Climacteric
Audio Summaries

From tissue to outcome - how perioperative vaginal estrogen transforms prolapse surgery results: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical evidence and outcomes

Jun 24, 2026

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of perioperative vaginal estrogen therapy in improving surgical outcomes for postmenopausal women undergoing prolapse surgery. The findings indicated that while vaginal estrogen significantly improved tissue quality and alleviated symptoms of vaginal atrophy, it did not enhance surgical success rates or prevent complications, with patient satisfaction remaining high across both treatment groups.

Mapping menopause education for healthcare professionals: a scoping review

Jun 22, 2026

This scoping review aims to map the current state of menopause education for healthcare professionals (HCPs), identifying existing programs, delivery methods, and curricular integration. The authors found that while educational interventions generally improved HCPs' knowledge and confidence regarding menopause care, such education is often inadequately integrated across training programs, highlighting the need for standardized, multidisciplinary, and equity-focused frameworks to enhance care for midlife women.

Portuguese osteopaths' perceptions on the management of musculoskeletal conditions in menopausal women

Jun 17, 2026

This study investigates the perceptions, confidence, and management strategies of Portuguese osteopaths regarding musculoskeletal conditions in menopausal women. The findings reveal that while osteopaths recognize the relevance of menopause to musculoskeletal health and frequently engage with menopausal patients, many feel under-informed and face barriers such as the lack of clinical guidelines. The authors suggest that enhanced training and structured protocols could improve the quality of care provided to this demographic.

Perimenopausal migraine: a narrative review

Jun 11, 2026

This narrative review explores the relationship between perimenopause and migraine, particularly how fluctuating estrogen levels impact the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in women. The authors highlight the lack of research on the effects of menopause hormone therapy (MHT) on migraines during this transitional phase and suggest that hormone cycle control may be a more effective approach for managing migraines in perimenopausal women. They emphasize the need for tailored hormonal treatments to mitigate migraine symptoms while considering the complexities of hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause.

Redefining menopausal care: a randomized trial of group CBT for vasomotor symptoms in Korean women

Jun 9, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally adapted, group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program in reducing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and enhancing psychological well-being among perimenopausal and postmenopausal Korean women. The results indicated that participants in the CBT group experienced significant reductions in VMS frequency and distress, along with improvements in quality of life and anxiety, suggesting that group CBT is a viable non-hormonal intervention for this population.

Early menopause and cardiovascular disease risk: triangulating the evidence with a combined analysis

Jun 8, 2026

This study investigates the relationship between early menopause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among East Asian women, addressing a gap in existing research. The observational analysis found a significant association between early menopause and increased CVD risk, while Mendelian randomization analyses suggested that this association may not be causal. The findings highlight the importance of considering early menopause in CVD risk assessment and prevention strategies for Asian women.

The use of menopause hormone therapy in borderline ovarian tumor survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jun 8, 2026

This systematic review investigates the relationship between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and outcomes in survivors of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs), a type of ovarian neoplasm. The authors found inconsistent evidence regarding the association between MHT and BOTs, with some studies indicating a potential increased risk associated with combined estrogen-progestin therapy, while post-diagnosis safety data remain limited. They conclude that the current literature does not provide sufficient clarity on the impact of MHT on BOT recurrence or survival, highlighting the need for careful, individualized discussions regarding MHT use in this patient population.

The use of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene for the management of vasomotor symptoms in premenopausal and menopausal patients with endometriosis: a systematic review

Jun 8, 2026

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene (CE/BZA) in managing vasomotor symptoms in premenopausal and menopausal patients with endometriosis. The review found only limited and biased evidence from a case report and a case series, indicating potential symptom relief but highlighting the need for large-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm safety and efficacy in this population. The authors conclude that while CE/BZA may offer some benefits, current evidence is insufficient to guide clinical practice.

Leveraging STRAW +10 criteria to evaluate menopause stage effects on sleep quality

Jun 5, 2026

This study aimed to evaluate how different stages and substages of menopause, as defined by the STRAW +10 criteria, affect sleep quality in women aged 40-60. The findings revealed that sleep quality declined progressively across the six substages of menopause, independent of age, suggesting that midlife women experience worsening sleep linked to reproductive aging rather than chronological aging. The research underscores the importance of utilizing STRAW +10 substaging for a more nuanced understanding of menopause's impact on sleep.

Menopausal hormone therapy and pulmonary diseases

Jun 3, 2026

This paper examines the impact of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on various pulmonary diseases, addressing the question of how MHT influences respiratory health in menopausal women. The authors highlight mixed evidence regarding MHT's effects on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and lung cancer, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans based on specific patient risks and disease characteristics.