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. 2021 May 24;28(8):875-882.
doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001793.

Global cross-sectional survey of women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: prevalence and quality of life burden

Rossella E Nappi  1 , Robin Kroll  2 , Emad Siddiqui  3 , Boyka Stoykova  4 , Carol Rea  5 , Eric Gemmen  6 , Neil M Schultz  7
Affiliations

Global cross-sectional survey of women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: prevalence and quality of life burden

Rossella E Nappi et al. Menopause. .

Erratum in

  • ERRATUM.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Menopause. 2022 Jun 1;29(6):759. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001996. Menopause. 2022. PMID: 35674657 No abstract available.

Abstract

Objective: To determine prevalence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in postmenopausal women in Europe, the US, and Japan, and among subgroups of women not taking hormone therapy (HT).

Methods: Screening surveys were sent to a random sample of women aged 40 to 65 years; full questionnaires followed to those who completed them and met inclusion criteria. Women with successfully treated VMS, breast cancer, or on HT for medical conditions were excluded. The Menopause-Specific QOL (MENQOL) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaires were included in the questionnaire.

Results: Of 25,161 women completing the screening survey, 11,771 were postmenopausal and 3,460 met inclusion criteria and completed the full questionnaire. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe VMS was 40%, 34%, and 16% in Europe, the US, and Japan, respectively. A large proportion were HT averse, albeit eligible (Europe 56%, US 54%, Japan 79%). In total, 12%, 9%, and 8% in Europe, the US, and Japan, respectively, were HT-contraindicated. A high proportion were HT-cautious (Europe 70%, US 69%, Japan 52%). Most common menopausal symptoms reported in the MENQOL were feeling tired or worn out (Europe/US 74%, Japan 75%), aching in muscles and joints (Europe 69%, US 68%, Japan 61%), difficulty sleeping (Europe 69%, US 66%, Japan 60%), and hot flashes (Europe 67%, US 68%, Japan 62%). Overall, the most bothersome symptom was weight gain. As measured by the WPAI, hot flashes and night sweats had a greater impact on daily activities than on working activities.

Conclusions: A high proportion of women experienced moderate-to-severe VMS, with associated symptoms impacting QOL.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial disclosure/conflicts of interest: R.E.N. is a lecturer and consultant for Bayer, Exceltis, and Theramex; a researcher for Novo Nordisk; a researcher and consultant for Fidia; a lecturer for MSD and Pfizer; a consultant for Astellas and Palatin; and a researcher and lecturer for Shionogi. R.K. is a consultant and researcher for Astellas, Allergan, Estetra, Therapeutics MD, and a researcher for Bayer and Mithra. C.R. and E.G. have no disclosures to report. B.S. is a former employee of Astellas. E.S. and N.S. are employees of Astellas.

Figures

FIG. 1
FIG. 1
Participants’ opinions about the menopause. Data taken from Q6. Below you will find a list of statements related to possible opinions about the impact of the menopause. Please indicate your personal level of agreement or disagreement using a 7-point scale where 1 means “I strongly disagree” and 7 means “I strongly agree.”
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
Menopause symptoms experienced in the past week by participants, and associated level of bother for each symptom using the MENQOL.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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