Physiologic and psychosocial changes of the menopause transition in US Latinas: a narrative review

Abstract

Latinos comprise the fastest-growing minority group in the USA, with Hispanic women (Latinas) constituting 17% of women aged 45–54 years. The menopause transition (MT) is associated with many physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial changes that can affect disease risk in women. While several epidemiologic investigations have enhanced our understanding of the MT, to date, menopause research has mostly focused on non-Latina White women. As a consequence, there is a dearth of information on strategies for managing menopause-related issues in Latinas and important factors to consider to provide culturally appropriate care and promote lifestyles that may reduce adverse health outcomes. This narrative review summarizes existing evidence of the MT in Latinas, with a focus on hormonal alterations, menopausal symptoms, mental health, cognition, and cardiometabolic health. The clinical and research implications of the current literature will also be discussed.

摘要

拉美裔组成了美国增长最快的少数群体, 其中拉美裔女性(拉丁裔)占45-54岁女性的17%。绝经过渡期(MT)与许多生理、行为和心理社会变化有关, 这些变化可能会影响女性的疾病风险。虽然几项流行病学调查加深了我们对MT的了解, 但到目前为止, 绝经的研究主要集中在非拉丁裔白人妇女身上。因此, 在拉丁裔群体缺乏关于管理绝经相关问题策略信息, 以及可考虑的重要因素, 以提供文化上适宜的保健, 并促进可减少不利健康结果的生活方式。这篇叙述性综述总结了拉丁裔MT的现有证据, 重点放在激素变化、绝经症状、精神健康、认知和心脏代谢健康方面。目前文献的临床和研究意义也将被讨论。

Keywords:

• Hispanic/Latina
• cardiovascular
• cognition
• depression
• menopause
• sleep
• vasomotor symptoms
• sexual function

Potential conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Y. I. Cortés is supported by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities Career Development Award [K23MD014767, PI: Cortés]; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [R25HL105444, PI: Jean-Louis and Olugbenga].