commonly connected to menopause transition, is probably multifactorial and not substantially dependent on the climacteric.