• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.85-95
• /
• 2024

Objectives : We proposed the hypothesis that administering Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract (TSE) could alleviate menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis resulting from estrogen deficiency. Methods : Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were administered TSE at doses of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks, followed by measurement of serum lipid profile and serum bone markers using ELISA kits. Additionally, analysis of related genes in the femur and uterus was performed using Western blot and real-time PCR. Additionally, micro-CT analysis was performed to investigate the protective effect of TSE against bone loss due to oophorectomy. Results : The administration of TSE led to significant reductions in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and glucose levels in the serum of OVX rats. Furthermore, TSE increased estradiol levels in the serum and notably improved the levels of biochemical markers associated with bone metabolism. Additionally, TSE exerted significant regulatory effects on the mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-genes closely associated with bone metabolism in the femur. TSE also demonstrated pronounced effects on uterine tissue, with improvements observed in gene expression related to estrogen receptors. Conclusion : Our findings confirm the efficacy of TSE in ameliorating menopause symptoms by modulating elements associated with both bone and lipid metabolism in the serum, uterine tissue, and femur of OVX rats. The present findings suggest that TSE may offer potential therapeutic effects for symptoms related to menopause and osteoporosis in females.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.247-261
• /
• 1999

The purpose of this study was to figure out related factors to the self-reported climacteric symptoms and the relationship among the health promoting behaviors, climacteric symptoms and degree of Sanhujori, the Korean traditional postpartal care. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. The subjects were 108 middle-aged women who were non-hystrectomized and ranged in age from 40 to 60 years. They were selected in seoul and Kyoung-ki province, Korea, Data were collected from Oct.25 Nov. 10, 1997 by a structured questionnaire. The instruments used for this study were the revised health Promotion Lifestyle(HPLP) developed by Walker, Sechrist & Pender, and revised Climacteric Symptoms Scale developed by Chi, Sung Ai. the data were analyzed by the SPSS/$PC^+$ program using t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe test as a post hoc and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results of the study were as follows ; 1. The mean score of health promoting behaviors was low($2.42{\pm}0.35$). There were statistically significant differences in the score of health promoting behaviors according to the educational background, family income, marital satisfaction, whether or not taking a restorative food and degree of Sanhujori, especially the period (t=-2.07, F=2.60~7.57, p<0.05). 2. The mean score of score self-reported climacteric symptoms was 1.69%;99% of middle-aged women had symptoms. There were statically significant differences in the score of middle -aged women's self-reported climacteric symptoms according to the age, number of children, educational background, occupation, family income, marital satisfaction, whether or not receiving hormon replacement therapy (HRT) or consultation by a professional, perceived health status and self evaluation of Sanhujori(t=-2.04~3.69, F=2.87~11.63, p<0.05). 3. women's degree of Sanhujori was a positive correlation with health promoting behaviors(r=0.34, p=0.00) and negative correlation with the degree of self-reported climacteric symptoms(r=-0.19,p=0.03). 4. The influencing factors to the climacteric symptoms were self actualization, interpersonal support, and perceived health status among the health promoting behaviors with 57% of variance($R^2$=0.57). 5. The middle-aged women's type of coping pattern for the climacteric symptoms was classified as active behavioral coping, spiritual & psychological coping, and negative coping. In conclusion, to intervene the middle aged women's climacteric symptoms and develop nursing strategies for their health, health promoting behavior, especially ; self actualization, interpersonal support, and perceived health status should be considered. And, as the primary prevention strategy for women's health during the period of childbearing and also middle age, especially for the climacteric symptoms, Sanhujori should be reconsidered.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.287-296
• /
• 2016

Purpose: This study identified the level of marital intimacy, menopausal symptom and sexual function, and examined factors affecting sexual function in postmenopausal married women. Methods: With cross-sectional survey, a sample of 245 subjects aged 45 to 60 years was recruited from January to March, 2014. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires which included marital intimacy questionnaire (MIQ), menopause rating scale (MRS), and female sexual function index (FSFI). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Marital intimacy, menopausal symptom and sexual function scores of subjects were $3.46{\pm}1.14$, $13.71{\pm}6.61$, and $12.55{\pm}8.33$, respectively. Marital intimacy and menopausal symptom were related to sexual function. Variables including marital intimacy, psychosocial and urogenital menopausal symptom, period since menopause and body mass index therapy explained 51.5% in sexual function of participants. Conclusion: When nurses plan sexual counseling and education for sexual function of postmenopausal married women, it is necessary to consider marital intimacy, menopausal symptoms, and menopause-related factors.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.290-301
• /
• 2012

This survey of 836 midlife women ($51.0{\pm}4.0$ yrs) was undertaken by exclusively a face to face interview by well-trained interviewers guarantying data collection of higher quality. This survey data was analyzed using the SPSS program. The main purpose of this study was to describe the factors affecting self-rated health status, including dietary habits and physical mental social factors. In the self-rated health status of a 'good' group, age was lower (p < 0.05), monthly income was higher (p < 0.01), dietary habits score (p < 0.001) and appetite (p < 0.001) and the degree of movement (p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (p < 0.001), marital intimacy (p < 0.001) and relationship satisfaction with their children (p < 0.001) were significantly higher than the 'bad' group. The level of depression (p < 0.001) and severe feeling of menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the 'poor' group. The results of correlation analysis demonstrated that educational level (r = 0.069, p < 0.05), income (r = 0.157, p < 0.001), eating habits (r = 0.235, p < 0.001), appetite (r = 0.263, p < 0.001), life satisfaction (r = 0.197, p < 0.001), marital intimacy (r = 0.167, p < 0.001), child relationship satisfaction (r = 0.149, p < 0.001), positive attitude toward menopause (r = 0.070, p < 0.05) showed a positive correlation, but depression (r = -0.122, p < 0.001) and menopausal symptoms (r = -0.292, p < 0.001) showed a negative association with self-rated health status. The predictable factors affecting the self-rated health status of middle-aged women were examined by multiple regression analysis. The 'menopausal symptoms - physical discomfort' was the most important variables followed by the 'appetite', 'eating habits', 'menopause symptoms - sensory problems', 'BMI', 'positive attitude toward menopause' and 'high marital intimacy'. These results showed that the 'appetite' and 'eating habits' are important factors affecting the self-rated health status. Therefore, a program of dietary education must be considered for the effective health education and counseling of middle-aged women.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.176-184
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Middle aged women with depression often experience hot flush symptoms. It is still unclear about the association between depression and hot flush symptoms. Therefore, we investigated hormonal profile, functional somatic symptoms, coping styles and attitude for menopause between depressed women with hot flush and those without hot flush. Methods : This study included 33 depressed patients with hot flush symptoms and 33 depressed patients without hot flush symptoms. Hot flush was confirmed through prospective daily symptom ratings for a week. Subjects' coping styles were assessed by the stress coping checklist. Somatic symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-15(PHQ-15). Sex hormonal levels were assayed by a radioimmunoassay. The Brief World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument(WHOQOL-BREF) was used to evaluate quality of life. Results : In coping style, depressed women with hot flush symptoms used less 'problem-centered coping'($13.15{\pm}3.17$) and 'search for social support'($11.83{\pm}2.84$) than those without hot flush symptoms($15.17{\pm}3.1$, p=0.028 ; $14.25{\pm}3.22$, p=0.009 ; respectively). Depressed women with hot flush symptoms showed more negative attitude toward post-menopause, but its statistical significance was marginally insufficient(p=0.059). We did not find any group differences in sex hormonal levels and somatic complaints assessed by the PHQ-15. The score of social relationship domain of WHOQOL-BREF was significantly lower in subjects with hot flush symptoms($8.62{\pm}2.04$) than subjects without hot flush symptoms($9.71{\pm}1.65$ ; p=0.044). Conclusions : Among middle aged women with depression, the manifestation of hot flush symptoms was associated with coping styles and attitude for menopausal transition. Hot flush symptoms in depressed women negatively influence quality of life, so clinicians actively perform therapeutic approach in case of depressed patients with hot flush symptoms. In case of depressed patients who present hot flushes, cognitive behavior therapy or stress management might be an effective treatment option in company with antidepressants or hormonal treatment. Later, longitudinal study will be needed to evaluate risk factor, cause and effect associated with hot flush and depression.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.275-284
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing self-identity and menopausal symptoms their influence on level of depression in middle-aged woman. Methods: Participants were 135 middle-aged women who were living in city B, were 45-60 years old, informed of study purpose, and agreed to participate. Data were collected from December, 2012 to January, 2013 using scales measuring depression, self-identity, and menopausal symptoms. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Scheff$\acute{e}$ test, Pearson Correlation Coefficients, and Multiple Stepwise Regression. Results: Level of depression was low, self-identity was slightly high, and menopausal symptoms were relatively low in these middle-aged women. There were significant differences in depression by perceived health status and perceived economic status. Depression had a moderate negative correlation with self-identity (r=-.49, p<.001) and a moderate positive correlation with menopausal symptoms (r=.57, p<.001). Menopausal psychological symptoms were the factor most affecting depression and explained 37% of the variance in depression. A total of 51% of variance in depression was explained by menopausal symptoms (psychological and physical), self-identity, and perceived economic status. Conclusion: Thus, an effort to improve self-identity, especially a plan to attenuate menopausal psychological symptoms is needed to reduce depression.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.18-26
• /
• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify menopausal symptoms and quality of life (QOL) according to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in rural menopausal women. Methods: Menopausal symptoms and QOL were measured by questionnaires. A total of 50 participants in HRT group had received hormone replacement therapy for 12 weeks and another 50 who had not received hormone therapy were assigned to non-HRT group. Results: Vasomotor symptom score of non-HRT group was significantly higher than that of HRT group (p=.013). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in all menopausal symptoms except for vasomotor symptom. There were no significant differences between two groups in the total scores and sub-scores of QOL. Total scores and sub-scores of QOL were very low in both group. Menopausal symptoms were significantly negatively correlated with QOL. Conclusion: These results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between HRT group and non-HRT group in menopausal symptoms except for vasomotor symptom and QOL. Menopausal symptoms were moderate and QOL was very low in menopausal women. It is necessary to develop nursing interventions to improve menopausal symptoms and QOL in menopausal women.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.199-211
• /
• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Gamisoyo-san on severe menopausal disorder patients. Methods : We recruited 2 severe menopausal disorder patients who have been suffering from hot flush and heat sensation. The patients had been administrated Gamisoyo-san. The patients of severe menopausal disorder had been estimated with Kupperman's index(KI), Menopause rating scale(MRS), Beck's depression Inventory(BDI), Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Heart rate variability (HRV). Kupperman's index, Menopause rating scale and Beck's depression inventory for every seven days. We measured VAS everyday. Heart rate variability was estimated twice, before and after treatment. Results : After the treatments, symptoms of menopausal disorder were decreased. Conclusions : This study suggests that Gamisoyo-san is significantly effective on severe menopausal disorder patients with hot flush and heat sensation.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.199-214
• /
• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Daeyeongjeongami-bang on menopausal disorder patients. Methods : We recruited 3 menopausal disorder patients who have been suffering from hot flush, fatigue and depression. In addition, the patients had been administrated Daeyeongjeongami-bang. The patients of menopausal disorder had been estimated with Kupperman's index, Menopause rating scale, Beck's depression Inventory, Self rating depression scale, Visual analogue scale and Heart rate variability. We measured Kupperman's index, Menopause rating scale, Beck's depression inventory and Self rating depression scale for every seven days. Heart rate variability was estimated twice, before and after the treatment. Results : After the treatments, symptoms of menopausal disorder were decreased. Conclusions : This study suggests that Daeyeongjeongami-bang is significantly effective on menopausal disorder patients with hot flush, fatigue and depression.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.146-156
• /
• 2016

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 : 1951 women completed self-report questionnaires and 1022 women were enrolled in the study. 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 without them were score of Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean Version, proportions of clinically significant depression(Beck Depression Inventory ${\geq}16$), Menopausal rating scale, attitude towards menopause, the 4 subscales of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF(Physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment), and a History of Premenstrual syndrome/Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean Version, Menopausal Rating Scale, and the Psychological subscale of World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF show associations with vasomotor symptoms. Conclusions : 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.