Menopause, Perimenopausal Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Menopausal transition, Lower urinary tract symptoms, Bowel functions, Sexual functions
Brief summary
The menopausal transition is associated with substantial hormonal alterations that may adversely affect lower urinary tract function, bowel function, and sexual health. Although these symptoms are common, few studies have comprehensively evaluated all three pelvic floor compartments across different menopausal stages. The aim of this study is to compare lower urinary tract symptoms, bowel symptoms, and female sexual function among women in the perimenopausal, early postmenopausal, and late postmenopausal stages. In addition, the relationship between menopausal stage and symptom severity will be investigated.
Detailed description
Menopause is characterized by estrogen deficiency, resulting in structural and functional alterations in pelvic floor tissues. Lower urinary tract symptoms, bowel dysfunction, and female sexual dysfunction are increasingly recognized as important health concerns during the menopausal transition. Despite growing evidence regarding individual pelvic floor disorders, few studies have simultaneously evaluated urinary, colorectal, and sexual symptoms across different menopausal stages. This study will classify women according to STRAW+10 criteria into: Perimenopause Early postmenopause Late postmenopause Participants will undergo a single assessment session. Demographic information together with validated questionnaires will be collected. No intervention or treatment will be provided.
Interventions
OTHERAssessment for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Lower urinary tract symptoms will be assessed using the validated Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and poorer urinary health-related quality of life.
OTHERAssessment for Bowel Symptoms
Bowel symptoms and colorectal-anal distress will be evaluated using the Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and distress related to bowel dysfunction.
OTHERConstipation Severity Assessment
Constipation severity will be assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score. Higher scores represent more severe constipation symptoms.
Female sexual function will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index, a validated questionnaire evaluating desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Higher scores indicate better sexual function.
Sponsors
Bezmialem Vakif University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
40 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Female * Age 40-65 years * Intact uterus and at least one ovary * Perimenopause or postmenopause according to STRAW+10 criteria * Able to read and understand Turkish
Exclusion criteria
* Hormone replacement therapy within the previous 6 months * Oral contraceptive use * Antipsychotic medication use * Previous pelvic surgery * Neurological or systemic diseases affecting bladder or bowel function * Active urinary tract or vaginal infection * Pelvic radiotherapy or chemotherapy history * Active gynecological or urological malignancy * Alcohol or substance abuse during the previous year
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) Score | Baseline (single assessment) | Lower urinary tract symptoms will be assessed using the validated Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and poorer urinary health-related quality of life |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8) | Baseline (single assessment) | Bowel symptoms and colorectal-anal distress will be evaluated using the Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and distress related to bowel dysfunction. |
| Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score | Baseline (single assessment) | Constipation severity will be assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score. Higher scores represent more severe constipation symptoms. |
| Bristol Stool Form Scale | Baseline (single assessment) | The Bristol Stool Form Scale is a 7-category scale ranging from Type 1 (hard stools) to Type 7 (watery stools). Values range from 1 to 7. Lower scores indicate harder stool consistency, whereas higher scores indicate looser stool consistency. |
| Female Sexual Function Index | Baseline (single assessment) | Female sexual function will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index, a validated questionnaire evaluating desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Higher scores indicate better sexual function. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTBetul CINAR, PhD
CONTACTBetul Cinar, PhD
STUDY_CHAIRBetul Cinar, PhD
Bezmialem Vakif University
Outcome results
None listed