Background: Vasomotor symptoms are a major concern among menopausal symptoms. They affect the midlife woman’s life in a negative way and increase risks of cardiovascular diseases. Biological factors have been studied relatively thoroughly so far, but research on psychosocial factors on the other hand are relatively scarce.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between vasomotor symptoms and factors such as sociodemographics, health behaviors, medical condition, depression, stress, anxiety, attitude toward menopause, and quality of life.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in peri- and post-menopausal women enrolled by the Korean Association of Health Promotion. Subjects submitted self-report questionnaires about vasomotor symptoms and other clinical symptoms. Associations between vasomotor symptoms and clinical variables were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analyses.
Results: The prevalence of vasomotor symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women was 63.9%. Variables showing significant differences between subjects with vasomotor symptoms and subjects that do not were socre of Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), BEPSI-K, proportions of clinically significant depression (BDI≥16), Menopausal rating scale, attitude towards menopause, the 4 subscales of WHOQOL-BREF (Physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment), and a History of Premenstrual syndrome/Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that BDI, BEPSI-K, Menopausal Rating Scale, and the Psychological subscale of WHOQOL-BREF show associations with vasomotor symptoms.
Conclusion: Menopausal vasomotor symptoms are associated with various psychological factors, especially with depression. Midlife women suffering vasomotor symptoms should therefore be screened for depression. Future prospective studies where clinical subjects are diagnosed using structured interviews, focusing on the causal relationship between depression and vasomotor symptoms are necessary.