Hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal dryness that accompany menopause are common symptoms. A new study suggests that such symptoms – especially psychological and sexual problems – are worse for women with premature ovarian dysfunction (POI) than for women who have natural menopause. Survey results are published online today at Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Association (NAMS).
Premature ovarian insufficiency is defined as a cessation of ovarian function leading to menopause before the age of 40 years. The condition is associated with increased risks for a number of long-term health conditions, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, brain weakness, and lack of sex. It can also lead to shorter life expectancy.
Despite research around the various risk factors associated with POI, few studies have examined the effects of POI compared to frequency, intensity, and factors influencing menopausal symptoms. In this new study involving nearly 300 Chinese women, researchers specifically studied the symptoms of menopause in women with POI and compared them to the severity and prevalence of similar symptoms. together in women who have experienced natural menopause.
What they found is that women with POI experience a high frequency of menopause symptoms, especially those in the psychological and sexual domains, and that these symptoms are often more severe than those that are women recovering through natural menopause. Possible worsening symptoms include mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, and lack of sex (including vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and decreased libido).
Based on these findings, the researchers have suggested that health care providers become more aware of psychological problems and risks of sexual disorders in women with POI and work with them to identify relief options.
Results are published in the article “Menopausal symptoms in women with premature ovarian dysfunction: frequency, severity and associated factors.”
This study of Chinese women showed that those with POI had more common menopause-related symptoms than women with menopause at average age. It is important to note that, regardless of the frequency or severity of the symptoms, women with POI should receive hormone therapy at least until the average age of menopause unless contraindications are used to reduce malignancy. long-term health effects, including fractures, heart disease, brain damage, and early mortality – as well as mood disorders and lack of sex,
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director, North American Menopause Association
Source:
North American Menopause Association