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Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2015Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women after menopause and 56% of all causes of death in Western European countries.... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women after menopause and 56% of all causes of death in Western European countries. Nowadays, with increasing life span, women spend approximately one-third of their life-time in postmenopausal state; therefore, the development of new strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of menopause-associated pathologies is important topic in clinical practice. The studies to assess the safety of hormone replacement therapy in women with estrogen deficiency have not been conclusive due to the relative contraindications; therefore, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed only in selected cases and for a limited time. For this reason, today women are encouraged to use naturally available compounds to prevent or to attenuate menopausal symptoms and correlated pathologies, with fewer side effects. Among these compounds, berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plants of the generis Berberis, has been recognized as being capable of decreasing oxidative stress, LDL, triglycerides, and insulin resistance and of improving the mood. This review describes the cellular and clinical effects associated with the use of berberine, which suggest that this molecule could be an effective natural supplement to ensure a smooth peri- and postmenopausal transition.
Topics: Berberine; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Lipoproteins, LDL; Oxidative Stress; Perimenopause; Triglycerides
PubMed: 25785174
DOI: 10.1155/2015/723093 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Jul 2023The decline in estrogen levels from several years before (perimenopause) and during menopause has various negative effects, including skin specific issues, which often... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Evaluation of adapted dermocosmetic regimens for perimenopausal and menopausal women using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm and quality of life questionnaires: An open observational study.
BACKGROUND
The decline in estrogen levels from several years before (perimenopause) and during menopause has various negative effects, including skin specific issues, which often receive less attention than other menopausal symptoms despite having a significant negative effect on quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-aging dermocosmetic products designed for women during the perimenopause and menopause.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An open study of 101 perimenopausal women (no menstruation for 4-12 months or irregular menstruation for <5 years) and 101 menopausal women (no menstruation for >12 months), not taking hormone replacement therapy, was conducted. Adapted dermocosmetic regimens, specific to each group (day cream, night cream and serum), were applied for 56 days. Assessments included automatic artificial intelligence diagnostics of eight clinical facial signs, hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and a menopause skin QoL questionnaire.
RESULTS
Mean age was 50 ± 3.9 years (range 41-57) and 59 ± 3.8 years (range 50-66) for the perimenopause and menopause groups, respectively. Significant improvements in wrinkles and vascular signs, increases in hydration, decreases in TEWL, and a positive impact on QoL were observed after 56 days of application of the respective dermocosmetic regimens for both the perimenopause and menopause groups.
CONCLUSION
The anti-aging skin care products designed specifically for perimenopausal and menopausal women increased skin hydration and improved wrinkles with a positive impact on QoL.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Perimenopause; Quality of Life; Artificial Intelligence; Menopause; Surveys and Questionnaires; Algorithms
PubMed: 37522490
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13349 -
Nursing ResearchMidlife perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome experience multiple symptoms concurrently.
BACKGROUND
Midlife perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome experience multiple symptoms concurrently.
OBJECTIVE
The study objectives were to examine the relationship among symptoms through network visualization and identify and compare symptom clusters and key symptoms across symptom occurrence and symptom severity dimensions in midlife perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome.
METHODS
Cross-sectional data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (Visit 5) were used for analysis. A machine-learning-based network analysis and the Walktrap algorithm were used to fulfill the study objectives.
RESULTS
The number and types of symptom clusters differed between the groups. Midlife perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome experienced the psychological/somatic/genital cluster (key symptom: frequent mood change), the sleep/urinary cluster (sleep disturbance), and the vasomotor cluster (cold sweat) in the symptom occurrence dimension and the psychological/somatic/sexual cluster (anxiety), the sleep/urinary cluster (sleep disturbance), and the vasomotor/genital cluster (night sweat) in the symptom severity dimension. In contrast, midlife perimenopausal and postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome experienced the psychological cluster (anxiety), the sleep/somatic/genitourinary cluster (sleep disturbance), and the vasomotor cluster (night sweat) in the symptom occurrence dimension and the psychological/somatic cluster (anxiety), the sleep/urinary cluster (sleep disturbance), the vasomotor cluster (night sweat), and the sexual/genital cluster (vaginal dryness) in the symptom severity dimension.
DISCUSSION
The study findings may serve as a knowledge basis for effective assessment and management of symptom clusters and key symptoms in clinical settings and provide directions for future development of targeted symptom management interventions.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Perimenopause; Postmenopause; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 35759720
DOI: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000591 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of... Sep 2011This paper characterizes changes in menstrual bleeding during perimenopause,including bleeding changes that represent markers of the menopausal transition. Recent... (Review)
Review
This paper characterizes changes in menstrual bleeding during perimenopause,including bleeding changes that represent markers of the menopausal transition. Recent results from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation and other cohort studies are reviewed. Emerging data describing subpopulation differences in the transition experience are highlighted. When treating women in the midlife, clinicians should pay careful attention to medical factors, including both conditions and treatments, that may increase menstrual blood loss or alter menstrual cycle characteristics sufficiently to obscure the onset of the menopausal transition or the final menstrual period.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Perimenopause; Smoking; Time Factors
PubMed: 21961722
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.05.010 -
BMC Women's Health Aug 2023To evaluate women's knowledge and attitudes towards the menopause by comparing three groups of women: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the...
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate women's knowledge and attitudes towards the menopause by comparing three groups of women: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other).
METHODS
A 35 question online survey was advertised on social media to evaluate women's attitudes and knowledge of the menopause. Three groups of women were compared: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other).
RESULTS
Most women were completely uninformed or only had some knowledge of the menopause before the age of 40. Most women thought that the menopause should be taught at school, but over 80% had received no menopause education at school themselves. The most popular sources of menopause information were independent websites and friends. Perimenopausal women were significantly more likely than postmenopausal women to use online resources for menopause information. The perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups had more positive attitudes towards the menopause than the other group. 57.5% of postmenopausal women found the menopause difficult or very difficult. Most women were happy about no longer menstruating, although some expressed sadness regarding fertility loss.
CONCLUSIONS
Most women had limited knowledge and negative attitudes towards the menopause, leaving them unprepared to cope with the physical and psychological changes associated with this stage of life. Improved menopause education is required to improve quality of life during the menopausal transition and a most positive narrative of life postmenopause.
Topics: Female; Humans; Postmenopause; Perimenopause; Quality of Life; Menopause; Attitude
PubMed: 37648988
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02424-x -
Journal of Hypertension Jul 2023To evaluate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan on blood pressure (BP), ventricular structure, and myocardial fibrosis compared with valsartan in perimenopausal... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan on blood pressure (BP), ventricular structure, and myocardial fibrosis compared with valsartan in perimenopausal hypertensive women.
METHODS
This prospective, randomized, actively controlled, open-label study included 292 women with perimenopausal hypertension. They were randomly divided into two groups: sacubitril/valsartan 200 mg once daily and valsartan 160 mg once daily for 24 weeks. The relevant indicators of ambulatory BP, echocardiography, and myocardial fibrosis regulation were assessed at baseline and at 24 weeks.
RESULTS
The 24-h mean SBP after 24 weeks of treatment was 120.08 ± 10.47 mmHg in the sacubitril/valsartan group versus 121.00 ± 9.76 mmHg in the valsartan group ( P = 0.457). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no difference in central SBP between the sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan groups (117.17 ± 11.63 versus 116.38 ± 11.58, P = 0.568). LVMI in the sacubitril/valsartan group was lower than that in the valsartan group at week 24 ( P = 0.009). LVMI decreased by 7.23 g/m 2 from the baseline in the sacubitril/valsartan group and 3.70 g/m 2 in the valsartan group at 24 weeks ( P = 0.000 versus 0.017). A statistically significant difference in LVMI between the two groups was observed at 24 weeks after adjusting for the baseline LVMI ( P = 0.001). The levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CT-GF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were reduced in the sacubitril/valsartan group compared with the baseline ( P = 0.000, 0.005, and 0.000). LVMI between the two groups was statistically significant at 24 weeks after correcting for confounding factors 24-h mean SBP and 24-h mean DBP ( P = 0.005). The LVMI, serum TGF-β, α-SMA, and CT-GF remained statistically significant between the two groups after further correcting the factors of age, BMI, and sex hormone levels ( P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Sacubitril/valsartan could reverse ventricular remodeling more effectively than valsartan. The different effects of these two therapies on ventricular remodeling in perimenopausal hypertensive women might be because of their different effects on the down-regulation of fibrosis-related factors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aminobutyrates; Biphenyl Compounds; Drug Combinations; Heart Failure; Hypertension; Perimenopause; Prospective Studies; Valsartan; Ventricular Remodeling
PubMed: 37071432
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003430 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2008This Committee Opinion outlines the stages of the menopausal transition, as defined by the July 2001 Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW). (Review)
Review
This Committee Opinion outlines the stages of the menopausal transition, as defined by the July 2001 Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW).
Topics: Endocrine System; Endocrine System Diseases; Female; Hormones; Hot Flashes; Humans; Models, Biological; Perimenopause
PubMed: 19007648
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.095 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of... Sep 2011The hormonal correlates of reproductive aging and the menopause transition reflect an initial loss of the follicle cohort, while a responsive ovary remains, and an... (Review)
Review
The hormonal correlates of reproductive aging and the menopause transition reflect an initial loss of the follicle cohort, while a responsive ovary remains, and an eventual complete loss of follicle response, with persistent hypergonadotropic amenorrhea. The physiology of the process is described, along with key findings of relevant studies, with an emphasis on the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. A clinical framework is provided to help clinicians to forecast the major milestones of the menopausal transition and to predict potential symptoms or disease.
Topics: Body Mass Index; Female; Health Surveys; Hormones; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Perimenopause; United States
PubMed: 21961713
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.05.004 -
Endokrynologia Polska 2023The health of post-menopausal women has become of paramount concern due to the aging of the world's population. Concurrently, the prevalence of obesity among...
The health of post-menopausal women has become of paramount concern due to the aging of the world's population. Concurrently, the prevalence of obesity among postmenopausal women is expected to increase, presenting a significant public health challenge. Although weight gain during menopause is a well-observed phenomenon, its underlying causes and mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This manuscript reviews the literature to explore potential hormonal factors and pathomechanisms contributing to obesity during perimenopause, aiming to identify pathogenic factors that can guide treatment selection. Menopause-induced hormonal changes, including hypoestrogenaemia, hypergonadotropinaemia, relative hyperandrogenaemia, growth hormone deficiency, leptin resistance, and chronic stress affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, have been implicated in the onset of obesity in perimenopausal women. These hormonal fluctuations, alongside lowered daily energy expenditure, lead to metabolic alterations that elevate the risk of developing metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Weight gain in perimenopausal women is associated with higher total and abdominal adipose tissue and lower lean body mass. Addressing this issue requires individualized behavioural management, supported by effective pharmacological therapy, and, when warranted, complemented by bariatric surgery. Modern obesity treatment therapies have demonstrated safety and efficacy in clinical trials, offering the potential to reduce excess body fat, improve metabolic profiles, lower cardiovascular risk, and enhance the quality and longevity of women's lives. In addition to standard obesity therapies, the article examines different treatment strategies based on obesity's pathogenic factors, which may offer promising options for treating obesity with or without complications in perimenopausal women. One such potential approach is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which hypothetically targets visceral obesity by reducing visceral adipose tissue accumulation, preserving metabolically active lean body mass, and improving lipid profiles. However, despite these reported benefits, gynaecological and endocrinological societies currently do not recommend the use of MHT for obesity prevention or treatment, necessitating further research for validation. Emerging evidence suggests that visceral obesity could result from hypoestrogenaemia during perimenopause, potentially justifying the use of MHT as a causal treatment. This highlights the importance of advancing research efforts to unravel the intricate hormonal and metabolic changes that occur during perimenopause and their role in obesity development.
Topics: Female; Humans; Perimenopause; Obesity, Abdominal; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Obesity; Menopause; Weight Gain
PubMed: 37994584
DOI: 10.5603/ep.96679 -
Annals of the New York Academy of... Oct 2009The focus of this chapter is the relationship between the onset of depression in women and the reproductive events of the menopause transition. Epidemiologic studies... (Review)
Review
The focus of this chapter is the relationship between the onset of depression in women and the reproductive events of the menopause transition. Epidemiologic studies have documented that the majority of women do not become depressed during the menopause transition. However, recent longitudinal studies suggest that in some women, the reproductive events related to the menopause transition could play a role in the onset of depression. No abnormality of ovarian hormones has been identified that distinguishes women with depression from those who remain asymptomatic during the menopause transition. Nonetheless, several findings suggest a role of ovarian hormones in the onset of these depressions. First, episodes of depression cluster during the stage of the menopause transition that is accompanied by estradiol withdrawal. Second, randomized controlled trials have documented the short-term (3-6 weeks) antidepressant efficacy of estradiol in depressed perimenopausal women. Third, experimentally induced estradiol withdrawal triggers mood symptoms in some women. Thus, although depression is not a uniform accompaniment of the menopause transition, in some women, age-related changes in ovarian estrogen production may alter central nervous system function and predispose them to develop depression.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Middle Aged; Perimenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors
PubMed: 19906233
DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04982.x