Exploration of the association between menopausal symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and perceived stress: survey-based analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between menopausal symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and experienced stress in women from premenopause to postmenopause. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey that included questions on demographics, health (gynecological, gastrointestinal), and lifestyle (physical activity, sleep, etc) factors, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Results Data of 693 participants aged 50.1 ± 3.2 years were analyzed. We found that the MENQOL total score increased depending on the stages of reproductive aging (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with PSS scores (r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Age, reproductive stage, body mass index (BMI), PSS score, diagnosis of depression or anxiety disorder, physical activity, and frequency of defecation appeared to have significant association with the total MENQOL score (P < 0.05). The analysis within separate MENQOL domains revealed that PSS score and diagnosis of depression or anxiety disorder were associated with higher scores in all MENQOL domains (P < 0.05) except sexual. Physical activity and the values of the Bristol stool form scale were related to the vasomotor items (P < 0.05). The frequency of defecation was an independent contributor to the psychosocial and sexual domains (P < 0.05). BMI, physical activity, and frequency of defecation were associated with physical symptoms (P < 0.05). Conclusions Perceived stress and some gastrointestinal symptoms in women were associated with menopausal symptoms. Reproductive stages, physical activity, BMI, and previously diagnosed depression or anxiety disorder were related to the intensity of menopausal symptoms. However, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between stress, gastrointestinal, and menopausal symptoms.