Menopause
Audio Summaries

Cognitive behavioral therapy for menopausal insomnia in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with insomnia and nocturnal hot flashes: a randomized-controlled pilot trial

May 5, 2026

This pilot trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (CBT-MI) for treating insomnia and nocturnal hot flashes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The results indicated that CBT-MI significantly improved insomnia severity, sleep self-efficacy, and reduced hot flash interference compared to a menopause education control, with benefits persisting up to three months post-treatment.

Regional disparities and metabolic determinants of type 2 diabetes in women aged 55 and older

May 5, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the long-term trends, regional disparities, and determinants of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among women aged 55 and older globally. They found that South Asia had the highest burden of T2DM, with significant increases in incidence and mortality rates observed in Eastern Europe. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention and improved healthcare quality to address the growing diabetes-related disability in this demographic.

Report of the FDA's expert panel on hormone therapy

May 5, 2026

The FDA's expert panel convened to evaluate the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy, focusing on the distinctions between systemic and local vaginal estrogen, as well as the implications of class labeling and boxed warnings. The panel aimed to clarify the risk profiles associated with different estrogen and progestogen combinations and emphasized the importance of formulation and administration methods. Ultimately, the panel's discussions led to a recommendation for the FDA to consider removing boxed warnings from estrogen therapies, reflecting a nuanced understanding of their use in menopausal care.

Health perceptions, aging, and reproductive aging: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study

May 5, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the relationship between chronological aging, reproductive aging, and midlife women's health perceptions using data from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study. They found that while women's overall health perceptions were generally positive regardless of age, reproductive aging stages significantly influenced current health ratings, with women reporting better health during late reproductive stages and early menopausal transition compared to later menopausal stages. This suggests that reproductive aging may play a critical role in shaping women's self-assessments of health during midlife.

Biological markers of aging across the menopause transition: current evidence

May 5, 2026

This review investigates the role of biological markers of aging in women during the menopause transition, aiming to understand how hormonal changes influence individual health variability and biological aging. The authors synthesize current evidence on various biomarkers, such as epigenetic clocks and telomere length, and their association with menopause-related factors, including vasomotor symptoms and hormone therapy. They highlight the need for further research to establish clinically meaningful thresholds for these biomarkers and to enhance precision health strategies for women.

Menopause symptoms and treatment in sexual minority women

May 5, 2026

This study aimed to compare menopause symptoms between cisgender sexual minority women (SMW) and heterosexual women, as previous research indicated worse health outcomes for SMW. An analysis of data from 2,273 women found no significant differences in menopause symptoms or treatment likelihood between the two groups. However, the limited diversity and small sample size of SMW may affect the generalizability of these findings, highlighting the need for further research in larger cohorts.

Menopausal symptom network differences between women with and without waist-to-height ratio-defined abdominal obesity

May 5, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate how the structure of menopausal symptom networks differs between women with and without abdominal obesity, defined by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Their findings indicate that women with abdominal obesity experience a higher prevalence and severity of symptoms, along with distinct symptom network characteristics, suggesting that abdominal obesity may influence symptom interactions and warrant tailored intervention strategies.

Silent suffering: an exploration of menopausal attitudes and experiences among slum dwellers

May 5, 2026

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and lived experiences of peri and postmenopausal women living in slums in Kanpur, India, aiming to understand the sociocultural challenges they face during this life stage. The findings reveal a complex interplay of empowerment and distress among these women, highlighting a lack of access to appropriate health information and services, which contributes to their suffering. The authors emphasize the urgent need for culturally sensitive health education and improved access to menopausal care for marginalized women to break the silence surrounding menopause and promote better health outcomes.

Age-specific and menopause-specific associations between BMI change and the risk of cervical and ovarian cancers: a population-based cohort study

Apr 21, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the associations between changes in body mass index (BMI) and the risk of cervical and ovarian cancers, while considering the effects of age and menopausal status. Their findings indicate that excessive BMI gain is linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women, and that the relationship between BMI change and ovarian cancer risk varies significantly by age group. Overall, the study highlights the complex interplay between BMI changes and cancer risk in women.

Mixed methods research to support the development of an evidence-based intervention for cognitive symptoms in menopause transition

Apr 21, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the cognitive difficulties experienced by women during the menopause transition and to identify preferences for a psychosocial intervention to address these issues. Through a mixed-methods approach involving an online survey and focus groups, they found that a significant majority of participants reported bothersome cognitive difficulties and expressed interest in a new intervention that would include psychoeducation and peer support. The study highlights the need for a tailored psychosocial intervention and suggests further research to assess its feasibility and effectiveness.