High Physical Activity Level May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explored the relationship between physical activity (PA) and the severity of menopausal symptoms in women, focusing on the effects of PA in different domains: leisure time, household activities, work, and transportation. The study aimed to identify how varying levels of PA during different activities relate to the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms, particularly vasomotor, urogenital, somato-vegetative, and psychological symptoms. The researchers also investigated whether women with higher PA levels reported less severe menopausal symptoms, in comparison to those with lower activity levels.
Who was studied?
The study involved 305 women aged 40-65, recruited from women’s health clinics in Silesia, Poland. The participants were categorized into three groups based on their menopausal status: premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal. The women had no history of serious illness, psychiatric disorders, or hormonal therapy use in the prior 3 months. The study focused on women with varying levels of physical activity, which were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). These women were also assessed for the severity of their menopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).
Most important findings
The study found that physical activity during leisure time was significantly associated with less severe menopausal symptoms, particularly urogenital symptoms. Postmenopausal women with higher levels of PA during leisure time were less likely to report severe urogenital and somato-vegetative symptoms compared to those with lower PA levels. Specifically, 59.66% of postmenopausal women reported high levels of PA, and fewer of these women experienced severe symptoms compared to those with low PA levels. The results also indicated that moderate to high PA levels were linked with less severe menopausal symptoms overall. However, no significant differences were found for symptoms in the psychological domain. Interestingly, women who had low PA levels at work reported more severe somato-vegetative symptoms.
Key implications
The study suggests that engaging in physical activity, particularly during leisure time, is beneficial for reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms. This finding is crucial for menopausal women, especially those who are postmenopausal or experiencing symptoms related to menopause. Clinicians should consider recommending physical activity as part of a holistic approach to managing menopausal symptoms, particularly for those who cannot or prefer not to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Additionally, promoting higher PA levels at work could help mitigate somato-vegetative symptoms such as joint pain and muscle discomfort. The lack of significant findings for psychological symptoms suggests that further research is needed to explore whether specific types or intensities of physical activity might impact mood and mental well-being during menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. But its benefits go beyond just symptom management. HRT can also play a key role in improving vaginal health by alleviating dryness and discomfort, which are common complaints among women in menopause. Additionally, it helps prevent bone loss, significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which are more common after menopause. Despite its many benefits, HRT is not one-size-fits-all; it’s essential to tailor treatment based on individual health profiles, taking into account the risks like breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease that come with prolonged use.