Vasomotor symptoms and menopause: findings from the Study of Women's Health across the Nation

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), or hot flashes and night sweats, are often considered the cardinal symptoms of menopause. SWAN, one of the largest and most ethnically diverse longitudinal studies of the menopausal transition, has allowed unique insights into VMS. Specifically, SWAN has helped yield important information about the prevalence of, racial/ethnic differences in, risk factors for, and implications of VMS for midlife women's mental and physical health. We have reviewed the literature on VMS, emphasizing findings that have emerged from SWAN and new areas of inquiry in the area of VMS.     

The European Menopause Survey 2005: Women's perceptions on the menopause and postmenopausal hormone therapy

Objectives.?To identify and describe current women's thoughts about the menopause, hormone treatment (HT) and perceptions about breast cancer.

Methods.?Between December 2004 and January 2005, 4201 postmenopausal women in seven European countries were interviewed via a standardized computer-aided telephone interview protocol.

Results.?Almost all women reported to have experienced climacteric symptoms, and 63% of the women rated them as being severe. Only 52% of women were aware of the benefits of HT for relief of climacteric symptoms. Although 84% felt that severe symptoms should be treated, only 40% had used HT at some point in time. Thirty-four percent of the women preferring treatment with natural products did so because of the risk of breast cancer associated with HT. HT was recognized by 59% of the women as one of the most important contributors to an increased breast cancer risk. Most women received their information about HT and breast cancer risk from the media.

Conclusions.?This European survey reveals that the majority of women experience climacteric symptoms but that their decision whether or not to use HT is highly dependent on their concern about breast cancer risk. An increase in knowledge of the benefits and risks of HT is required for women to make appropriate decisions about hormone use.     

Mood and menopause: findings from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) over 10 years

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depressive symptoms/disorder. Research has focused on physiologic and psychosocial differences between men and women; an important target of study has been periods of reproductive changes. Controversy has existed regarding the extent to which the menopausal transition or postmenopause increases the risk for depressive symptoms/disorders. This paper presents findings from analyses of data from the SWAN study and an ancillary study on mental health. We found that risk for high depressive symptoms and disorder is greater during and possibly after the menopausal transition. Other factors contribute to risk for depression.     

Current patient perceptions on the menopause: a South African perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current patient perspectives on the postmenopausal period in South Africa. METHODS: The study was conducted in a specialist private practice in Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa during 2004. All women with established postmenopausal status, seen over a period of 18 months, received a survey questionnaire by post. Of the 541 questionnaires that were posted, 421 were returned and 410 were used. Women gave written informed consent. RESULTS: The average age of the women was 60 years, with almost half (49%) greater than 10 years postmenopausal, and 78.5% were using hormonal therapy (HT). Of note is that 42% had been on HT for more than 10 years. The doctor was the most important source of information (87%), the most frequent reason for initiation of, and the second most frequent reason for discontinuation of therapy. The most important advantages of HT given were skeletal protection (85%) and treatment of vasomotor symptoms (70%), while development of breast cancer was given as the most prominent disadvantage (79%). CONCLUSION: This group of women was well informed regarding current indications and developments concerning HT. Despite their socioeconomic status, the doctor remained the key factor with regard to information and decision-making.     

Physicians' perceptions of menopause and prescribing practices in Morocco.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prescribing practices of Moroccan physicians around menopause. METHODS: A survey was carried out on a representative sample of physicians in the capital city Rabat. The sample included general practitioners, gynecologists, cardiologists and rheumatologists, practicing in both public and private facilities. The instrument consisted of close- and open-ended questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of physicians, their patient population, their prescribing practices, and their perceptions of menopause and the different medical approaches to managing the symptoms and risks associated with it. RESULTS: Most of the physicians interviewed are positively inclined towards the notion of prevention and in favor of hormonal treatment, and approximately half report that they have prescribed hormone therapy. Gynecologists and male physicians prescribe hormones more frequently, as well as physicians who are at private facilities. These findings are discussed in relation to the physicians' perceptions of the menopause transition. CONCLUSION: There are considerable variations in prescribing practices and perceptions of menopause among Moroccan physicians.     

Development of a revised version of the Women's Health Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES: The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) includes 36 items assessing nine domains of physical and emotional experiences of mid-aged women. The primary aim of the current research was to examine the psychometric properties of the WHQ across linguistic versions in view of the increased need for reliable health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures in multinational studies. METHODS: In this paper, we examine the hypothesized structure of the questionnaire in a UK sample, to develop and verify a revised model to be used in multicenter, international studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Content analysis and evaluation of missing data led to exclusion of 'Menstrual symptoms' and 'Sexual behavior' domains, retaining these as optional modules of the core questionnaire. Additionally, item 13 was excluded because it does not investigate the same concepts as other domains and the deletion of five additional items appeared to improve the questionnaire's factor structure. The revised WHQ comprises 23 items, investigating six domains. The cross-sectional psychometric properties of the 23-item WHQ were good and better than those of the 36-item version. The 23-item WHQ was assessed with multinational data, to evaluate cross-cultural equivalence of linguistically adapted versions. In addition, its reproducibility and responsiveness need to be documented.     

Social and environmental conditions across the life course and age at menopause in a British birth cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether socio-economic status, environmental stress and hardship throughout the life course are associated with age at menopause. DESIGN: Birth cohort study. SETTING: England, Scotland, Wales. SAMPLE: A total of 1515 women from a stratified sample of all births in one week in 1946. METHODS: Age at menopause was collected using annual postal questionnaires from age 47 to 53 years. Information on socio-economic conditions and hardship were collected at contacts throughout life from age 2 to 43 years. Socio-economic indicator variables were defined to represent cumulative exposure to hardship in childhood and in adulthood. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at menopause. RESULTS: Cox's proportional hazard models indicated that women whose fathers were in a manual social class occupation at three time points during her childhood had an earlier age at menopause than those whose fathers were in non-manual occupations at all three (HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.93-2.47). Similar findings were seen for household crowding. These socio-economic gradients could not be explained by adult socio-economic status, behaviour and lifestyle or by psychological health and stress, but were attenuated by other early life factors. Women who experienced parental divorce early in life (before five years of age) had double the rate of menopause of those whose parents did not divorce (HR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.33-3.42). There were no consistent findings with adult socio-economic indicators. CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence of a cumulative effect of socio-economic circumstances in childhood, but not in adulthood, on age at menopause. Childhood nutrition, cognition and emotional stress possibly underlie the social gradient.     

Serum estradiol does not differentiate stress, mixed and urge incontinent women around menopause. A report from the Women's Health in the Lund Area (WHILA) study

Objective

To outline serum estradiol levels in perimenopausal women with stress, mixed or urge incontinence. We believe the majority of urgency symptoms in perimenopausal women to be caused by a pelvic floor dysfunction and a hypermobility of the bladder neck. If this is the case, there would be no difference in estradiol levels between the groups.

Study design

Setting: University hospital. In the observational Women's Health in the Lund Area study, a subset of 400/2221 women reporting urinary incontinence completed a detailed questionnaire regarding lower urinary tract symptoms and had their serum steroid hormone levels measured. Statistical analyses were made by Chi-square test, nonparametrical tests, ANOVA, multi- and univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Stress incontinence was reported by 196, mixed incontinence by 153 and urge incontinence by 43 women; in 369, serumestradiol values were available. Serum estradiol did not differ significantly between stress incontinent (median 49.5 pmo/l, range 2.63-875.4), urge incontinent (median 31.6 pmol/l, range 2.63-460.7) or mixed incontinent women (median 35.5 pmol/l, range 2.63-787.9, p = 0.62). Logistic regression analysis correcting for age, parity, hormonal status, smoking, hysterectomy and BMI also failed to show any difference in estradiol levels between the groups (p = 0.41-0.58).

Conclusion

No significant differences in serum estradiol levels between stress, mixed or urge incontinent perimenopausal women could be demonstrated.     

A critique of the Women's Health Initiative hormone therapy study

OBJECTIVE: This review critiques The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, focusing on aspects of the study design contributing to the adverse events resulting in the study's discontinuation. CONCLUSION(S): Two aspects of the design contributed to the adverse events: [1] The decision to administer continuous combined conjugated equine estrogen (CEE)/medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or E alone as a standard regimen to a population with little previous hormonal treatment, ranging in age from 50-79 years, who, because of their age, were predisposed to coronary and cerebral atherosclerosis. [2] Selection of an untested regimen of continuous combined CEE plus MPA, which we hypothesize, negated the protective effect of E on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Multiple observational studies that preceded the WHI study concluded that the use of E alone and E plus cyclic (not daily) progestin combination treatments initiated in early menopause had beneficial effects. The therapeutic regimens resulted in prevention of atherosclerosis and reductions in coronary artery disease mortality. It is our conclusion that the WHI hormonal replacement study had major design flaws that led to adverse conclusions about the positive effects of hormone therapy. An alternative hormonal regimen is proposed that, on the basis of data supporting its beneficial cardiovascular effects, when initiated appropriately in a population of younger, more recently menopausal women, has promise to yield a more favorable risk/benefit outcome.     

Women's perception of sexuality around the menopause: outcomes of a European telephone survey

OBJECTIVE: Women's attitudes and experience towards sexuality around the menopause were investigated in Europe by a telephone survey. In addition, it was qualified to what extent reduced sex drive and vaginal dryness affect personal life, taking into account cultural differences. STUDY DESIGN: A survey on 1,805 post-menopausal women (age range: 50-60 years), experiencing at least one menopausal symptom (hot flushes or sleeplessness) or not menstruating for at least 1 year, was conducted in six European countries (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland) by computer-assisted telephone interviewing. A structured interview analysed menopausal profile, sexuality-related menopausal symptoms, mental well-being and attitudes towards sexuality. RESULTS: Apart from hot flushes or sleeplessness, women particularly experienced sexual symptoms, such as reduced sexual desire and vaginal pain/dryness during the menopausal transition: one third (34%) of the women mentioned experiencing a reduced sex drive whereas one half (53%) of the women noticed that they became less interested in sex in spite of the majority of the sample reporting finding it important to maintain an active sex life (71%). Sex is experienced as an important part of the relationship with a partner, especially for Italian and Swiss women and ageing seems to play a critical role in sexual functioning, particularly for Italian and Dutch women. A general positive attitude toward sex was supported by the evidence that almost half of the study sample reported having sexual contact at least four times a month. Mental and sexual well-being interfered with self-worth and enjoyment of life, as did vaginal discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that European middle-aged women experience the menopause as a process that brings about mood and sexual changes able to impair their personal life. However, cultural values and health beliefs influence perception of sexuality at the time of the menopause and will also influence the need for treatment.     

Women's perceptions of homebirths in two rural medical districts in Burkina Faso: a qualitative study

Background  

In developing countries, most childbirth occurs at home and is not assisted by skilled attendants. The situation increases the risk of death for both mother and child and has severe maternal complications. The purpose of this study was to describe women's perceptions of homebirths in the medical districts of Ouargaye and Diapaga.     

The menopausal transition: a 9-year prospective population-based study. The Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the natural history of the menopause in Australian-born women. To determine the hormonal changes relating to the menopausal transition (MT) and how these affect quality of life, bone mineral density, body composition, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and memory. DESIGN: A 9-year prospective, observational study of a population-based sample of 438 Australian-born women aged 45-55 years at baseline. By the 9th year, the retention rate was 88%. Interviews, blood sampling, menstrual calendars, quality of life and physical measures were taken annually, and bone mineral density was measured bi-annually. RESULTS: The late MT coincides with changes in estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, and free testosterone index, decreases in bone density and mastalgia, and increases in central adiposity, vasomotor symptoms, insomnia and vaginal dryness. Levels of total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate are unchanged by the MT. An increase in CVD risk was associated with increases in weight and free testosterone index and a decrease in estradiol. Depressed mood is increased by symptoms and by stressors occurring in the MT. Sexual functioning significantly deteriorates with the MT and aging, but relational factors have major effects. Menstrual cycles became more variable and longer closer to the final menstrual period. CONCLUSIONS: As hormonal changes during the MT directly or indirectly adversely affect quality of life, body composition and CVD risk, maintenance of health parameters in the premenopausal years is crucial for a healthy postmenopause.     

The European Menopause Survey 2005: women's perceptions on the menopause and postmenopausal hormone therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe current women's thoughts about the menopause, hormone treatment (HT) and perceptions about breast cancer. METHODS: Between December 2004 and January 2005, 4201 postmenopausal women in seven European countries were interviewed via a standardized computer-aided telephone interview protocol. RESULTS: Almost all women reported to have experienced climacteric symptoms, and 63% of the women rated them as being severe. Only 52% of women were aware of the benefits of HT for relief of climacteric symptoms. Although 84% felt that severe symptoms should be treated, only 40% had used HT at some point in time. Thirty-four percent of the women preferring treatment with natural products did so because of the risk of breast cancer associated with HT. HT was recognized by 59% of the women as one of the most important contributors to an increased breast cancer risk. Most women received their information about HT and breast cancer risk from the media. CONCLUSIONS: This European survey reveals that the majority of women experience climacteric symptoms but that their decision whether or not to use HT is highly dependent on their concern about breast cancer risk. An increase in knowledge of the benefits and risks of HT is required for women to make appropriate decisions about hormone use.     

The Maternal and Newborn Health Registry Study of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research

ObjectiveTo implement a vital statistics registry system to register pregnant women and document birth outcomes in the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research sites in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.MethodsThe Global Network sites began a prospective population-based pregnancy registry to identify all pregnant women and record pregnancy outcomes up to 42 days post-delivery in more than 100 defined low-resource geographic areas (clusters). Pregnant women were registered during pregnancy, with 42-day maternal and neonatal follow-up recorded—including care received during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. Recorded outcomes included stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and maternal mortality rates.ResultsIn 2010, 72 848 pregnant women were enrolled and 6-week follow-up was obtained for 97.8%. Across sites, 40.7%, 24.8%, and 34.5% of births occurred in a hospital, health center, and home setting, respectively. The mean neonatal mortality rate was 23 per 1000 live births, ranging from 8.2 to 48.5 per 1000 live births. The mean stillbirth rate ranged from 13.7 to 54.4 per 1000 births.ConclusionThe registry is an ongoing study to assess the impact of interventions and trends regarding pregnancy outcomes and measures of care to inform public health.ClinicalTrial.gov Trial Registration: NCT01073475