-
Environment International Jun 2024The menopausal transition involves significant sex hormone changes. Environmental chemicals, such as urinary phthalate metabolites, are associated with sex hormone...
BACKGROUND
The menopausal transition involves significant sex hormone changes. Environmental chemicals, such as urinary phthalate metabolites, are associated with sex hormone levels in cross-sectional studies. Few studies have assessed longitudinal associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and sex hormone levels during menopausal transition.
METHODS
Pre- and perimenopausal women from the Midlife Women's Health Study (MWHS) (n = 751) contributed data at up to 4 annual study visits. We quantified 9 individual urinary phthalate metabolites and 5 summary measures (e.g., phthalates in plastics (∑Plastic)), using pooled annual urine samples. We measured serum estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone collected at each study visit, unrelated to menstrual cycling. Linear mixed-effects models and hierarchical Bayesian kernel machine regression analyses evaluated adjusted associations between individual and phthalate mixtures with sex steroid hormones longitudinally.
RESULTS
We observed associations between increased concentrations of certain phthalate metabolites and lower testosterone and higher sub-ovulatory progesterone levels, e.g., doubling of monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (∑DEHP) metabolites, ∑Plastic, and ∑Phthalates concentrations were associated with lower testosterone (e.g., for ∑DEHP: -4.51%; 95% CI: -6.72%, -2.26%). For each doubling of MEP, certain DEHP metabolites, and summary measures, we observed higher mean sub-ovulatory progesterone (e.g., ∑AA (metabolites with anti-androgenic activity): 6.88%; 95% CI: 1.94%, 12.1%). Higher levels of the overall time-varying phthalate mixture were associated with lower estradiol and higher progesterone levels, especially for 2nd year exposures.
CONCLUSIONS
Phthalates were longitudinally associated with sex hormone levels during the menopausal transition. Future research should assess such associations and potential health impacts during this understudied period.
Topics: Humans; Phthalic Acids; Female; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Perimenopause; Environmental Pollutants; Estradiol; Adult; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Progesterone; Environmental Exposure; Women's Health; Testosterone
PubMed: 38821016
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108770 -
Journal of Clinical Densitometry : the... May 2024Background Perimenopause is associated with a decline in estrogen levels, leading to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and altered bone metabolism, increasing the...
Background Perimenopause is associated with a decline in estrogen levels, leading to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and altered bone metabolism, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Tai Chi Rouli Ball, a traditional Chinese sport, is thought to have beneficial effects on physical health, but its impact on bone health in perimenopausal women is not well understood. Methods This study involved a randomized controlled trial with 52 perimenopausal women aged 45-55 years from community senior centers. Participants were divided into two groups: the Tai Chi Rouli Ball group and the control group. Baseline assessments of bone density, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone metabolism markers, including estrogen levels, were conducted. The Tai Chi Rouli Ball group underwent regular training for a specific period, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Post-experiment assessments were then compared to the baseline. Results Post-intervention, the Tai Chi Rouli Ball group showed a significant increase in spine bone density and BMC in various body parts, including the whole body, trunk/torso, and spine, compared to the control group. Bone metabolism indicators also improved, with increased levels of estrogen and a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Calcium levels showed a significant increase, while other markers like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) had non-significant changes. Conclusions Tai Chi Rouli Ball exercise may positively influence bone health by improving bone density, BMC, and altering bone metabolism markers in perimenopausal women. These findings suggest that Tai Chi Rouli Ball could be a viable non-pharmacological approach to prevent osteoporosis in this demographic.
PubMed: 38820968
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2024.101503 -
Maturitas Aug 2024To identify peri- and post-menopausal women at risk of non-communicable diseases in rural India and to assess their prevalence amongst these groups via the use of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
AIMS
To identify peri- and post-menopausal women at risk of non-communicable diseases in rural India and to assess their prevalence amongst these groups via the use of artificial intelligence.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
An observational study conducted by the Indian Menopause Society in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra. The study included rural women residents of three villages in the Latur district of Maharashtra, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Accredited social health activist workers identified 400 peri- and post-menopausal women aged 45-60 years. Specific symptoms able to predict the presence of a non-communicable disease were identified through the use of artificial intelligence.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
Descriptive statistics and predictive network charts analysis.
RESULTS
The mean age of 316 women included in the analysis was 50.4 years and the majority of them were illiterate (68 %). The prevalence of dyslipidaemia, osteopenia, diabetes mellitus, obesity and hypertension were 58 %, 50 %, 25 %, 25 %, and 20 % respectively. None of their symptoms or laboratory reports could be significantly correlated directly with any of these non-communicable diseases. Hence, we used a cluster of symptoms to suggest the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and hypothyroidism via predictive network analysis charts.
CONCLUSIONS
Screening of at-risk women can be done using an artificial intelligence-based screening tool for early diagnosis, timely referral and treatment of non-communicable diseases with the support of community health workers.
Topics: Humans; Female; India; Middle Aged; Artificial Intelligence; Prevalence; Noncommunicable Diseases; Postmenopause; Rural Population; Chronic Disease; Perimenopause; Hypertension; Obesity; Dyslipidemias; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38816334
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108029 -
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology &... May 2024Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily manifests itself by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, thus significantly affecting... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily manifests itself by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, thus significantly affecting memory functions and quality of life. In this review, we proceed from the understanding that the canonical amyloid-β hypothesis, while significant, has faced setbacks, highlighting the need to adopt a broader perspective considering the intricate interplay of diverse pathological pathways for effective AD treatments. Sex differences in AD offer valuable insights into a better understanding of its pathophysiology. Fluctuation of the levels of ovarian sex hormones during perimenopause is associated with changes in glucose metabolism, as a possible window of opportunity to further understand the roles of sex steroid hormones and their associated receptors in the pathophysiology of AD. We review these dimensions, emphasizing the potential of estrogen receptors (ERs) to reveal mitochondrial functions in the search for further research and therapeutic strategies for AD pharmacotherapy. Understanding and addressing the intricate interactions of mitochondrial dysfunction and ERs potentially pave the way for more effective approaches to AD therapy.
PubMed: 38801027
DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.14035 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Jun 2024Menopause is often accompanied by lowered Lactobacillus spp. relative abundance and increased abundance of diverse anaerobic/aerobic bacteria in the vaginal microbiota... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
Menopause is often accompanied by lowered Lactobacillus spp. relative abundance and increased abundance of diverse anaerobic/aerobic bacteria in the vaginal microbiota due in part to declines in estrogen. These microbiota are associated with urogenital symptoms and infections. In premenopause, vaginal microbiota can fluctuate rapidly, particularly with menstrual cycles and sexual activity; however, the longitudinal dynamics of vaginal microbiota are understudied in peri- and postmenopause. We described vaginal community stability across reproductive stages.
METHODS
Pre- (n = 83), peri- (n = 8), and postmenopausal (n = 11) participants provided twice-weekly mid-vaginal samples (total, 1,556; average, 15 per participant) over 8 weeks in an observational study. Composition of the vaginal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and a community state type (CST) was assigned to each sample. Clustering of longitudinal CST profiles, CST transition rates, duration of low-Lactobacillus/high bacterial diversity CSTs, and other metrics of bacterial community dynamics were assessed across reproductive stages.
RESULTS
The proportion of participants with longitudinal CST profiles characterized by low-Lactobacillus CSTs was similar among pre- (38.6%), peri- (37.5%), and postmenopausal (36.4%) participants (P = 0.69). CST transition rates between consecutive samples were 21.1%, 16.7%, and 14.6% for pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal participants, respectively (P = 0.49). Low-Lactobacillus CST tended to persist for at least 4 weeks, irrespective of reproductive stage.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this small yet frequently sampled cohort revealed vaginal bacterial fluctuations over 8 weeks that were similar across reproductive stages. Larger and longer-term studies based on these preliminary data could provide insights into the influence of microbiota dynamics on urogenital outcomes during menopause.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vagina; Microbiota; Postmenopause; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Adult; Premenopause; Lactobacillus; Perimenopause; Secondary Data Analysis
PubMed: 38787353
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002358 -
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) May 2024The aim of this study was to show for the first time that low-frequency 3D-transmitted ultrasound tomography (3D UT, volography) can differentiate breast tissue types...
The aim of this study was to show for the first time that low-frequency 3D-transmitted ultrasound tomography (3D UT, volography) can differentiate breast tissue types using tissue properties, accurately measure glandular and ductal volumes in vivo, and measure variation over time. Data were collected for 400 QT breast scans on 24 women (ages 18-71), including four (4) postmenopausal subjects, 6-10 times over 2+ months of observation. The date of onset of menopause was noted, and the cases were further subdivided into three (3) classes: pre-, post-, and peri-menopausal. The ducts and glands were segmented using breast speed of sound, attenuation, and reflectivity images and followed over several menstrual cycles. The coefficient of variation (CoV) for in premenopausal women was significantly larger than for postmenopausal women, whereas this is not true for the CoV. The glandular standard deviation (SD) is significantly larger in premenopausal women vs. postmenopausal women, whereas this is not true for ductal tissue. We conclude that ducts do not appreciably change over the menstrual cycle in either pre- or post-menopausal subjects, whereas glands change significantly over the cycle in pre-menopausal women, and 3D UT can differentiate ducts from glands in vivo.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Menstrual Cycle; Middle Aged; Aged; Breast; Young Adult; Ultrasonography, Mammary; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Adolescent; Mammary Glands, Human
PubMed: 38787020
DOI: 10.3390/tomography10050060 -
International Journal of Cardiology Aug 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Coronary Angiography; Perimenopause; Computed Tomography Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Male; Sex Factors; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38782073
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132193 -
Scientific Reports May 2024This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward sleep disorders and sleep hygiene among perimenopausal women, who were...
This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward sleep disorders and sleep hygiene among perimenopausal women, who were enrolled in Dezhou region of Shandong Province between July and September 2023. A total of 720 valid questionnaires were collected (mean age: 51.28 ± 4.32 years old), and 344 (47.78%) reported experiencing insomnia. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, practice, and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS) were 15.73 ± 7.60 (possible range: 0-36), 29.35 ± 3.15 (possible range: 10-50), 28.54 ± 4.03 (possible range: 10-50), and 6.79 ± 1.90 (possible range: 0-10), respectively. Path analysis showed that knowledge had direct effects on attitude (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.07, P = 0.001), and DBAS (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02-0.05, P < 0.001). Knowledge had direct effects (β = 0.11, 95% CI 0.08-0.15, P < 0.001) and indirect (β = 0.02, 95% CI 0.00-0.03, P = 0.002) effect on practice. Moreover, attitude also had a direct impact on practice (β = 0.34, 95% CI 0.25-0.43, P < 0.001). In conclusion, perimenopausal women exhibited insufficient knowledge, negative attitude, inactive practice toward sleep disorders and sleep hygiene, and unfavorable DBAS, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare interventions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Sleep Hygiene; Perimenopause; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sleep Wake Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; China; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Adult
PubMed: 38777871
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62502-4 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... May 2024A head-to-head comparison of efficacy between a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy (ET) versus combination chemotherapy (CT) has never been...
Final Results of RIGHT Choice: Ribociclib Plus Endocrine Therapy Versus Combination Chemotherapy in Premenopausal Women With Clinically Aggressive Hormone Receptor-Positive/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer.
PURPOSE
A head-to-head comparison of efficacy between a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy (ET) versus combination chemotherapy (CT) has never been reported in patients with clinically aggressive hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC).
METHODS
In this open-label, multicenter, randomized phase II trial, pre/perimenopausal women with clinically aggressive HR+/HER2- ABC were randomly assigned 1:1 to first-line ribociclib (600 mg once daily; 3 weeks on, 1 week off) plus letrozole/anastrozole and goserelin or investigator's choice of combination CT (docetaxel plus capecitabine, paclitaxel plus gemcitabine, or capecitabine plus vinorelbine). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).
RESULTS
Among 222 patients randomly assigned to ribociclib plus ET (n = 112) or combination CT (n = 110), 150 (67.6%) had symptomatic visceral metastases, 41 (18.5%) had rapid disease progression per investigator's judgment, and 31 (14.0%) had symptomatic nonvisceral disease. Overall, 106 (47.7%) patients had investigator-assessed visceral crisis. The median follow-up time was 37.0 months. At data cutoff, 31.3% (ribociclib arm) and 15.5% (CT arm) of patients had completed study treatment and transitioned to post-trial access. The median PFS was 21.8 months (ribociclib plus ET; [95% CI, 17.4 to 26.7]) and 12.8 months (combination CT; [95% CI, 10.1 to 18.4); hazard ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.87]; = .003. The overall response rates and the median time to response in the ribociclib versus CT arms, respectively, were 66.1% and 61.8% and 4.9 months and 3.2 months (hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.55 to 1.06]). Lower rates of symptomatic adverse events were observed in the ribociclib versus CT arm.
CONCLUSION
First-line ribociclib plus ET showed a significant PFS benefit, similar response rates, and better tolerability over combination CT in patients with clinically aggressive HR+/HER2- ABC.
PubMed: 38771995
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.24.00144 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2024BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman’s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the...
BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman’s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the quality of life, cognitive functions, and serum vitamin D, B6, and B12 concentrations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal Polish women. Also, we correlated the assessment of the quality of life with these vitamin concentrations and cognitive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 287 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Serum levels of vitamin D, B6, and B12, cognitive functions using CNS Vital Signs software, and quality of life using WHO Quality of Life Brief were tested. RESULTS Almost all of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had normal concentrations of serum vitamin B12 (96%), 80% of them had normal B6 concentration, while only 9% had optimal serum vitamin D concentration. Postmenopausal women had lower Neurocognitive Index, psychomotor speed, motor speed, reaction time, and lower assessment of overall quality of life, physical health, and social relationships compared to perimenopausal women. In comparison to postmenopausal women, perimenopausal women had a lower serum vitamin B6 concentration, and the lower the concentration of this vitamin in serum they had, the lower they assessed their environment. Perimenopausal women assessed their social relationships the better, the better the visual memory, and the lower the processing speed they had. Postmenopausal women assessed the environment the better, the higher their Neurocognition Index was, and the better the reaction time they had. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of quality of life was associated with some cognitive functions in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Postmenopause; Poland; Middle Aged; Cognition; Vitamin D; Vitamin B 12; Perimenopause; Vitamin B 6; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38769717
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943249