Women with PMOS have significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety. Routine screening and integrated care are essential for improving psychiatric and reproductive outcomes.
Previous studies have shown that women with poor physical health are more likely to suffer from depression during the perimenopause and menopause. Â A new study demonstrates that in healthy women, there is also a correlation [...]
While there is some data to indicate that exercise may improve well-being and diminish symptoms of depression and anxiety, the results have been mixed. Â A recent randomized controlled trial has explored the efficacy of [...]
Some, but not all, research studies have shown that exercise training can reduce the frequency of hot flushes and can improve other non-vasomotor symptoms including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Â Nevertheless, these studies have solely relied [...]
An increasing number of studies are using yoga as an adjunctive or primary treatment for a variety of psychiatric symptoms, most commonly depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance. Â A new study, published online in Schizophrenia Research, [...]
A recent paper from the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) reviews non-hormonal therapy options for the treatment of  menopausal vasomotor symptoms. This EMAS position paper provides guidance for treaters managing peri- and postmenopausal women [...]
A recent study suggests that physical exercise during pregnancy may reduce depressive symptoms. This study from Spain included 184 healthy pregnant women (31.37 ± 3.62 years). Women randomized to the exercise group (EG) participated in a supervised exercise program consisting of three, 55- to 60-min sessions per week throughout pregnancy. A total of 167 pregnant women were analyzed; 90 in the exercise group and 77 in the control group. Significant differences were found between the two groups at the end of the study in terms of level of depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D): 7.67 ± 6.30 in the exercise group vs. 11.34 ± 9.74 in the control group (p = .005). The percentage of women who were depressed was also lower in the exercise group (12.2%) as compared to the control group (24.7%).
Many women transitioning into the menopause request medical advice on ways to improve their quality of life and to relieve the symptoms associated with the menopausal transition. With concerns regarding the long-term use of estrogen replacement therapy, there has been interest in the use of non-hormonal strategies to manage these symptoms.
Sexual side effects may occur in 40% to 70% of patients treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and is a common reason for poor compliance with treatment and eventual discontinuation. When sexual side effects occur, they tend to emerge early, are persistent, and rarely resolve spontaneously. A new study, reviewed in Medscape, suggests that exercise may help to reduce sexual side effects:
Several recent studies have examined the impact of various types of physical activity on menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbance.
