Saccomani S, et al. – This article was composed with the goal to assess the relationship between vasomotor symptoms and obesity in climacteric women. They observed that menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor, joint, and urinary symptoms, were associated with obesity. Hot flashes were related to higher body mass index, urinary urgency, and vaginal dryness. Understanding this relationship may contribute to the development of healthcare strategies aimed at minimizing the effect of obesity on several health issues of climacteric women.

Methods

• For this research, they conducted a cross–sectional population–based study.
• A sum of 749 women aged between 45 to 60 years was enrolled in this study.
• The dependent variable was an intensity of menopausal symptoms assessed by the menopause rating scale questionnaire.
• Independent variables were sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and obesity assessed by body mass index.

Results

• In this study, no major difference was observed in the majority of clinical and sociodemographic qualities between the body mass index groups.
• Obese women had less physical activity (P = 0.019) and a higher prevalence of hypertension (P < 0.001), diabetes (P = 0.002), urinary incontinence (P < 0.001), and urge incontinence (P = 0.0006).
• 9.7 was the total mean menopause rating scale score.
• Scores for hot flashes increased progressively and were higher for participants with body mass index greater than 30 kg/m² (P = 0.027).
• Joint and muscle pain scores also increased with increased body mass index (P < 0.001).
• Regarding urogenital symptoms, there was a significant difference in urinary problems only, which were more intense in obese women (body mass index >30 kg/m²) (P < 0.0001).
• No important difference was found in any psychological symptoms on the menopause rating scale.
• Factors related to hot flash scores were higher body mass index, presence of urinary urgency, and vaginal dryness.