Menopause
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Sexual function and intimate partner violence in middle-aged women: a community-based, dual-focus study in Spain

Mar 24, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the relationship between sexual function and intimate partner violence (IPV) among middle-aged women in Spain. Their findings revealed a significant association, with women experiencing IPV showing a higher prevalence of low sexual function, and vice versa, even after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Additionally, the study highlighted that Spanish Roma ethnicity was linked to increased IPV prevalence.

Targeted literature review of concepts related to women's experiences and perceptions of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause

Mar 24, 2026

The authors conducted a targeted literature review to explore women's experiences and perceptions of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause, aiming to inform the development of a culturally sensitive self-assessment tool. They identified key features and impacts of VMS, as well as the need for a tool that considers linguistic and cultural contexts. The findings suggest that a comprehensive self-assessment tool could enhance diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing VMS.

The role of menopause and hyperlipidemia as risk factors for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: insights from a Taiwan Biobank study

Mar 17, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between menopause, hyperlipidemia, and the risk of developing calcific tendinitis (CT) of the shoulder in women aged 30-70 using data from the Taiwan Biobank. Their analysis revealed that both menopause and hyperlipidemia significantly increase the risk of CT, with the highest risk observed in women who have both conditions. The study highlights the importance of these factors in assessing the risk of CT among women in this population.

Body image concerns and their association with sexual self-efficacy and function in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Mar 17, 2026

This study aimed to explore the relationship between body image concerns, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual function in postmenopausal women. The findings revealed that higher body image concerns were significantly associated with lower sexual self-efficacy and sexual function, suggesting that improving body image may enhance sexual well-being in this population. However, the authors note that these cross-sectional results do not establish causality and call for further longitudinal research.

Mediation analysis of adiposity and inflammation in the associations of Life's Crucial 9 and Life's Essential 8 with mortality among postmenopausal women

Mar 17, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and Life's Crucial 9 (LC9) scores and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among postmenopausal women, while also assessing the mediating effects of adiposity and inflammation-related indicators. The findings revealed that higher scores in LE8 and LC9 were associated with lower mortality rates, with adiposity and inflammation accounting for a small proportion of these associations. Overall, the study highlights the importance of cardiovascular health in reducing mortality risk in this population.

Development and bioavailability testing of an estetrol and estetrol-zinc-containing vaginal hydrogel: a novel hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-based formulation

Mar 10, 2026

The authors aim to develop a novel hydroxyethyl cellulose-based vaginal hydrogel containing estetrol and estetrol-zinc to improve drug retention, bioavailability, and patient compliance for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Their study demonstrates that the formulation is biocompatible, enhances estetrol solubility, and allows for sustained drug release while minimizing systemic exposure. Future clinical trials are needed to validate the in vivo effectiveness and long-term safety of this hydrogel.

The association between mind-body exercise and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women: the roles of urban-rural disparity, social support, and subjective well-being

Mar 10, 2026

This study aimed to explore the relationship between mind-body exercise and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women, while also examining the roles of social support and subjective well-being, and how these associations vary between urban and rural residents. The findings indicated that lower levels of mind-body exercise, social support, and subjective well-being were linked to higher depressive symptoms, with urban women experiencing more significant challenges in these areas compared to their rural counterparts. The results suggest that enhancing social support and subjective well-being may be important for reducing depressive symptoms in this population.

When the clock shifts: menopause timing is associated with reduced cognitive performance and gray matter volume in a population-based cohort

Mar 10, 2026

This study aimed to determine whether earlier menopause is linked to decreased cognitive performance and gray matter volume in a population-based cohort of postmenopausal women. The findings indicate that earlier menopause correlates with lower cognitive abilities and reduced gray matter volume, with gray matter volume partially mediating the relationship between menopause timing and cognitive performance. However, the authors note that the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies to further investigate these associations.

Socioenvironmental factors associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal Japanese women

Mar 10, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate how socioenvironmental factors influence the severity of menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal Japanese women. Their findings revealed that caregiving responsibilities and presenteeism were linked to increased severity of symptoms, while social support from the community was associated with reduced severity. The study highlights the importance of supportive environments in managing menopausal symptoms.

Independent and joint associations of loneliness and social isolation with subjective cognitive decline in perimenopausal women

Mar 10, 2026

This study investigates the independent and joint effects of loneliness and social isolation on subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in perimenopausal women. Analyzing data from 903 participants, the authors found that both loneliness and social isolation are significantly associated with SCD, with those experiencing moderate to severe levels of both factors showing the highest risk for severe SCD. The findings highlight the importance of social connections in cognitive health and suggest potential avenues for psychosocial interventions.