Severity of Postmenopausal Syndrome and Its Association with Physical Activity

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural physiological transition characterized by cessation of ovarian function and a decline in estrogen levels, often accompanied by multiple somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms collectively referred to as postmenopausal syndrome. Lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity, may influence the severity of these symptoms and overall quality of life. Aim of the study: To assess the severity of postmenopausal syndrome and examine its association with physical activity among postmenopausal women. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 200 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years in Bangladesh. Participants were selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The severity of menopausal symptoms was evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), while physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Menopause-related quality of life was measured using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Associations between variables were analyzed using chi-square test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Moderate menopausal symptoms were the most common (54%), followed by severe (25%) and mild (21%) symptoms, with a mean MRS score of 18.3 ± 6.4. Moderate physical activity was observed in 46% of participants, while 38% had low activity levels. A significant association was found between physical activity and symptom severity (χ²=26.48, p<0.001). Higher physical activity levels were associated with significantly lower MENQOL scores across all domains (p<0.001). Physical activity showed a negative correlation with symptom severity and quality-of-life impairment. Multivariate analysis identified low physical activity (AOR=3.89), age ≥56 years (AOR=2.05), and BMI ≥30 kg/m² (AOR=1.72) as significant predictors of severe menopausal symptoms. Conclusion: Physical activity is significantly associated with reduced severity of postmenopausal symptoms and improved menopause-related quality of life.