Relation of Demographic and Lifestyle Factors to Symptoms in a Multi-Racial/Ethnic Population of Women 40-55 Years of Age

Abstract

A community-based survey was conducted during 1995-1997 of factors related to menopausal and other symptoms in a multi-racial/ethnic sample of 16,065 women aged 40-55 years. Each of seven sites comprising the Study of Women's Health across the Nation (SWAN) surveyed one of four minority populations and a Caucasian population. The largest adjusted prevalence odds ratios for all symptoms, particularly hot flashes or night sweats (odds ratios = 2.06-4.32), were for women who were peri- or postmenopausal. Most symptoms were reported least frequently by Japanese and Chinese (odds ratios = 0.47-0.67 compared with Caucasian) women. African-American women reported vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness more (odds ratios = 1.17-1.63) but urine leakage and difficulty sleeping less (odds ratios = 0.64-0.72) than Caucasians. Hispanic women reported urine leakage, vaginal dryness, heart pounding, and forgetfulness more (odds ratios = 1.22-1.85). Hot flashes or night sweats, urine leakage, and stiffness or soreness were associated with a high body mass index (odds ratios = 1.15-2.18 for women with a body mass index > or =27 vs. 19-26.9 kg/m2). Most symptoms were reported most frequently among women who had difficulty paying for basics (odds ratios = 1.15-2.05), who smoked (odds ratios = 1.21-1.78), and who rated themselves less physically active than other women their age (odds ratios = 1.24-2.33). These results suggest that lifestyle, menstrual status, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect symptoms in this age group.

To exercise, or, not to exercise, during menopause and beyond

“…In an 8 year follow up study of 1,165 Finnish women, those whose weight remained stable improved their quality of life compared to women who had gained weight [63]. Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are more prevalent in women with higher body mass index [95], and in an intensive behavioural weight loss intervention study, which included physical activity, in obese women, resulted in improvement in hot flashes [73].…”

Symptoms, attitudes and treatment choices surrounding menopause among the Q’eqchi Maya of Livingston, Guatemala

“…Yet limited cross-cultural research on menopause suggests that attitudes and incidences of symptoms vary considerably depending on environment, health status and cultural paradigms around women's health (Avis, Stellato, Crawford, Bromberger, Ganz, Cain et al, 2001;Gold, Sternfeld, Kelsey, Brown, Mouton, Reame, et al, 2000;Sommer, Avis, Meyer, Ory, Madden, Kagawa-Singer et al, 1999). Data on menopause in Latin America come primarily from Mexico, and many studies suggest that Mexican women have more positive attitudes and less symptomatology as compared with those in the U.S. and Europe (Beyene, 1986;Martin, Block, Sanchez, Arnaud, & Beyene, 1993;).…”

Background factors influencing somatic and psychological symptoms in middle-age women with different hormonal status

“…In recent years, demographic characteristics, psychosocial issues (stress, employment conditions, total work burden, number of children, etc) and lifestyle factors are considered as important determinants for women's symptomatology (6,7,8,9) . These components might also exert an influence by modifying women's experience of symptoms.…”