Does Obesity Aggravate Climacteric Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women? / A obesidade agrava os sintomas climatéricos em mulheres na pós-menopausa?

Abstract Objective To determine if there is a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods The study sample was composed of 109 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 57 ± 8 years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 30 ± 6 kg/m2, and 8 ± 8 years after menopause. For the assessment of the climacteric symptoms, the Blatt-Kupperman Index (BKI), the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and the Cervantes Scale (CS) were used. Data analysis was performed through the Chi-squared test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Bonferroni post hoc test, and multiple linear regression. The level of significance adopted was of p < 0.05. The statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) software, version 26.0. Results The multiple linear regression showed a positive association (p<0.01) between BMI values and menopause symptoms when adjusted for age and time after menopause in the 3 questionnaires used (BKI: B = 0.432; CS: B = 304; and MRS: B = 302). Regarding symptom scores, the obese women had higher mean scores (p<0.05) when compared to eutrophic women (BKI = 28 ± 10 and 20 ± 10; and MRS = 20 ± 10 and 13±7, respectively). In the Chi-squared analysis, 28% of obese women had severe symptoms and 46% had moderate symptoms, while only 1% and 46% of eutrophic women had these same symptoms. Conclusion There is an association between BMI and climacteric symptoms, and overweight or obese women have more intense and moderate symptoms than eutrophic women.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se há correlação entre o índice de massa corporal e os sintomas do climatério em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Métodos Participaram do estudo 109 mulheres na pós-menopausa, com idade média de 57± 8 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio de 30± 6kg/m2 e 8± 8 anos após a menopausa. Para a avaliação dos sintomas climatéricos, foram utilizados os questionários específicos para essa população: Índice de Kupperman-Blatt (IKB), Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), e Escala de Cervantes (EC). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do teste do chi-quadrado, análise de variância (analysis of variance, ANOVA, em inglês) com o teste post hoc de Bonferroni e regressão linear múltipla. O nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, Estados Unidos), versão 26.0. Resultados A regressão linear múltipla mostrou associação positiva (p < 0,01) entre os valores do IMC e os sintomas do climatério quando ajustados pela idade e pelo tempo após a menopausa nos 3 questionários utilizados (IKB: B = 0,432; CE: B = 304; e MRS: B = 302). Quanto às pontuações dos sintomas, as mulheres com obesidade apresentaram médias maiores (p < 0,05) quando comparadas às mulheres eutróficas (IKB = 28 ± 10 e 20 ± 10; e MRS = 20± 10 e 13 ±7). Na análise pelo chi-quadrado 28% das mulheres obesas apresentaram sintomas graves, e 46%, moderados, ao passo que apenas 1% e 46% das eutrópicas apresentavam esses mesmos sintomas. Conclusão Há uma associação entre IMC e sintomas climatéricos, e mulheres com sobrepeso ou obesidade apresentam sintomas mais intensos e moderados do que mulheres eutróficas.

Síntomas climatéricos según el estilo de vida en mujeres de edad mediana / Climacteric symptoms and lifestyle among middle-aged women

Introducción: la expresión clínica del síndrome climatérico se asocia con el estilo de vida de la mujer. Factores socioculturales, ambientales y laborales influyen en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: identificar la relación entre la percepción de la sintomatología del síndrome climatérico y el estilo de vida en las mujeres de mediana edad estudiadas. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva, de corte transversal, con un diseño no experimental en el consultorio 17 del Policlínico Luis A. Turcios Lima, del municipio 10 de Octubre, desde el 1ro de junio de 2014 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2015. Se entrevistaron 91 mujeres entre 40 y 59 años. Se aplicó la encuesta para medir la intensidad del síndrome climatérico y la encuesta para el estudio del estilo de vida. Resultados: en la percepción de los síntomas climatéricos, la cuarta parte eran asintomáticas y los síntomas leves fueron percibidos en 37,4 por ciento de las pacientes. Casi la totalidad de las mujeres que tenían un estilo de vida saludable, eran asintomáticas o su percepción de los síntomas era leve; 42,8 por ciento presentó síntomas moderados o intensos. En el área de salud, predominaron las mujeres entre 55 y 59 años de piel blanca, universitarias y trabajadoras. Conclusiones: un estilo de vida no saludable se relaciona con el síndrome climatérico de intensidad moderada o intensa. Las condiciones físicas inadecuadas, la autoestima baja y no disponer de tiempo libre; se relacionaron con una mayor intensidad del síndrome climatérico(AU)

Introduction: the clinical expression of the climacteric syndrome is associated with the lifestyles of women. Sociocultural, environmental and occupational factors influence the quality of life. Objective: identify the relationship between perception of climacteric symptoms and lifestyle in the middle-aged women studied. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional non-experimental study was conducted at Consultation Office 17 of Luis A. Turcios Lima Polyclinic, in the municipality of 10 de Octubre, from 1 June 2014 to 31 May 2015. Interviews were conducted with 91 women aged 40-59. Two surveys were applied: one to gauge the intensity of the climacteric syndrome and the other to study lifestyle. Results: with respect to perception of climacteric symptoms, one fourth of the patients were asymptomatic. Mild symptoms were perceived by 37.4 percent. Almost all the women who had a healthy lifestyle were either asymptomatic or their perception of symptoms was mild; 42.8 percent had either moderate or intense symptoms. In the health area there was a predominance of white women of the 55-59 age group who were workers and university graduates. Conclusions: an unhealthy lifestyle is associated with a climacteric syndrome of moderate to high intensity. Inadequate physical conditions, a low self-esteem and lack of free time are related to a greater intensity of the climacteric syndrome(AU)

Impact of Climacteric Symptoms and Fatigue on the Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: The Mediating Effect of Cognitive Dysfunction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test hypothetical model of quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors and to test the mediating effects of cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: This study was conducted from December 1st, 2013 to February 28th, 2014. 164 breast cancer survivors were recruited from A, D, and Y city in Korea. The instruments used in this study were climacteric symptoms, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and the QOL scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and pathway. RESULTS: Cognitive dysfunction was directly affected by climacteric symptoms and fatigue. QOL was directly affected by fatigue, However climacteric symptoms and cognitive dysfunction did not effect on QOL directly. Impact of climacteric symptoms on QOL, mediating effect of cognitive dysfunction was not confirmed. In addition, effect of fatigue on the QOL, the mediating effect of cognitive dysfunction was not. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of climacteric symptoms on QOL was not mediated by cognitive dysfunction, Furthermore effects of fatigue on QOL was not mediated by cognitive dysfunction.

Nutritional Status, Quality of Diet and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women with Mild Climacteric Symptoms Based on Food Group Intake Patterns / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to examine the nutritional status, quality of diet and quality of life in postmenopausal women with mild climacteric symptoms based on their food group intake patterns. The data for nutritional status were obtained using 3-day records. Quality of diet was assessed by INQ, NAR, MAR, DDS, DVS, DQI-I. Climacteric symptoms were analyzed by the questionnaire of Kupperman's index and MENoL. The subjects were classified into the five groups, GMVDF, GMVdF, GMVDf, GMVdf, GmVDF according to their food group intake patterns. Analysis of nutrient intakes showed that the GMVDF group took significantly higher levels of kcal, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, iron, zinc and fiber than GMVdf group did (p < 0.05). INQ of Ca and Fe appeared to be higher in GMVDF than in GMVdf groups (p < 0.05). Analysis of NARs showed that missing milk groups took lower riboflavin, Ca and P than other groups did as the same result with MAR (p < 0.05). Analysis of DDS and DQI showed that GMVdf group had the lowest quality of diet (p < 0.05); however, no difference was found on DVS. The GMVdf group showed the worst climacteric symptoms compared with those of the other groups (p < 0.05). However, we couldn't observe any differences in menopause-specific quality of life among the groups. In conclusion, it would be beneficial to meet all five food groups to increase the quality of diet and to reduce the climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Climacteric and Menopausal Women's Beliefs on Daily Meals and Food Supplements - A Focus Group Interview Study - / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The aim of the study was to explore the current status as well as personal views, attitudes, and beliefs regarding daily meal consumption (DM) and food supplement use (FS) in conjunction with the improvement of health condition of the women. Eight focus group interviews were performed and the interview material was condensed systematically with the aim to extract core meanings related to DM, FS, and menopause-associated health. Participants were 40 in number and showed ages ranging from 45 and 60 years with various menopausal status. Current status and beliefs about DM, resources of purchase motivation of FS, types of FS that are currently used, and perceived effects and personal beliefs about FS are discussed. Theme content analysis revealed 3 themes for beliefs about DM, 5 themes for beliefs pertaining FS, and 4 themes for the association between DM and FS. Non-dietary factors such as positive mental attitude and exercise appeared to be also important to maintain good health. The bottom line message from this study may be that proper nutrition through daily meals is essential for good health, while food supplement are used merely to supplement the diet. Findings from this study may deepen our understanding of how women who translate their lifespan through "menopause" perceive the roles and meaning of DM and FS, suggesting health professionals need to monitor and evaluate DM and implement strategies targeting the improvement of daily meal quality of middle and older aged women.

Menopausia y etnias/razas: ¿hay diferencias enl a presentación de los síntomas?: [revisión] / Menopause and ethnicity/race: are there differences in clinical presentation?: [review]

Introducción: la mayoría de los estudios sobre la sintomatología de la menopausia se han realizado entre mujeres caucásicas de la cultura occidental, lo que lleva a la inquietud de si sus hallazgos son aplicables a mujeres de otros grupos étnicos/raciales. Hay un creciente interés en estudiar el papel de la etnia/raza en los síntomas de la menopausia. Objetivo: revisar la literatura, identificando estudios que comparen los síntomas menopáusicos en diferentes etnias/razas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda electrónica en PubMed, Cochrane y SciELO con las palabras clave "menopause", "ethnicity" y "race". Se incluyeron estudios que compararan la presentación de síntomas climatéricos en diferentes etnias. Debido a la dificultad para la comparación de los resultados, no se incluyeron estudios realizados en una sola población étnica. Resultados: se identificaron 55 estudios, de los cuales 19 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La prevalencia de los síntomas menopáusicos difirió entre los grupos étnicos y se observaron contrastes en la percepción y la experiencia de la menopausia entre las culturas. Conclusión: los resultados de estos estudios no apoyan un único síndrome menopáusico. El entendimiento de las diferencias entre los grupos étnicos puede mejorar la calidad de la atención en salud que se le brinda a la mujer y promover estilos de vida que contribuyan a disminuir su incidencia y severidad y mejorar la calidad de vida de la mujer.

Introduction: most studies about the symptomatology of menopause have been done on Caucasian females living in western culture, leading to worry about whether their findings are really applicable to females from other ethnic/ racial groups. There is growing interest in studying the role of ethnic groups/race in the symptoms of menopause. Objective: reviewing the literature identifying studies comparing menopausal symptoms in different ethnic groups/races. Materials and methods: PubMed, Cochrane and SciELO databases were searched using the key words "menopause", "ethnicity", "race". Studies were included which compared the presentation of climacteric symptoms in different ethnic groups; studies carried out on a single ethnic population were not included due to the subsequent difficulty in comparing results. Results: 55 studies were identified, of which 19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of menopausal symptoms differed between ethnic groups and differences were observed concerning the perception and experience of menopause amongst cultures. Conclusion: the results of these studies did not support a single menopausal syndrome. Understanding the differences between ethnic groups could improve the quality of healthcare attention being provided for females and promote lifestyles contributing towards reducing the symptoms' incidence and severity, thereby improving females' quality of life.

Eficácia e tolerabilidade da associação transdérmica matricial de estradiol e noretisterona em regime combinado contínuo na pós-menopausa / Continuous combined transdermal matrix patch delivering estradiol-norethisterone acetate in post menopause: efficacy and tolerability

Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia e tolerabilidade da associação transdérmica de estradiol e noretisterona, em regime combinado contínuo, em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Casuística e Métodos: Foram estudadas 40 pacientes, com média etária de 56,7 anos em estudo prospectivo, aberto e não comparativo. As pacientes receberam a associação de estradiol e noretisterona em regime combinado contínuo pelo período de seis meses, seguidos de extensão por período de mais um ano. Avaliaram-se os sintomas menopausais por meio do índice de Kupperman, além de parâmetros clínicos e ultra-sonográficos (peso, pressão arterial, espessura endometrial) e aspectos relacionados aos eventos adversos e às manifestações cutâneas, através de exame dermatológico. Resultados: Houve melhora global dos sintomas menopausais avaliados pelo índice de Kupperman. A análise detalhada dos sintomas moderados e graves demonstrou melhora significativa dos fogachos, sudorese, parestesia, fadiga, irritabilidade e psicolabilidade, com início ao terceiro mês de tratamento, mantendo-se até o final do período de avaliação. Eritema e prurido no local da aplicação do adesivo foram os eventos cutâneos mais comuns, ocorrendo em 12,1% e 3,0% das pacientes, respectivamente. Discreta taxa de eventos adversos foi observada. Conclusão: A TH transdérmica, contendo estradiol e noretisterona de uso contínuo, mostrou-se efetiva no alívio sintomático em mulheres climatéricas, associando-se a uma discreta taxa de eventos adversos e boa tolerabilidade.

Black Cohosh and St. John's Wort (GYNO-Plus(R)) for Climacteric Symptoms

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in women with climacteric symptoms, and to assess their effects on vaginal atrophy, hormone levels, and lipid profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, 89 peri- or postmenopausal women experiencing climacteric symptoms were treated with St. John's wort and black cohosh extract (Gynoplus

The Analysis of the Dietary Factors Related to Climacteric Symptoms in Middle-aged Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary intakes in middle-aged women (pre and postmenopausal) and relation to climacteric symptoms. We conducted the anthropometric measurements, climacteric symptoms survey, and dietary intake to assess the nutrient intakes. Also, dietary quality indices were evaluated. The subjects, over 40 years old, were 168 middle aged women ( pre = 74, postmenopausal = 94), mean age was 48.9 +/- 3.6yr. The anthropometric measurements showed that 59% of subjects were overweight and obese. Climacteric symptoms that were answered "yes" in 50% plus in the subjects, were dry eyes, forgetfulness, difficult concentration, large joint pain (shoulder), fatique, backache, dry skin, joint pain (ankle and knee), dry mouth, dizziness, depression and lonesomeness, snore, morning stiffness, and hot flash. Some symptoms showed significant difference between pre and postmenopausal groups. The average energy intake was 1602.1 Kcal, which was 82% of the Korean EER. The subjects had lower vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, Fe, Zn and Ca intake than Korean RI. The lowest nutrient intake was Ca. The mean of food intake was 1294.2 g and MAR of diet quality indices was 0.83. In relation to dietary factors with climacteric symptoms, significant correlations have been found between total protein, animal protein, lipid, cholesterol and niacin intake and "fatique", energy, carbohydrate, thiamin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, Na, K and Fe intake and "dry skin", Ca intake and "difficult concentration". Our results indicate that dietary factors (food and nutrients intake, INQ, NAR, MAR) may effect the prevention and reduction of some climacteric symptoms in middle aged women.

Relation of Mineral Nutrition Status and Climacteric Symptoms in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women

Minerals are extremely important in human metabolism, growth, and tissue repair. The risks of disturbances in mineral nutrition and metabolism are high following menopause. The aim of the study was to investigate the mineal nutrition status in middle-aged women (Pre and Postmenopausal) and the relation to climacteric symptoms. In the present study, we conducted the anthropometric measurement, climacteric symptoms survey and the dietary intakes including macronutrients, vitamins and minerals to assess the nutrient intakes. Also plasma mineral levels (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn) was measured. The participants were 105 middle-aged women (pre = 51, Postmenopausal = 54) . The anthropometric measurement showed that 74% of subjects was overweight and obesity. The energy intakes were 83% of Korean EER. The macromineral intake (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) , Ca, P and Mg were 65%, > 116% and > 107% of Korean RI. Na and K intakes were > 243% and 53% of Korean AI. For the trace mineral intake (Fe, Cu, Zn) , Fe, Cu and Zn intakes were 82%, > 146%, and 94% of Korean RI. The serum mineral concentration measurement, in case of Ca, Fe and Zn, > 10% of subjects showed lower level than normal clinical range. The most frequently appeared climacteric symptoms were dry eye, forgetfulness, difficult concentration, shoulder pain, fatique, depression and lonesomeness, backache, snore, dry skin, ankle and knee pain. In relation to mineral nutrition with climacteric symptoms, significant correlations have been founded between Ca intake and difficult concentration, Mg intake and snore, Fe and Zn intake and forgetfulness and dry skin, serum Ca concentration and forgetfulness, serum Na concentration and dry eyes and snore, serum K concentration and shoulder pain. From these results, it has been indicated that some mineral nutrition status may effect the prevention and reduction of climacteric symptoms in pre and postmenopause women.

A Study on the Relationship among Climacteric Symptoms, Knowledge of Menopause and Health Promoting Behavior in Middle-Aged Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to identify the correlations among climacteric symptoms, knowledge of menopause and health promoting behavior in middle-aged women. METHOD: 1,360 women between 40-60 years of age living in Incheon, were asked to complete a questionnaire on their health. The data was collected between October 10th and October 30th, 2002. The data was analyzed using T-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficients with SPSS/pc program. RESULT: The variables significantly affecting climacteric symptoms, knowledge of menopause and health promoting behavior were education, perceived health status and family health problems. The relationship between knowledge of menopause and health promoting behavior was statistically significant with a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of menopause by middle aged women was in positively correlated with health promoting behavior. Therefore, based on this study, we plan to develop a health education program to promote knowledge of menopause and health promoting behavior.

A Study on Climacteric Symptoms, Depression and Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms, and depression, and the quality of life in middle aged women. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 149 women from 40 to 64 years of age. Climacteric symptoms were measured with Neugarton's tool(1965) and depression with Zung's tool. Quality of life was related to self reported climacteric symptoms were education level(F=3.011, p=.035), income measured by Rho's tool(1988). RESULT: The general characteristic variables significantly level(F=2.670, p=.057), income satisfaction (F=3.413, p=.011), perceived subjective health condition(F=28.623, p=.000). The general characteristic variables significantly related to depression were age(t=-2.476, p=.014), education level(F=4.492, p.013), income satisfaction (F=2.845, p.026), perceived subjective health condition(F=8.468, p=.000). The general characteristics variables significantly related to quality of life were income level(F=5.010, p=.000), income satisfaction(F=6.314, p=.000), perceived subjective health condition(F=3.516, p<=.032), menstruation cycles(t=-2.66, p=.023). The relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms and depression had a statistically a positive correlation(r=.357, p=.000). The relationship between depression and quality of life had a statistically with a negative correlation(r=-.397, p=.000). CONCLUSION: These results may contribute to a better understanding of depression and quality of life in middle aged women. Therefore, health programs for prompting climacteric women's health should be a planned based on results of the study.

Relationship between Climacteric Symptoms and Sexual Satisfaction in Middle-aged Women / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the relationship between climacteric symptoms and sexual satisfaction in middle-aged women. METHOD: Self-selection was used to recruit, for the study, 272 middle-aged women between 40 and 59 years of age from 2 metropolitan areas and 2 provinces in Korea. The questionnaire included information on demographic characteristics, climacteric symptoms and sexual satisfaction. RESULT: The results are as follows: 1. The mean/item climacteric symptom score was 1.91 and the mean sexual satisfaction score was 38.19.2. Climacteric symptoms were significantly influenced by age, education, economic status, frequency of abortions and menopausal status. Sexual satisfaction was influenced significantly by age, education, economic status and menopausal status. 3. There was a significant negative correlation between climacteric symptoms and sexual satisfaction (r=-.24, p =.0002). CONCLUSION: Sexuality should be considered when developing nursing strategies for middle-aged women, especially when dealing with climacteric symptoms.

A Study of Correlation between Self Concept and Climacteric Symptoms in Middle-Aged Women / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self concept and the climacteric symptoms in middle-aged women. METHOD: From a convenience sample of 123 women between 40 and 59 years of age living in P-city data were collected using a structured questioanaire. It included a self concept scale and climacteric symptom scale. With spss/pc(+), data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULT: 1. The mean score for self concept was 108.73+/-16.24. 2. The variables that influenced the self concept of middle-aged women most were 'health state' and 'marriage satisfaction'. They were statistically significant at the .01 level. 3. The mean score for climacteric symptoms was 3.13. Of psychophysical, physical and psychological symptoms the scores for psychophysical symptoms were the highest. 4. There were significant negative correlations between self concept and climacteric symptoms (r=-0.333, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that positive self concept can reduce climacteric symptoms in middle-aged women.

Depression in Post Menopausal Women / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional survey research was undertaken to examine the degree of depression in postmenopausal women and to analyze the factors affecting that depression. METHOD: 325 people from public health center in Inchon were surveyed as the subject of this study. Data collection was conducted through the use of questionnaires. RESULTS: The above half of these sampled people were in depressed state (64.0%) and the mean score of depression was 12.71. There were significant differences in the depression state according to presence of spouse, economic level, exercise, and smoking. A positive correlation was found between depression and climacteric symptoms. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the most powerful predictor was climacteric symptom. Climacteric symptom, presence of spouse, smoking, and exercise accounted for 45% of the variance in postmenopausal women's depression. CONCLUSION: Nurses are able to use these results to plan and implement nursing interventions for decreasing depression and consequent the improved quality of life in Korean postmenopausal women. Also, the nurses have to be more aware of the following groups; solitary women, low-income group and smokers, that they have higher mean score of depression.

Evaluation of the Effect of Kampo(herbal) Medicine to Diminish Climacteric Symptoms Induced by the GnRH Agonist / 日本東洋医学雑誌

In the hormonal treatment of uterine myomas, which are estrogen dependent, GnRH agonist (GnRHa) therapy has become widespread. However, GnRHa therapy causes uncomfortable or harmful side effects such as climacteric symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Kampo (herbal) medicine to diminish climacteric symptoms induced by the GnRHa. Twenty-six patients with symptomatic uterine myoma were recruited, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Leuprolide acetate depot 3.75mg (LA) as GnRHa was given with subcutaneous injection every four weeks for six months. After LA therapy was initiated, Toki-shakuyaku-san, Kami-shoyo-san, or Keishi-bukuryo-gan was given from the second month of treatment. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated with Simplified Menopausal Index, which was improved for Japanese women. In the present study, we found all three Kampo medicines were useful. In particular, Kami-shoyo-san was useful for climacteric symptoms induced by LA. Also, LA therapy combined with Keishi-bukuryo-gan had beneficial effects in uterine myomas. However, the precise mechanism by which results were achieved remains unclear. Therefore, further research may be necessary to evaluate the ability of Kampo medicines to diminish climacteric symptoms induced by GnRHa.

Self-reported Climacteric Symptoms, Self concept and Depression in Middle-Aged Women / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify the relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms, self concept and depression in middle aged women. METHOD: Data were collected through self- reported questionaires which were constructed to include a climacteric symptoms, self-concept and depression of middle-aged women scale. The subjects for this study were 102 women between 40-59 years of age living in P city. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Coefficient. RESULTS: The results obtained from this study were as follows: 1)The relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms and self concept was statistically significant with a negative correlation (r=-0.4862, P0.001). The relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms and depression had a statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.5393, P<0.001). The Relationship between self- concept and depression had a statistically significant negative correlation (r=-0.3769, P<0.001). 2) General characteristic variables significantly related to self reported climacteric symptoms were age (F=3.13, P<0.05) and frequency of pregnancy (F=3.24, P<0.05). General characteristic variables significantly related to frequency of self-concept were age (F=3.13, P<0.05), education level (F=2.97, P<0.05) and occupation (t=1.84, P<0.05). General characteristic variables significantly related to depression were age (F=3.12, P<0.05) and number of children (t=3.59, P<0.05). 3)The obstetrical characteristic variable significantly related to self-reported climacteric symptoms was the frequency of pregnancy (t=3.24, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows possible implications for nursing intervention for middle-aged women's health to prevent and relieve climacteric symptoms.

A Study on Climacteric Symptoms, Knowledge of Menopause, Menopausal Management in Middle-Aged Women / 여성건강간호학회지

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms, knowledge of menopause, menopausal management, in middle-aged women. The subjects of this study were 209 women from 40 to 64 years of age. The data was analyzed using SPSS program for t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The results of the study were as follows : 1. The characteristic variables significantly related to self reported climacteric symptoms were education(F=6.371, p<0.001), income (F=4.481, p<0.05), mensturation state(t= -2.004, p<0.05), mensturation cycle(t=-2.039, p<0.05), hormone therapy(t=2.107, p<0.05), health condition(F=21.111, p<0.001).2. The characteristic variables significantly related to knowledge of menopause were education(F=6.580, p<0.001), health condition (F=3.487, p<0.05).3. The characteristic variable significantly related to menopausal management was income(F=3.080, p<0.05). 4. The relationship between self reported climacteric symptoms and menopausal management was statistically significant with a negative correlation(r=-0.323, p<0.05).In conclusion, climacteric symptoms - based complaints by middle-aged women was negatively correlated to menopausal management. Therefore, health promotions designed to increase climacteric women's health should be a planned program based on results of the study.

A Comparative Study on Climacteric Symptoms of Natural Menopausal Women and Artificial Menopausal Women / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: To extend the understanding on climacteric symptoms, and to improve women's health and the quality of life by providing the basic data relating to the climacteric symptoms of natural menopausal women and artificial menopausal women. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 149 women selected conviniently (89 natural menopausal women and 60 total hystrectomy women) who have visited the climacteric clinic of G. hospital in Inchon, the MENSI questionnaire which was developed by Sarrel (1995)was modified considering Korean culture for the measuring tool of this study with 20 items of question(Cronbach'salpa =.76), duration of data collection with the questionnaire was 5 months from Sept. 1, 2000 to Jan. 30, 2001. Result: Artificial meanopausal women showed statistically significant higher menopausal symptoms than the natural menopausal women in the most of the items, and psychiatric and urogenital symtoms of artificial menopausal women were significantly higher than those of the natural menopausal women. CONCLUSION: Nursing intervention for psychological support upon artificial menopausal women and their spouses is recommended more than natural menpause women.

A Study on Health-Promoting Behavior of Mid-Life Women / 기본간호학회지

This study was undertaken to identify the health-promoting behavior and to explore the relationship between health-promoting behavior, self-efficacy, self-esteem and climacteric symptoms among the middle-aged women. The subjects for this study were 101 women and data were obtained using a self-reported questionnaires. The Questionnaire was composed of a health promotion life styles profile, self-efficacy scale, self-esteem scale, and, climacteric symptoms check-list. Data was analyzed by the SAS program using ANOVA, Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression. The results are summarized as follows : 1. The scores on the health-promoting behavior scale ranged from 46 to 114 with a mean score of 77.95(SD=12.99). 2. The scores on the health-promoting behavior of housewives were significantly higher than working women. 3. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that : 1) self-esteem was the main predictor and accounted for 21.75% of the total variance in health-promoting behavior. 2) Self-esteem, climacteric symptoms and health-promoting were contributors to quality of life. 4. In the relationship between variables, self-esteem was positively correlated with health-promoting behavior and negatively with climacteric symptoms. In conclusion, self-esteem, age and occupation were important variables in health-promoting behavior. The results of this study can be used for the management of health in middle aged women to increase their quality of life of them.