Menopause requires personalized care

Menopausal symptoms are influenced by sociodemographic and behavioural factors—including ethnicity, education, income, smoking, obesity, and depression—highlighting the need for a personalized approach to care, according to a meta-analysis.

Researchers searched multiple online databases for studies linking demographic, behavioural, or health factors to vasomotor, vaginal dryness, and joint symptoms in women aged 40–60 years. A total of 61 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.

The studies were published between 1998 and 2023. Forty-five studies were from high-income countries, nine from upper-middle-income countries, and seven from middle-income countries based on the World Bank classification. Forty-five studies were cross-sectional, 13 were cohort studies, and three were randomized trials.

Pooled data showed that compared with White women, Black women were more likely to have vasomotor symptom (VMS; odds ratio [OR], 1.65, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.41–1.94), severe VMS (OR 1.91, 95 percent CI, 1.10–3.29), and vaginal dryness (OR, 1.27, 95 percent CI, 1.10–1.47). In contrast, Asian women had reduced odds of having VMS (OR, 0.40, 95 percent CI, 0.22–0.72) and having severe VMS (OR, 0.55, 95 percent CI, 0.53–0.56) compared with White women.

Other factors associated with increased odds of VMS presence were higher education (OR, 1.31, 95 percent CI, 1.09–1.56), high income (OR, 1.41, 95 percent CI, 1.01–1.97), and depression (OR, 2.36, 95 percent CI, 1.51–3.70).

Finally, smoking was associated with both VMS presence (OR, 1.63, 95 percent CI, 1.30–2.04) and severe VMS (OR 1.56, 95 percent CI, 1.07–2.27), as was obesity (VMS presence: OR, 1.35, 95 percent CI, 1.02–1.78: severe VMS: OR 1.42, 95 percent CI, 1.11–1.83).

The findings underscore the complex interplay of sociodemographic, behavioural, and psychosocial factors in influencing menopause, as well as highlight the importance of more inclusive, holistic, context, and culturally sensitive approaches to care.