Associations between BMI and menopausal symptoms among Danish nurses: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

To examine the association between body mass index and the severity of menopausal symptoms among Danish nurses.

Study design

Cross-sectional analysis of the 2024 wave of the Danish Nurse Cohort.

Main outcome measures

Total score on the Menopause Rating Scale dichotomized as no-to-mild (<9) versus moderate-to-severe (≥9), with domain cut-offs applied for somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. Multiple logistic regression models were applied, adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, cohabitation, and age at last menstrual period.

Results

Of 6078 women (mean age 63.5 (standard deviation 9.3) years), 55.8% reported moderate-to-severe symptoms. Each 5-unit increase in body mass index was associated with higher odds of moderate-to-severe symptoms (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.20). Domain analyses showed associations for psychological (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.23) and somato-vegetative (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.22) domains, but not urogenital (odds ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.91–1.03). Participants with a body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m² had lower associated odds (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.83) and participants with a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or more had higher odds (odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.46) than women with an eutrophic body mass index.

Conclusions

In a large national representative cohort of Danish nurses, higher body mass index was significantly associated with greater severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly psychological and somato-vegetative. These findings highlight the importance of considering weight-related factors when addressing midlife women's health and menopause care.