Prevalence of Psychosomatic and Genitourinary Syndrome Among Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

IntroductionThe menopausal transition represents the passage from reproductive to non-reproductive life and is characterized by a number of menstrual disturbances. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the prevalence of psychosomatic and genitourinary syndrome among menopausal women and compared the risk of symptoms between premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausal women.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect through March 2021. Case series/reports, conference papers and proceedings, articles available only in abstract form, editorial reviews, letters of communication, commentaries, systematic reviews, and qualitative studies were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted and assessed the quality of data using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis. The outcomes were assessed with random-effects model using the Review Manager software.ResultsIn total, 29 studies had a low risk of bias and were included in the review. Our findings showed that the pooled prevalence of somatic symptoms in post-menopausal women (52.6%) was higher than in the premenopausal and perimenopausal stages (34.6 and 39.5%, respectively). There was a low prevalence of psychological symptoms in premenopausal women (28.4%). The genitourinary syndrome was highest among post-menopausal women (55.1%), followed by perimenopausal (31.9%) and premenopausal (19.2%) women.ConclusionPost-menopausal women have a higher risk of experiencing menopausal symptoms particularly genitourinary syndrome than premenopausal and perimenopausal women. It is pertinent for healthcare professionals to evaluate the symptoms in order to provide them with a better quality of life.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021235958

Menopause Depression Management Through Self-Esteem Development

“…Research Freeman et al (2008) found a positive correlation indicating that a woman will feel more stressed when experiencing disturbing menopausal symptoms. Symptoms experienced during menopause include vasomotor, psychosomatic, and psychological symptoms (Augoulea et al, 2019;Hazlina et al, 2022;Sood et al, 2019;Yadav et al, 2021). Shringarpure et al (2022) found the results of a study of 145 women in urban and rural areas, most of them experienced psychosomatic symptoms such as physical exhaustion-fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty climbing stairs, hot flushes, and body aches.…”

The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women With Genitourinary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), formerly known as vulvovaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis, includes urinary symptoms (e.g., recurrent urinary tract infections, dysuria, and urgency), sexual symptoms (e.g., impaired function, pain or discomfort, and lack of lubrication), and genital symptoms (e.g., irritation, dryness, and burning; Marino, 2021). Reports suggest this syndrome affects more than 50% of postmenopausal women (Marino, 2021; Nik Hazlina et al, 2022).…”

Effects of a therapeutic lifestyle modification intervention on cardiometabolic health, sexual functioning and health-related quality of life in perimenopausal Chinese women: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…In terms of negative moods, depressive and anxiety symptoms are the two major psychological manifestations during perimenopause. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of psychological symptoms for perimenopausal women is 42.1% 12. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is another concern in relation to sexual and reproductive health, which also draws increasing attention in geriatrics globally 13.…”