The influence of physical activity level on climacteric symptoms in menopausal women

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the relationship between physical activity level and climacteric symptoms in menopausal women.

Methods A study was conducted on 336 healthy women aged 45–55 years. They were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of two parts: (1) a socioeconomic and obstetric/gynecological survey, and (2) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form and the Blatt–Kupperman Index.

Results The women assigned to the high physical activity group felt better and had less severe climacteric symptoms; 52.08% of the women had no climacteric symptoms. The majority of women in this group were assigned to the total high physical activity group. Significant differences were observed in the relationship between physical activity level and climacteric symptoms. In each domain, women with no climacteric symptoms were classified into either the high or the moderate physical activity level group. In the work domain, 25.30% of the women had a moderate, 20.53% a high, and 6.25% a low physical activity level. In the transportation domain, 32.72% of the women had a moderate, and 19.36% a low physical activity level. In the domestic chores domain, 30.06% of the women had a moderate, 16.07% a high and 5.95% a low physical activity level. In the leisure-time domain, 25.61% of the women had a moderate, 16.95% a high and 9.52% a low physical activity level.

Conclusions Physical activity is associated with less menopausal symptoms. It is important to encourage regular physical activity as it is beneficial to health and relieves menopausal symptoms.

Key words:

• CLIMACTERIC SYMPTOMS
• MENOPAUSE
• PHYSICAL ACTIVITY>

Conflict of interest  The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Source of funding  Nil.