Objective: Assess the impact of a new website, MyMenoplan.org, on menopause knowledge, decision-making progress, treatment and coping intentions among people experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The website was designed to provide women and their clinicians with comprehensive, evidence-based information and decision-making tools about a broad range of symptoms and treatments, address common questions and facilitate conversations with clinicians when desired.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The aim of this study was to compare menopause experience in rural, suburban, and urban-residing women.
Methods: A 2019 online survey of US females queried respondents on menopause symptoms, resources, and treatments. Those ≥45 years of age and in late menopause transition or postmenopause were included in the analysis.
Objective: In premenopausal individuals, vaginal microbiota diversity and lack of Lactobacillus dominance are associated with greater mucosal inflammation, which is linked to a higher risk of cervical dysplasia and infections. It is not known if the association between the vaginal microbiota and inflammation is present after menopause, when the vaginal microbiota is generally higher-diversity and fewer people have Lactobacillus dominance.
Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of a subset of postmenopausal individuals enrolled in a randomized trial for treatment of moderate-severe vulvovaginal discomfort that compared vaginal moisturizer, estradiol, or placebo.
While highly prevalent, risk factors for incident polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are poorly delineated. Using a population-based cohort, we sought to identify predictors of incident PCOS diagnosis. A matched case-control analysis was completed utilizing patients enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Washington from 2006 to 2019.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Obstet Gynecol
March 2024
This review summarizes our current understanding of associations of the postmenopausal vaginal microbiome with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. We review the normal postmenopausal microbiota, examine the association of the microbiome with vulvovaginal symptoms, describe microbial communities associated with physical and laboratory findings, and report the impact of different treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause on microbiota and symptom improvement. Postmenopausal vaginal symptoms have an underlying pathophysiology that has not been fully elucidated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObstet Gynecol
September 2023
Objective: The APEX-IUD (Association of Perforation and Expulsion of Intrauterine Devices) study evaluated the association of postpartum timing of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, breastfeeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and IUD type (levonorgestrel-releasing vs copper) with risks of uterine perforation and IUD expulsion in usual clinical practice. We summarize the clinically important findings to inform counseling and shared decision making.
Methods: APEX-IUD was a real-world (using U.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
October 2023
Background: National Institutes of Health funding to address basic reproductive health for common female conditions remains disproportionately low, in part because of low success rates of grant applications by obstetrician-gynecologists.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the scholarly productivity of individuals supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Women's Reproductive Health Research K12 career development award, created to advance careers of obstetrician-gynecologist physician-scientists.
Study Design: We performed a cohort study of individuals who completed at least 2 years of Women's Reproductive Health Research training by June 30, 2015, and had at least 5-year follow-up.
Objective: The aim of the study is to describe the location, severity, and frequency of genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women enrolled in a randomized trial of treatment for vulvovaginal discomfort.
Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of enrollment responses for participants in the MsFLASH Vaginal Health Trial. Participants were asked about the severity (0-3), frequency (in days per week) and location (vulvar or vaginal) of itch, dryness, pain/soreness, irritation, as well as severity and frequency of pain with penetration, vaginal discharge, urinary incontinence, and urinary urgency.
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, yet US incidence estimates do not exist, and prevalence estimates vary widely.
Objective: A population-based US study estimated the incidence, prevalence, and trends of polycystic ovary syndrome by age, race and ethnicity, and diagnosing provider type.
Study Design: A retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Washington from 2006 to 2019 was conducted.
Importance: Half of women who are postmenopausal have genitourinary discomfort after menopause. Recommended therapies include low-dose vaginal estrogen. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or venous thromboembolism may have concerns about the safety of this intervention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObstet Gynecol
December 2022
Objective: To explore to what extent intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion is associated with demographic and clinical risk factors.
Methods: The APEX-IUD (Association of Perforation and Expulsion of IntraUterine Devices) study was a U.S.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to quantify changes in serum total estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) concentrations with initiation of low-dose oral estradiol treatment and evaluate whether changes in concentrations mediate the effect of treatment in reducing vasomotor symptom (VMS) frequency.
Methods: We analyzed baseline and week 8 (W8) data from 171 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with VMS enrolled in low-dose 17β estradiol ( n = 72) and placebo ( n = 99) groups of a randomized clinical trial.
Results: From baseline to W8, women in the low-dose estradiol group had a fourfold increase in E2, resulting in a W8 E2 of 23 pg/mL, and a fivefold increase in E1, resulting in a W8 E1 of 110.
Background: Reports of perforation risk related to intrauterine devices (IUDs) inserted immediately post partum and among non-post-partum individuals are scarce, and previous studies with only 12-month follow-ups underestimate the risk. Breastfeeding at IUD insertion and insertion within 36 weeks post partum have been associated with increased risk of uterine perforation. The aim of these analyses was to compare the incidence and risks of IUD-related uterine perforations by non-post-partum and post-partum intervals at IUD insertion, and among post-partum individuals, to assess the impact of breastfeeding on these outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To evaluate whether single measurements of serum estradiol (E), estrone (E) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentration distinguishes between women with and without menopausal symptom bother.
Study Design: We analyzed baseline data from two clinical trials conducted in 2012-2017: MsFLASH 03 (178 peri-/post-menopausal women aged 40-62 years with bothersome vasomotor symptoms, mean age 54) and MsFLASH 05 (181 post-menopausal women aged 45-70 years with moderate-to-severe vulvovaginal symptoms, mean age 61).
Main Outcome Measures: Symptom bother (hot flushes or flashes, night sweats, sweating, aching in muscles and joints, change in sexual desire, vaginal dryness during intercourse, and avoiding intimacy) in the past month was assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
July 2022
Importance: Postmenopausal women with genitourinary symptoms of menopause are often prescribed vaginal estradiol or moisturizer for symptom improvement, but the impact of these treatments on the local microenvironment is poorly understood.
Objective: To compare changes in the vaginal microbiota, metabolome, and pH among women using low-dose vaginal estradiol tablet or low pH moisturizer gel for 12-weeks vs low pH placebo.
Design, Setting, And Participants: This is a post hoc prespecified secondary analysis of a 12-week multicenter randomized clinical trial among postmenopausal women with moderate to severe genitourinary symptoms.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
July 2022
Background: Intrauterine devices are effective instruments for contraception, and 1 levonorgestrel-releasing device is also indicated for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
Objective: To compare the incidence of intrauterine device expulsion and uterine perforation in women with and without a diagnosis of menorrhagia within the first 12 months before device insertion STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in 3 integrated healthcare systems (Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Southern California, and Washington) and a healthcare information exchange (Regenstrief Institute) in the United States using electronic health records. Nonpostpartum women aged ≤50 years with intrauterine device (eg, levonorgestrel or copper) insertions from 2001 to 2018 and without a delivery in the previous 12 months were studied in this analysis.
Importance: Intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion increases the risk of unintended pregnancy; how timing of postpartum IUD insertion and breastfeeding are associated with risk of expulsion is relevant to the benefit-risk profile.
Objective: To evaluate the association of postpartum timing of IUD insertion and breastfeeding status with incidence and risk of IUD expulsion.
Design, Setting, And Participants: The Association of Perforation and Expulsion of Intrauterine Devices (APEX-IUD) cohort study included women aged 50 years or younger with an IUD insertion between 2001 and 2018.
Objective: Evaluate appropriateness of the current Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)-19 value of <26.6 to designate female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in postmenopausal women, using the Female Sexual Distress-Revised (FSDS-R) scale to measure distress.
Methods: Participant-level data containing standardized measures from five completed Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health trials was pooled.