MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN PERIMENOPAUSAL AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to investigate menopausal symptoms and their frequencies while exploring their potential correlation with systemic inflammation in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods

The study involved a comparative analysis of menopausal symptoms and systemic inflammation markers between perimenopausal (n=213) and postmenopausal women (n=219). Participants were assessed with the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) for somatic, urogenital and psychological symptoms and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) levels. Regression analysis was conducted to identify parameters strongly associated with high somatic and total MRS scores.

Results

Total MRS and somatic domain scores were found to be significantly higher in perimenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women. Additionally, perimenopausal women exhibited elevated levels of systemic inflammation, as indicated by higher SII levels. Regression analysis revealed that being perimenopausal, being smoker and having higher SII results were the most significant parameters related to increased somatic scores. In contrast, parity and exercise were found to be associated with lower somatic scores.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the heightened somatic symptomatology and systemic inflammation observed in perimenopausal women. Specifically, being in the perimenopausal phase, being a smoker and having elevated systemic inflammation markers were identified as strong factors associated with increased somatic scores. These results underscore the importance of considering systemic inflammation in the management of menopausal symptoms, particularly during the perimenopausal transition.