Eficacia y seguridad de una alternativa a la terapia hormonal de la menopausia: extracto purificado de polen / Efficacy and safety of an alternative to menopausal hormone therapy: purified cytoplasm of pollen

Los síntomas vasomotores (SVM) se encuentran entre los síntomas más comunes de la transición a la menopausia. Más del 70% de las mujeres de mediana edad informan SVM en algún momento durante la transición a la menopausia, y para un tercio de las mujeres los SVM son muy frecuentes o graves. Muchas mujeres recurren a terapias naturales para tratar los SVM. Esta revisión se centra en una de esas opciones naturales: el extracto purificado de polen (Serelys®). Se realizó una búsqueda e identificación de artículos publicados hasta octubre de 2022 recopilados de sistemas de búsqueda electrónicos, como Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed y Scopus. Las palabras de búsqueda fueron “Vasomotor symptoms”, “menopause” AND “pollen”. Los estudios preclínicos señalan un mecanismo de acción en su implicación sobre el sistema serotoninérgico, así como su unión a los receptores de dopamina. Los estudios clínicos demuestran la seguridad y el efecto positivo sobre los SVM.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are among the most common symptoms of the menopausal transition. More than 70% of middle-aged women report VMS at some point during the menopausal transition, and for a third of women, VMS is very common or severe. Many women turn to natural therapies to treat VMS. This review focuses on one such natural option, purified pollen extract (Serelys®). The information available until October 2022 was collected via the library and electronic search systems such as Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus. The search words were: “Vasomotor symptoms”, “menopause” AND “pollen”. Preclinical studies point to a mechanism of action in its involvement in the serotonergic system, as well as its binding to dopamine receptors. Clinical studies demonstrate the safety and positive effect on VMS.

Research progress on the correlation between vasomotor symptoms of menopause and cardiovascular disease / 中华老年医学杂志

Vasomotor symptoms(VMS)are among the typical manifestations in perimenopausal and menopausal women, with a high incidence and prolonged duration, and have long been afflicting many menopausal women.Cardiovascular disease has become one of the main causes of death in postmenopausal women.Previous studies suggest that postmenopausal VMS are related to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, but the view is controversial.There have been many studies on the association of VMS in menopausal women with the risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease risk factors and subclinical indicators, and the results suggest that menopausal VMS may predict the occurrence of cardiovascular disease after menopause.

Intensidad del síndrome vasomotor y su relación con la función endotelial en mujeres de edad mediana / Intensity of the vasomotor syndrome and its relation with endothelial function in middle age women

Introducción: El síndrome vasomotor constituye la manifestación clínica más frecuente de la transición menopaúsica y a menudo se asocia con cambios en la función endotelial. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la intensidad del síndrome vasomotor y la función endotelial en mujeres de edad mediana aparentemente sanas. Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal, en 133 mujeres de 40-59 años sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Se excluyeron aquellas mujeres con menopausia quirúrgica, uso previo de terapia hormonal de reemplazo seis meses antes. Se evaluó la función endotelial mediante la prueba de dilatación mediada por el flujo de la arteria braquial, y la intensidad del síndrome vasomotor mediante la escala de Pérez Piñeiro. Las mujeres fueron distribuidas en dos subgrupos: uno con disfunción endotelial y el otro con función endotelial normal. Para identificar la asociación entre variables se utilizó la prueba Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba Chi Cuadrado para evaluar la significación estadística, considerándose significativos los valores de p < 0,05. Resultados: El 63 por ciento de las mujeres presentaron síndrome vasomotor, 29 de intensidad leve, 31 moderado y muy molesto 33 mujeres. Del total de mujeres, 51 tuvieron disfunción endotelial, para un 38,3 por ciento, mostrando un promedio de dilatación dependiente del endotelio de 1,81±1,57 cm. No se encontró asociación significativa entre la intensidad del síndrome vasomotor y la función endotelial p = 0,139. Conclusiones: La intensidad del síndrome vasomotor no se relacionó con la disfunción endotelial en mujeres de edad mediana. Se necesita ampliar la muestra y realizar estudios prospectivos para identificar el daño vascular en ese grupo de mujeres(AU)

Introduction: The vasomotor syndrome is the most frequent clinical manifestation of the menopausal transition and it is often associated with changes in the endothelial function. Objective: Determine the relation among the intensity of the vasomotor syndrome and the endothelial function in apparently healthy middle age women. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in 113 women of 40-59 years without cardiovascular risk factors. There were excluded women with surgical menopause, and use of replacement hormonal therapy six months before. It was assessed the endothelial function through the dilation test and the flow of the brachial artery, and the intensity of the vasomotor syndrome through the scale of Pérez. The women were organized in two groups: one group of women with endothelial dysfunction and the other of women with normal endothelial function. It was used the Kruskal-Wallis test to identify the association among variables and the chi-Square test to assess the statistical significance considering important the values of p < 0.05. Results: 63 percent of the women presented vasomotor syndrome, 29 of them of slight intensity, 31 moderate and 33 women had a very uncomfortable one. Of the total, 51 women presented endothelial dysfunction representing a 38.3 percent and showing an average of dilation dependant of endothelium of 1.81±1.57 cm. There was not found significant association among the intensity of the vasomotor syndrome and the endothelial function p = 0.139. Conclusions: The intensity of the vasomotor syndrome was not related with the endothelial dysfunction in middle age women. It is needed to expand the sample and to implement prospective studies in order to identify the vascular damage in that group of women(AU)

Síndrome vasomotor: puente de unión entre la disfunción endotelial y la esclerosis arterial / Vasomotor syndrome: meeting point between endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis

Resumen Introducción: Los síntomas vasomotores y la disfunción endotelial probablemente resulten del déficit estrogénico postmenopausia; no obstante, la relación de ambos con la progresión de la aterosclerosis es un tema controversial. Objetivo: Identificar en mujeres de edad mediana con disfunción endotelial, la presencia de aterosclerosis subclinica y de cambios cardiometabólicos durante la transición a la menopausia. Método: Estudio observacional de corte transversal, en el que incluyeron 43 mujeres con edad entre 40-59 años, con disfunción endotelial previa y 14 mujeres con función endotelial normal. En cada mujer se identificaron: manifestaciones de rigidez arterial y del grosor de la grasa epicárdica y su relación con variables antropométricas, intensidad de los síntomas vasomotores, etapas del climaterio y niveles de estradiol. Análisis estadístico: Regresión lineal múltiple y regresión logística para identificar asociación entre intensidad de los síntomas vasomotores, parámetros de rigidez arterial y cardiometabólicos (p< 0,05) para significación estadística. Resultados: Los parámetros de rigidez arterial (VLPP, CA, AI), de aterosclerosis (GIMc) y el grosor de la grasa epicárdica no mostraron cambios compatibles con daño arterial. A mayor intensidad de los síntomas vasomotores se encontró mayor probabilidad de incremento de la VLPP. Evolutivamente un subgrupo de mujeres desarrolló cambios metabólicos y disfunción endotelial sin asociación con el hipoestrogenismo, la edad ni la etapa del climaterio. Conclusiones: Una mayor intensidad de los síntomas vasomotores podría constituir un marcador que identifique de manera temprana el riesgo de desarrollar aterosclerosis clínica.

Abstract Introduction: Vasomotor symptoms and endothelial dysfunction probably result in a post-menopausal oestrogen deficiency. However, the relationship of both with the progression of atherosclerosis is a controversial subject. Objective: To identify the presence of sub-clinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged women with endothelial dysfunction, as well as cardiometabolic changes during the transition to the menopause. Method: A cross-sectional, observation study was conducted on 43 women between 40 and 59 years of age, with previous endothelial dysfunction, and 14 women with normal endothelial function. The variables recorded in each woman were, signs of arterial stiffening epicardial fat thickness and their relationship with anthropometric variables, intensity of the vasomotor symptoms, stages of menopause, and oestradiol levels. Statistical analysis: Multiple linear regression and logistic regression was performed in order to identify an association between the intensity of the vasomotor symptoms, arterial stiffness, and cardiometabolic parameters. A P< .05 was significantly significant. Results: The arterial stiffness parameters (pulse wave propagation (PWP), Arterial distensibility, augmentation index), and that of atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness, GIMc), and the thickness of the epicardial fat showed no changes compatible with arterial damage. At a higher intensity of vasomotor symptoms, a higher probability of an increase in PWP was found. Evolutionarily, a sub-group of women developed metabolic changes and endothelial dysfunction with no relationship with low oestrogens, age, or the stage of the menopause. Conclusions: A greater intensity of vasomotor symptoms could be a marker for the early identification of the risk for clinical atherosclerosis.

Prospective and retrospective study of weekly intermittent hormone (estrogen and progesterone) replacement therapy in hysterectomised women

Background: Estrogen therapy in younger postmenopausal women is associated with a decisive reduction in morbidity and mortality, but estrogen use in this population is low because of risk of side effects. Weekly intermittent therapy is a more patient friendly approach with reduced pill burden increasing compliance and adherence as well as reducing side effects. Therefore, authors wanted to study the effect of weekly intermittent fixed dose estrogen and progesterone (ultra-low dose) supplements in hysterectomised surgically menopaused women.Methods: The present study was prospective and retrospective study. For retrospective study authors records of 100 hysterectomised women up to 45years of age with severe post-menopausal symptoms treated in authors Medicine Department of Hospital with once weekly MALA-D tablets were studied. For prospective study, all consecutive hysterectomised patients with severe post-menopausal symptoms attending medicine OPD were given once weekly MALA-D which contains ethinylestradiol 0.03mg and levonorgestrel 0.15mg tablets and followed up monthly with outcomes measured by Modified Kuppermann Index, visual analogue scale, and women’s health questionnaires.Results: Present retrospective study showed moderate degree of postmenopausal symptoms as indicated by Modified Kuppermann index of 19.57. Prospective study showed significant improvement in postmenopausal symptoms with weekly intermittent hormone replacement therapy as indicated by outcomes measured by Modified Kupperman index and Visual analogue scale. Women’s health questionnaire also showed statistically significant improvement in 6 out of 8 dimensions.Conclusions: Authors concluded that weekly estrogen progesterone hormone replacement therapy with mala-D tablet (ultra-low dose therapy) was 100% effective in relieving vasomotor symptoms and it is very effective in improving psychosomatic symptoms, urinary symptoms and quality of life with no obvious side effects and greater adherence.

Relación entre síndrome vasomotor y obesidad en pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana / Vasomotor syndrome and the relationship with obesity in patients with early spontaneous postmenopause

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación entre síntomas vasomotores y obesidad en pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana de una clínica de climaterio. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, prospectivo y observacional efectuado en pacientes posmenopáusicas atendidas en la Clínica de Climaterio del Hospital Juárez de México, entre junio y agosto de 2018. Se calculó una muestra de 140 pacientes, con base en la fórmula estadística para población infinita: n = Z2(PQ)/d2 con una precisión de 10% calculado y prevalencia de 33%. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana (etapa +1a, +1b y +1c del STRAW+10) que acudieron a consulta por síntomas vasomotores. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 24. RESULTADOS: Se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.05) entre síntomas vasomotores y obesidad en pacientes con posmenopausia espontánea temprana. Del total de pacientes, 45.7% manifestó síntomas leves, 30% moderados y 24.3% severos. En el grupo de estudio, 16 de 70 reportaron síntomas leves, 30 de 70 moderados y 24 de 70 severos versus el grupo control con 48, 12 y 10 de 70 pacientes, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Las pacientes posmenopáusicas con IMC alto (obesidad) tienen mayor posibilidad de sufrir síntomas vasomotores moderados-severos. Puesto que la obesidad es un factor de riesgo relacionado con síntomas vasomotores, se sugiere el control adecuado o disminución del del peso.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between obesity and vasomotor symptoms in patients with spontaneous early postmenopause of a climacteric clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective and observational study was carried out in postmenopausal patients treated at the Climacteric Clinic of Hospital Juárez de México, between June and August of 2018. We calculated a sample of 140 patients, based on the same infinite population: n = Z2 (PQ) / d2 with a precision of 10% and prevalence of 33%. Inclusion criteria: patients with early spontaneous postmenopause (stage + 1a, + 1b and + 1c of STRAW + 10) who attended a consultation due to vasomotor symptoms. The statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS program, version 24. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship (p <0.05) was found between vasomotor symptoms and obesity in patients with early spontaneous postmenopause. Of the total of patients, 45.7% presented symptoms, 30% moderate and 24.3% severe. In the study group, 16 of 70 reported symptoms, 30 of 70 moderate and 24 of 70 severe versus the control group with 48, 12 and 10 of 70 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal patients with high BMI (obesity) are more likely to suffer moderate-severe vasomotor symptoms. It is a risk factor related to vasomotor symptoms.

Estrategias no farmacológicas para el manejo de los síntomas vasomotores en la menopausia

Los síntomas vasomotores afectan a gran número de mujeres en la peri y posmenopausia, impactando notablemente en la calidad de vida; por otro lado, su duración en el tiempo es incierta y muchas veces prolongada. Si bien la terapia hormonal de la menopausia (THM) constituye el tratamiento más efectivo para los síntomas climatéricos en su conjunto, en algunos casos existen contraindicaciones para su uso. Por lo tanto, ofrecer estrategias de tratamiento en las mujeres con contraindicación al tratamiento hormonal resulta mandatorio. Contamos con una amplia gama de opciones no hormonales, tanto farmacológicas como no farmacológicas. Dentro de estas últimas se incluyen las terapias alternativas o naturales (isoflavonas y cimicifuga racemosa), las modificaciones sobre el estilo de vida y las terapias complementarias. Las terapias alternativas presentaron resultados controvertidos en cuanto a la efectividad sobre los síntomas climatéricos y, por otro lado, debido a que su mecanismo de acción involucra a los receptores estrogénicos, están contraindicadas en las pacientes con antecedentes personales de cánceres hormonodependientes. Las modificaciones del estilo de vida impactan positivamente la salud general de la mujer, más allá de los síntomas climatéricos. En cuanto a las terapias complementarias, las únicas recomendadas son la terapia cognitiva conductual y la hipnosis. Se debe individualizar en cada caso la mejor opción terapéutica, teniendo en cuenta los antecedentes, interacciones medicamentosas, estado cognitivo, entre otros, ya que el objetivo final es mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestras pacientes.

Vasomotor symptoms affect a large number of women in the peri and post menopause with significant impact on quality of life; the duration of these symptoms is uncertain and often prolonged. Although menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for climacteric symptoms, there are some contraindications for its use. Therefore, it is mandatory to offer other treatment strategies for women with contraindication to hormonal treatment. We have a wide range of non-hormonal options available, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Among the latter, we include alternative or natural therapies (isoflavones and cimicifuga racemosa), lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Alternative therapies show controversial results regarding effectiveness on climacteric symptoms, and their mechanism of action involves estrogen receptors; they are contraindicated in patients with a personal history of hormone-dependent cancers. Lifestyle modifications have a positive impact on women's general health, beyond the climacteric symptoms. The only complementary therapies recommended are cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis. In each case, the best therapeutic option should be individualized, taking into account the patient's clinical history, drug interactions and cognitive status, since the ultimate goal is to improve quality of life.

Tratamiento de los síntomas vasomotores en pacientes con cáncer demama: Revisión narrativa

Las mujeres con antecedentes de cáncer de mama suelen experimentar síntomas vasomotores más severos y frecuentes que la población general. Numerosos trabajos han demostrado que los síntomas vasomotores (SVM) son los efectos adversos más frecuentes de la terapia adyuvante, y que hasta 20% de las pacientes con cáncer de mama considera discontinuar el tratamiento debido a estos síntomas, a pesar de su beneficio en la reducción de la recurrencia. Mientras que la terapia sustitutiva hormonal (THM) es usada regularmente en mujeres sanas para tratamiento de los SVM, está contraindicada en pacientes con antecedente de cáncer de mama. Existen muy pocos datos clínicos sobre las intervenciones no farmacológicas, y el papel de las terapias alternativas y complementarias sigue siendo controvertido. La revisión de la literatura da cuenta de que estos agentes farmacológicos, los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina-norepinefrina (IRNSs), los inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (IRSs), los antihipertensivos y los anticonvulsivos, disminuyen la intensidad y frecuencia de los SVM, demostrando una mejoría clínicamente significativa. Sin embargo, algunos IRSSs e IRSNs son potentes inhibidores del citocromo P450 2D6 (CYP 2D6), lo que impacta en la concentración de endoxifeno, debiendo ser evitados en pacientes tratadas con tamoxifeno. Son una opción el citalopram y la venlafaxina, si bien su consecuencia sobre la recurrencia y supervivencia del cáncer de mama es controvertida. La eficacia en el tratamiento de los SVM con antidepresivos es menor que con estrógenos y hay pocas publicaciones comparando ambos tratamientos. Faltan datos sobre el lapso de la indicación. Dos fármacos antiepilépticos también han demostrado efectividad, la gabapentina y la pregabalina. Algunas investigaciones comparativas están en curso, y habrá que esperar sus resultados para individualizar cuál es el óptimo en el manejo de los síntomas menopáusicos en mujeres que han padecido cáncer de mama.

Women with a history of breast cancer tend to have more severe and frequent vasomotor symptoms than the general population. Numerous studies have shown that vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are the most frequent adverse event of adjuvant therapy, and that up to 20% of breast cancer patients consider discontinuing treatment because of these symptoms, despite their benefit in the reduction of recurrence. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is regularly used in healthy women to treat VMS, it is contraindicated in patients with history of breast cancer. There are few clinical data on non-pharmacological interventions, and the role of alternative and complementary therapies remains controversial. The review of the literature reveals that these pharmacological agents, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (IRSs), antihypertensives and anticonvulsants, decrease the intensity and frequency of VMS, demonstrating a clinically significant improvement. However, some IRSSs and SSRIs are potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP 2D6), which impacts on the concentration of endoxifen and should be avoided in patients treated with tamoxifen. In this case, citalopram and venlafaxine are a better therapeutic option, although there is some controversy regarding its consequences on recurrence and survival of breast cancer. The efficacy in the treatment of VMS with antidepressants is lower than that achieved with estrogens and there are few publications comparing both treatments. Neither is clear the optimal treatment duration. Two antiepileptic drugs have also shown to be effective, gabapentin and pregabalin. Some comparative studies are in progress and it is probably necessary to wait for their results to identify the optimal option in the management of menopausal symptoms in women who have had breast cancer.

Brazilian Women's Health after 65 Years of Age / Saúde de brasileiras acima dos 65 anos de idade

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the health aspects of Brazilian women older than 65 years of age. Design This was a retrospective study that included 1,001 Brazilian women cared for in the gynecological geriatric outpatient office of our institution. We report a crosssectional analysis of female adults aged over 65 years, including data on demographics, clinical symptoms such as vasomotor symptoms, associated morbidities, physical examination and sexual intercourse. We used the chi-squared test to assess the data. Results The age of the patients on their first clinic visit ranged from65 to 98 years, with a mean age of 68.56 ± 4.47 years; their mean age at the time of natural menopause was 48.76 ± 5.07 years. The most frequent clinical symptoms reported during the analyzed period were hot flashes (n = 188), followed by arthropathy, asthenia, and dry vagina. The most frequent associated morbidities after 65 years of age were systemic arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disturbance, diabetes mellitus, and depression, among others. The assessment of the bodymass index (BMI) found decreases inBMIwith increased age. At the time of the visit, 78 patients reported sexual intercourse. The majority of women reporting sexual intercourse (89.75%, n = 70) were between 65 and 69 years of age, 8.97% (n = 7) were between 70 and 74 years of age, and only 1.28% (n = 1) of those were aged older than 75 years. Conclusions Our findings suggested that vasomotor symptoms can persist after 65 years of age. There was a significant decrease in sexual intercourse with increased age. The cardiovascular disturbances in our study are health concerns in these women.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os aspectos de saúde das mulheres brasileiras após os 65 anos de idade. Métodos O estudo foi retrospectivo, e incluiu 1.001mulheres brasileiras atendidas no ambulatório de ginecologia geriátrica de nossa instituição. Foi feita uma análise transversal de mulheres com idade acima de 65 anos, incluindo dados demográficos, sintomas clínicos (sintomas vasomotores), morbidades associadas, bem como alterações no exame físico e queixas em relação à atividade sexual. Utilizamos o teste qui-quadrado para avaliar os dados. Resultados A idade das pacientes na primeira visita clínica variou de 65 a 98 anos, com média etária de 68,56 ± 4,47 anos. A média etária de entrada na menopausa foi de 48,76 ± 5,07 anos. Os sintomas clínicos mais frequentes relatados durante o período analisado foram os sintomas vasomotores (n = 188), seguidos de artropatia, astenia e vagina seca. Asmorbidades associadasmais frequentes após os65anos foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, distúrbios gastrintestinais, diabete melito e depressão, entre outras. A avaliação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) mostrou redução deste parâmetro antropométrico com o progredir da idade. No momento da visita, 78 pacientes relataram ter relações sexuais. A maioria das mulheres que relatou ter relações sexuais (89,75%, n = 70) estava entre 65 e 69 anos, 8,97% (n = 7) tinham entre 70 e 74 anos, e apenas 1,28% (n = 1) eram mais velhas do que 75 anos de idade. Conclusões Nossos achados sugerem que os sintomas vasomotores podem persistir após os 65 anos. Houve uma diminuição significativa na relação sexual com o aumento da idade. Os distúrbios cardiovasculares em nosso estudo são preocupações de saúde nestas mulheres.

Update on the diagnosis and treatment of menopause syndrome / 中国基层医药

With the advance of medicine and the extension of life expectancy,the proportion of elderly people is increasing around the world,so is the postmenopausal women in the world~ population.More and more women will be bothered by various perimenopausal problems.Vasomotor symptoms(VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause(GSM) are recognized as the most frequent symptoms associated with menopause.Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective intervention for management of these symptoms.However,the role of MHT in the prevention of cardiovascular disease,skeleton,urogenital systems remains controversial.New drugs such as selective estrogen receptor modulators are equivalent to MHT on the relief of VMS.In addition,it can also prevent bone loss,becoming a new research highlights.Nonhormonal management is an important consideration when hormone therapy is not an option because of medical contraindications or a woman's personal choice,like lifestyle changes,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors,vaginal laser and etc.

Vasomotor symptoms and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin-resistance in Korean postmenopausal women

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and insulin resistance, which can be postulated by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index. This study involved 1,547 Korean postmenopausal women (age, 45 to 65 years) attending a routine health check-up at a single institution in Korea from January 2010 to December 2012. A menopause rating scale questionnaire was used to assess the severity of VMS. The mean age of participants was 55.22+/-4.8 years and 885 (57.2%) reported VMS in some degree. The mean HOMA index was 1.79+/-0.96, and the HOMA index increased with an increase in severity of VMS (none, mild, moderate and severe) in logistic regression analysis (beta=0.068, t=2.665, P =0.008). Insulin resistance needs to be considered to understand the linkage between VMS and cardiometabolic disorders.

Associations between Vasomotor Symptoms and Depression, Stress and Quality of Life in Midlife Women / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between vasomotor symptoms and factors such as sociodemographics, health behaviors, medical condition, depression, stress, anxiety, attitude toward menopause, and quality of life. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in peri- and post-menopausal women enrolled by the Korean Association of Health Promotion. Subjects submitted self-report questionnaires about vasomotor symptoms and other clinical symptoms. Associations between vasomotor symptoms and clinical variables were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: 1951 women completed self-report questionnaires and 1022 women were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of vasomotor symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women was 63.9%. Variables showing significant differences between subjects with vasomotor symptoms and subjects without them were score of Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean Version, proportions of clinically significant depression(Beck Depression Inventory≥16), Menopausal rating scale, attitude towards menopause, the 4 subscales of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF(Physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment), and a History of Premenstrual syndrome/Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean Version, Menopausal Rating Scale, and the Psychological subscale of World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF show associations with vasomotor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Menopausal vasomotor symptoms are associated with various psychological factors, especially with depression. Midlife women suffering vasomotor symptoms should therefore be screened for depression. Future prospective studies where clinical subjects are diagnosed using structured interviews, focusing on the causal relationship between depression and vasomotor symptoms are necessary.

Differential Association of History of Premenstrual Syndrome/ Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder with Vasomotor Symptoms According to Menopausal Stage / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: Within the normal reproductive cycles of women, dramatic fluctuations of sexual hormones occur in the premenstrual and menopausal periods. In both periods, women are vulnerable to mood disturbances and show several somatic complaints. Based on these common clinical profiles and physiological changes, a relationship between vasomotor symptoms and the premenstrual syndrome has been suggested. However, attempts to establish such a link have yielded inconclusive results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between histories of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal vasomotor symptoms within different menopausal stages. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited Korean women aged 45-64 years who were perimenopausal and postmenopausal from 16 branch offices of the Korean Association of Health Promotion. All subjects completed self-report questionnaires that asked about a history of premenstrual syndromes, vasomotor symptoms, and several other variables. RESULTS: A total of 1054 participants(361 perimenopausal women and 693 postmenopausal women) completed the study. Severity of premenstrual symptoms significantly correlated with postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, only in late perimenopausal(r=0.213, p=0.010) and early postmenopausal women(r=0.246, p<0.001). After adjusting for several factors related to vasomotor symptoms, a history of premenstrual syndrome was a significant predictor of moderate to very severe vasomotor symptoms in late perimenopausal(OR=5.197, p=0.005) and early postmenopausal women(OR=3.017, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a history of premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder is differentially associated with vasomotor symptoms in the menopausal stage. Prospective studies with larger population are needed to confirm these findings.

Alternativas para o tratamento não hormonal de mulheres no climatério / Alternatives to non-hormonal treatment of climacteric women

Objetivo: Analisar as opções de tratamento não hormonal da mulher climatérica. Material e método: Estudo e análise dos trabalhos e capítulos de livro que mostrem avaliação adequada das opções de tratamento não hormonal das mulheres climatéricas, considerando as indicações, benefícios e tolerabilidade com os diferentes tratamentos. Resultados e conclusões: A revisão apresentou evidências de que medidas gerais (dieta, atividade física e ocupacional) são recomendáveis para todas as mulheres climatéricas. Para alívio dos sintomas vasomotores, o tratamento com mais índices de sucesso é realizado com antidepressivos, outras opções como cinarizina ou hipotensores podem beneficiar secundariamente as mulheres que devam utilizá-los por indicações clínicas. A fitoterapia, acupuntura e homeopatia ainda não apresentam evidências conclusivas...

Efficacy of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release for the Treatment of Perimenopausal Depressive Women with Vasomotor Symptoms: Open-Label Observation Study / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE: During the transition to menopause, various symptoms including vasomotor symptoms and depressed mood lead to low quality of life. We investigated the effect of low-dose venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release on depressed mood and vasomotor symptoms of perimenopausal women. METHODS: 33 perimenopausal women fulfilling Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria for a depressive episode were enrolled between January 2014 and May 2014. Subjects were prescribed 37.5 mg/day or 75 mg/day venlafaxine hydrochloride according to clinician's judgement, and the dosages were maintained for 8 weeks. Depressed mood and other psychological difficulties were evaluated by using Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), Clinical Global Impression-Severity. Climacteric symptoms including vasomotor symptoms were evaluated by using Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS). For statistical analysis, paired t-test was used. RESULTS: Significant decreases in HAMD, HAMA, GCS scores were observed after 2 weeks of treatment and the trends continued until the end of the study. The scores of HAMD significantly decreased, 28 of them reached remission (HAMD < or =7). The scores on vasomotor symptoms of GCS after 8 week treatment significantly decreased compared to baseline (13.1+/-5.0, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that venlafaxine hydrochloride is effective and tolerable treatment option for vasomotor symptoms and depressed mood in perimenopausal women. To validate our results, furthur studies with double-blind, placebo controlled will be needed.

Epidemiologic Survey of Menopausal and Vasomotor Symptoms in Korean Women / 대한폐경학회지

OBJECTIVES: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are one of the most annoying symptoms experienced by postmenopausal women. Generally, 75% of women over 50 years of age experience VMS. This study is an epidemiologic survey of menopausal symptoms and VMS in Korean menopausal women. METHODS: Survey participants were recruited from Korean provinces based on the Korean population study conducted in 2010 and using multi-level stratification by age and geographic location, and random sampling. Healthy perimenopausal and menopausal Korean women aged between 40 to 60 years and who participated in the interview survey were included in the study. The Korean version of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Korean version of Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) was used to investigate the prevalence of menopausal related symptoms and to assess quality of life. RESULTS: Among the 1,500 women, 66% were classified as perimenopause, 28% as menopause, and 7% had undergone hysterectomy. Typically, 41.6% of women in perimenopause reported having experienced VMS in recent six months. About 53.1% of women in early menopause and 36.5% of women in late menopause had experienced VMS in the past six months. Whereas, 30.6% of women with hot flashes, and 27.9% of women with sweating stated that these symptoms were not related to menopause. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VMS in Korean women seems to be less than women of Western countries. Overall subjective experience of menopause was perceived as increasingly positive with age. Awareness of menopausal symptoms appeared lower than expected. Perimenopausal and menopausal women in Korea rarely sought medical care.

Síntomas vasomotores en la mujer climatérica / Vasomotor symptoms in climateric woman

Introducción: los síntomas más precoces y característicos del período climatérico son los síntomas vasomotores, los cuales se producen por la pérdida intermitente del control vasomotor por la falta de retroalimentación negativa del estradiol sobre el hipotálamo. Objetivo: aportar un conocimiento actualizado sobre la fisiopatología de la sintomatología vasomotora presentada en la mujer climatérica. Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada sobre la sintomatología vasomotora relacionada con el síndrome climatérico. Se revisaron textos, revistas y monografías. Resultados: se confeccionaron cuadros resúmenes y esquemas de la fisiopatología de los síntomas, así como una propuesta de algoritmo para el manejo de los síntomas vasomotores en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Conclusiones: las modificaciones perimenopáusicas suelen comenzar durante la quinta década de la vida. En este período, los síntomas más precoces son los sofocos y sudoraciones que afectan al 75 - 85 por ciento de las mujeres

Introduction: the more precocious and characteristic symptoms of climateric period are the vasomotor symptoms, which are produced due to the intermittent loss of vasomotor control by lack of a negative feedback of estradiol on the hypothalamus. Objective: to provide an updated knowledge on the physiopathologic features of vasomotor symptomatology in climateric woman. Methods: authors carried out an updated bibliographic review on above mentioned symptomatology related to climateric syndrome, as well as texts, journals and monographs. Results: summarized pictures and schemes of the physiopathologic features of symptoms, as well as a proposal of algorithm for management of vasomotor symptoms in the Health Primary Care. Conclusions: the perimenopause modifications may to begin during the fifth decade of life. In this period the earlier symptoms include: suffocations and sweatings involving the 75-85 percent of women

Uso de antidepresivos para el tratamiento de los síntomas climatéricos: [revisión] / Using antidepressant drugs for treating menopausal symptoms: [review]

Introducción: los síntomas vasomotores se reportan con frecuencia durante la peri y posmenopausia, y afectan de forma importante la calidad de vida de las mujeres que los sufren. Los estrógenos continúan siendo el tratamiento de elección para estos síntomas, sin embargo, en algunas mujeres este tipo de tratamiento está contraindicado, mientras que otras mujeres simplemente no aceptan usarlo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es hacer una revisión de estudios clínicos que evalúan la eficacia de los antidepresivos en el tratamiento de los síntomas vasomotores. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión en las bases de datos Medline vía PubMed, EBSCO y Ovid. Se incluyeron artículos, publicados entre 2002 y 2011, de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, meta-análisis y revisiones sistemáticas que evaluaron la eficacia de fármacos antidepresivos en el tratamiento de síntomas vasomotores. Resultados: se observa que los antidepresivos ayudan a aliviar los síntomas vasomotores e inciden favorablemente en los síntomas neuropsiquiátricos propios del climaterio, tales como la irritabilidad, las alteraciones del sueño y la labilidad emocional. Los estudios en relación a la fisiopatología de los bochornos soportan la hipótesis de que los antidepresivos pueden ser útiles para su tratamiento. Dentro del grupo de medicamentos antidepresivos existe evidencia para el uso de sertralina, fluoxetina, citalopram y venlafaxina. Conclusión: el uso de antidepresivos puede ser útil en el tratamiento de los síntomas vasomotores relacionados con la menopausia. Debemos considerar aquellos que tengan un perfil farmacológico noradrenérgico y serotoninérgico...

Introduction: vasomotor symptoms are frequently reported during the peri and postmenopausal periods and drastically affect the quality of life of those women who suffer them. Estrogens continue being the treatment of choice for such symptoms; however, this type of treatment is contraindicated in some women, whilst other women simply refuse to use them. The present work was aimed at reviewing clinical studies which have evaluated antidepressant drugs’ effectiveness regarding the treatment of vasomotor symptoms. Materials and methods: Medline / PubMed, EBSCO, and Ovid databases were reviewed. Articles published between 2002 and 2011 were included, as were randomized clinical assays, metaanalyses and systematic reviews which evaluated antidepressant drugs’ effectiveness in treating vasomotor symptoms. Results: it was observed that antidepressants helped to alleviate vasomotor symptoms and had a favorable effect on neuropsychiatric symptoms related to the menopause, such as irritability, alterations in sleeping patterns and emotional ability. Studies regarding hot flushes’ physiopathology supported the hypothesis that antidepressants could be useful for treating them. Evidence regarding the group of antidepressant medicines suggested using sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram and venlafaxine. Conclusion: antidepressant drugs could be useful in treating menopause-related vasomotor symptoms; those having a noradrenergic and serotoninergic pharmacological profile should be considered...

El tratamiento de reemplazo hormonal en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Postmenopausal women and hormones

Objetivos: Analizar la integridad científica, las cualidades educativas, la objetividad y el control de contenido delmanuscrito educativo Women, hormones, and therapy:New observations from the Women’s Health Initiative andNurses’ Health Study. Fuente de datos: Todas las publicaciones científicas pertinentes en idioma inglés fueron reconocidas mediante el uso de Medical Subject Headings(MeSH), que fueron seleccionadas y utilizadas en una búsqueda en Medline (1998 a marzo de 2007), las basesde datos online ACOG (1998 a marzo de 2007)...

Objectives: To analyze scientific integrity, educationalqualities, objectivity, and subject matter control of theeducational manuscript of the «Women, hormones, andtherapy: New observations from the Women’s HealthInitiative and Nurses’ Health Study.¼ Data sources: Allpertinent English-language scientific publications havebeen recognized by using Medical Subject Headings(MeSH), which were selected and used in a search onMedline (1998 - March 2007), ACOG online database(1998 - March 2007), HealthSTAR (1998 - March 2007)...

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors in women aged 40-65 years with 11 years or more of formal education: a population-based household survey

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors in middle-aged women with 11 years or more of formal education. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out using an anonymous, self-response questionnaire. A total of 315 Brazilian-born women, 40-65 years of age with 11 years or more of schooling, participated in the study. The instrument used in the evaluation was based on the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction was calculated from the mean score of sexual responsiveness (pleasure in sexual activities, excitation and orgasm), frequency of sexual activities and libido. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were evaluated. Poisson multiple regression analysis was carried out and the prevalence ratios with respective 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percentCI) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 35.9 percent among our study population. Multiple regression analysis showed that sexual dysfunction was positively associated with older age (prevalence ratios=1.04; 95 percentCI:1.01-1.07) and with the presence of hot flashes (prevalence ratios=1.37; 95 percentCI:1.04-1.80). Having a sexual partner (PR=0.47; 95 percentCI:0.34-0.65) and feeling well or excellent (prevalence ratios= 0.68; 95 percentCI: 0.52-0.88) were factors associated with lower sexual dysfunction scores. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction was present in more than one-third of women that were 40-65 years of age with 11 years or more of formal education. Within that age group, older age and hot flashes were associated with higher sexual dysfunction scores, whereas feeling well and having a sexual partner were associated with better sexuality.