ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity are associated with the severity of postmenopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). METHODS: This study included 108 postmenopausal women admitted to menopause clinics. Participants were divided into two groups according to their MRS scores. Groups 1 (n = 52) and 2 (n = 56) were composed of healthy postmenopausal women with MRS scores of <14 and ≥14 points, respectively. The clinical findings and hemorheological parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Comparing plasma viscosity levels between the two groups showed that group 1 had 1.25 ± 0.08 centipoise, whereas group 2 had 1.30 ± 0.10 centipoise ( P = 0.03). The difference in plasma viscosity between the two groups persisted after adjustment for age (1.24 ± 0.08 vs 1.31 ± 0.10; P < 0.001). Plasma viscosity was also significantly correlated with age ( r = 0.384, P < 0.001), menopausal duration ( r = 0.362, P < 0.001), and urogenital symptoms ( r = 410, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased plasma viscosity levels were significantly associated with selected postmenopausal symptoms, independent of age.
