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Health Science Reports Apr 2024Menopause is one of the most significant stages in women's life. It is accompanied by many complications and a serious challenge. This study aimed to assess the...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Menopause is one of the most significant stages in women's life. It is accompanied by many complications and a serious challenge. This study aimed to assess the menopause experiences of Iranian women and compatibility strategies.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, Ovid, and the Iranian Clinical Trial Registry and Magiran, SID, from January 1990 to January 2021.
RESULTS
Psychological effects, sexual disorders, physical problems, bone pain, insomnia, fatigue, and hot flashes are all menopause experiences. Cultural factors, lifestyle, social factors, education level, employment and economic status, marital status, and the number of pregnancies and births can influence this experience. It is important that menopausal women are aware how menopausal compatibility and prepare for this period. Many factors have affected menopausal adopting strategies. Negative emotions, negative attitudes, worry, and anxiety, and their psychological effects exacerbate the annoying experiences of menopause and decelerate menopausal adoption.
CONCLUSIONS
Social support and educational intervention were the practical menopausal adopting strategies. It will guarantee the health of menopausal women in the last third of their lives.
PubMed: 38633735
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1968 -
International Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2024Mixed-gender studies predominate the current literature exploring the interaction between physical activity and dementia risk. Considering that menopause appears to...
Mixed-gender studies predominate the current literature exploring the interaction between physical activity and dementia risk. Considering that menopause appears to contribute to females' increased risk of cognitive decline when compared to males, further clarity is required on the impact of physical activity in reducing late-life dementia risk specifically in perimenopausal females. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases yielded fourteen studies for review. A significant inverse relationship between perimenopausal leisure time physical activity, or physical fitness, and future all-cause dementia risk was found in most studies exploring this interaction. Higher levels of perimenopausal household physical activity and combined non-leisure time physical activity also displayed a favourable impact in lowering dementia risk. A dose-response effect was demonstrated, with approximately 10 MET-hour/week of leisure time physical activity required for significant dementia risk reduction. Three of four papers exploring causality provided analyses that are proposed to counter the 'reverse causation' argument, suggesting that physical activity may indeed have a protective role in reducing dementia risk post-menopause. The current systematic review provides promising results regarding the impact of pre- and perimenopausal physical activity on reducing late-life dementia risk, suggesting that promoting perimenopausal physical activity may serve as a crucial tool in mitigating the risk of post-menopausal cognitive decline.
PubMed: 38626907
DOI: 10.1055/a-2307-8122 -
AIMS Public Health 2024The increasing lifespan of women and their extended time spent in menopause pose significant challenges for health care systems, primarily due to the impacts of... (Review)
Review
The increasing lifespan of women and their extended time spent in menopause pose significant challenges for health care systems, primarily due to the impacts of postmenopausal estrogen deficiency and aging on health. Menopause's onset is linked to a heightened prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Diet is particularly relevant during menopause given its impact on quality of life and longevity and its modifiability. Because the Mediterranean diet is currently regarded as one of the healthiest dietary models in the world, the aim of this systematic review was to assess current evidence regarding the effectiveness of studies on the Mediterranean diet as an intervention for menopausal women. A systematic review of intervention-based studies involving the Mediterranean diet among menopausal women was performed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The results of seven that met the inclusion criteria suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean diet can have beneficial impacts on menopausal women's health, including reductions in weight, blood pressure, blood ω6: ω3 ratio, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. Those results seem to be relevant for public health interventions aimed at improving menopausal women's quality of life.
PubMed: 38617417
DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2024005 -
International Journal of Sexual Health... 2023To review randomized clinical trials on Body Practices (BP) and Physical Exercise (PE) in menopausal women and describe their effect on sexual function.
OBJECTIVE
To review randomized clinical trials on Body Practices (BP) and Physical Exercise (PE) in menopausal women and describe their effect on sexual function.
METHODS
Searches carried out electronically in five databases, with a temporal criterion of 10 years of publication, from August to September 2022. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane collaboration scale and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale score.
RESULTS
The majority of the studies presented a "'low" or "'uncertain" risk of bias. The instruments for assessing sexual function were heterogeneous. Interventions included mindfulness, relaxation hypnosis, Kegel exercises, yoga, and aerobic exercise, and generally lasted 12 weeks. Seven studies were included, of which six made up the meta-analysis, showing high heterogeneity ( = 94.2%; < 0.0001). The analysis of subgroups with BP showed high heterogeneity ( = 94.2%; < 0.01); interventions with PE presented more favorable results ( = 0%; 0; = 0.90); the sexual function instruments showed high heterogeneity ( = 90%; < 0.01); and instruments of quality of life and menopausal symptoms with domains of sexual function presented favorable results for BP and PE ( = 0%; = 0.63). The funnel chart presents the studies in a dispersed manner, which implies publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Interventions with PE proved to be more efficient compared to BP, however, there are a low number of studies with PE, and those found are limited to aerobic training, without sufficient data on intensity, volume, and frequency. Further studies with PE are needed for the treatment of sexual function symptoms in order to more comprehensively describe their effect.
PubMed: 38601725
DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2220327 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Apr 2024To comprehensively evaluate the effect of low birth weight on premature ovarian insufficiency. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To comprehensively evaluate the effect of low birth weight on premature ovarian insufficiency.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Wanfang and CNKI up to August 2023. All cohort and case-control studies that included birth weight as an exposure and premature ovarian insufficiency as an outcome were included in the analysis. Data were combined using inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis with fixed and random effects models and between-study heterogeneity evaluated. We evaluated risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and using Egger's method to test publication bias. All statistical analyses were performed with the use of R software.
RESULTS
Five articles were included in the review. A total of 2,248,594 women were included, including 21,813 (1%) cases of premature ovarian insufficiency, 150,743 cases of low birth weight, and 220,703 cases of macrosomia. We found strong evidence that changed the results of the previous review that low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (OR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.09-1.22) in adulthood compared with normal birth weight. No effect of macrosomia on premature ovarian insufficiency was found.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis showed strong evidence of an association between low birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency. We should reduce the occurrence of low birth weight by various methods to avoid the occurrence of premature ovarian insufficiency.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Birth Weight; Fetal Macrosomia; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Menopause, Premature; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
PubMed: 38570862
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01357-9 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Despite evidence from preclinical studies suggesting estrogen's neuroprotective effects, the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to support cognitive function... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Despite evidence from preclinical studies suggesting estrogen's neuroprotective effects, the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to support cognitive function remains controversial.
METHODS
We used random-effect meta-analysis and multi-level meta-regression to derive pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) from 34 randomized controlled trials, including 14,914 treated and 12,679 placebo participants.
RESULTS
Associations between MHT and cognitive function in some domains and tests of interest varied by formulation and treatment timing. While MHT had no overall effects on cognitive domain scores, treatment for surgical menopause, mostly estrogen-only therapy, improved global cognition (SMD=1.575, 95% CI 0.228, 2.921; =0.043) compared to placebo. When initiated specifically in midlife or close to menopause onset, estrogen therapy was associated with improved verbal memory (SMD=0.394, 95% CI 0.014, 0.774; =0.046), while late-life initiation had no effects. Overall, estrogen-progestogen therapy for spontaneous menopause was associated with a decline in Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores as compared to placebo, with most studies administering treatment in a late-life population (SMD=-1.853, 95% CI -2.974, -0.733; = 0.030). In analysis of timing of initiation, estrogen-progestogen therapy had no significant effects in midlife but was associated with improved verbal memory in late-life ( = 0.049). Duration of treatment >1 year was associated with worsening in visual memory as compared to shorter duration. Analysis of individual cognitive tests yielded more variable results of positive and negative effects associated with MHT.
DISCUSSION
These findings suggest time-dependent effects of MHT on certain aspects of cognition, with variations based on formulation and timing of initiation, underscoring the need for further research with larger samples and more homogeneous study designs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cognition; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Estrogens; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Progestins
PubMed: 38501109
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1350318 -
CJC Open Feb 2024Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among female patients and its likelihood increases following menopause. However, whether estradiol levels are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among female patients and its likelihood increases following menopause. However, whether estradiol levels are related to CVD remains unknown. We aimed to determine the association between serum estradiol levels and cardiovascular (CV) events in postmenopausal females.
METHODS
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase) were searched systematically from inception to October 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included the following: (i) postmenopausal females; (ii) examination of the association between total serum estradiol levels and CV events (CV mortality, CVD, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, heart failure, and CV hospitalization); (iii) original data (randomized controlled trial, quasi-experimental, cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional study). A narrative synthesis was completed because the data were not amenable to meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Of the 9026 citations retrieved, 8 articles were included, representing a total of 5635 women. The risk-of-bias was fair, and considerable heterogeneity was present. In those not using menopausal hormone therapy, 3 studies demonstrated mixed results between estradiol levels and risk of coronary heart disease, and 1 study showed that higher estradiol levels were associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. No significant associations were present between estradiol levels and the remaining events (ie, CV mortality, heart failure, CVD, and stroke).
CONCLUSIONS
The association between serum estradiol levels and CV events in postmenopausal females remains unclear. Further studies assessing this association are warranted, given the elevated CVD risk in this population.
PubMed: 38487048
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.11.010 -
BMC Women's Health Mar 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels between women with post-menopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels between women with post-menopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis to those with normal bone mineral density (BMD).
METHODS
We used Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to conduct a systematic search for relevant publications published before June 19, 2022, only in English language. We reported standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Because a significant level of heterogeneity was found, we used the random-effects model to calculate pooled effects. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Overall, eight articles were included in the analysis. Post-menopausal women with osteoporosis had elevated levels of NLR compared to those without osteoporosis (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.18 to 1.88, p = 0.017, I = 98%). In addition, there was no difference between post-menopausal women with osteopenia and those without osteopenia in neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI=-0.08 to 1.25, p = 0.085, I = 96.8%). However, there was no difference between post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and those with osteopenia in NLR levels (SMD = 0.75, 95% CI=-0.01 to 1.51, p = 0.05, I = 97.5%, random-effect model).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study point to NLR as a potential biomarker that may be easily introduced into clinical settings to help predict and prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Bone Density; Neutrophils; Postmenopause; Osteoporosis; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Lymphocytes; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
PubMed: 38461235
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03006-1 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... May 2024The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help... (Review)
Review
The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help explaining how and why osteoarthritis affects women more often and more severely than men. A systematic review of the literature in English was performed. Eleven studies on 1962 patients (905 females and 787 males) that reported differences on cartilage composition between males and females were included. Nine evaluated the knee, one the hip, and one both. They were heterogeneous in their methods: one conducted histological analyses, and all the others evaluated cartilage characteristics (volume, width, and composition) through magnetic resonance imaging. All authors reported gender differences in both volume and morphology of the cartilage, from infancy to menopause. In fact, a study on 92 healthy children statistically showed significant gender differences in cartilage thickness at all sites, even after adjustment for age, body, and bone size. Gender differences become more evident after menopause, when women have a lower cartilage volume and a higher cartilage loss. Men show significantly higher knee and hip cartilage volumes than women, and women carry a significantly greater risk to develop osteoarthritis. This is in part due to body and bone size, but also depends on qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of cartilage and its degeneration rate after menopause. Structural changes in cartilage that occur between genders during ageing have significance in the development of osteoarthritis.
Topics: Humans; Cartilage, Articular; Female; Male; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Sex Factors; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Knee Joint; Hip Joint; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Child
PubMed: 38456943
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-024-03871-4 -
Ecancermedicalscience 2023Breast cancer (BC) is the first leading cancer sharing about 25% of the cancer burden among women globally. This study aimed to identify the determinants of BC in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer (BC) is the first leading cancer sharing about 25% of the cancer burden among women globally. This study aimed to identify the determinants of BC in Ethiopia.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched primary studies conducted in Ethiopia on associated factors of BC in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Hinari, Google, and Google Scholar) and available online until 2 June 2023. The necessary data were extracted from relevant studies and exported to STATA version 15 for analysis. The pooled odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random effect model. The finding was reported following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines.
RESULTS
Five studies with 1,819 participants (792 cases and 1,027 controls) were included. The significant determinants of BC were age at menarche <12 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.68-5.04), post-menopause (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.67-3.06), ever breastfeeding (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15-0.42), and family history of cancer (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.29-3.44).
CONCLUSION
In Ethiopia, the significant determinants of BC among women were age at menarche <12 years, post-menopause, Ever breastfeeding, and family history of cancer. We recommend that the concerned organizations consider the aforementioned factors in addressing the problem of BC in Ethiopia by increasing community awareness, promoting breast self-examination, and developing programs to reduce the increasing burden of BC in the study setting.
PubMed: 38414952
DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1624