Prevalence of psychosomatic and genitourinary syndrome among menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Date
2022
Authors
Hussain, Nik Hazlina Nik
Noor, Norhayati Mohd
Ismail, Shaiful Bahari
Ahmad, Nik Muhammad Arif Nik
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Introduction: The menopausal transition represents the passage from reproductive
to non-reproductive life and is characterized by a number of menstrual disturbances.
We systematically reviewed the evidence on the prevalence of psychosomatic and
genitourinary syndrome amongmenopausal women and compared the risk of symptoms
between premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausal women.
Methods: We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect
through March 2021. Case series/reports, conference papers and proceedings, articles
available only in abstract form, editorial reviews, letters of communication, commentaries,
systematic reviews, and qualitative studies were excluded. Two reviewers independently
extracted and assessed the quality of data using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-
Analysis. The outcomes were assessed with random-effects model using the Review
Manager software.
Results: In total, 29 studies had a low risk of bias and were included in the review. Our
findings showed that the pooled prevalence of somatic symptoms in post-menopausal
women (52.6%) was higher than in the premenopausal and perimenopausal stages (34.6
and 39.5%, respectively). There was a low prevalence of psychological symptoms in
premenopausal women (28.4%). The genitourinary syndrome was highest among post-
menopausal women (55.1%), followed by perimenopausal (31.9%) and premenopausal
(19.2%) women.
Conclusion: Post-menopausal women have a higher risk of experiencing menopausal
symptoms particularly genitourinary syndrome than premenopausal and perimenopausal
women. It is pertinent for healthcare professionals to evaluate the symptoms in order to
provide them with a better quality of life.
Description
Keywords
menopause