Menopause Characteristics and Subjective Symptoms in Women with and without Spinal Cord Injury

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2010 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.12.012 · Published: April 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Women's Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how women with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience menopause compared to women without SCI. It examines if they go through menopause at the same age and if they have similar symptoms. The research followed women over four years, tracking their menopause status and the severity of symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood changes. The findings help understand if SCI affects the menopause experience and can guide healthcare providers in supporting women with SCI during this life stage.

Study Duration

4 years

Participants

62 women with SCI and 66 women without SCI

Evidence Level

Prospective cohort

Key Findings

1
Women with SCI reported greater bother from somatic symptoms (like pain and bladder infections) and diminished sexual arousal compared to women without SCI.
2
Contrary to expectations, women with SCI reported less bother from vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes) than women without SCI.
3
The study found that the age at which women experienced their final menstrual period (FMP) was similar between the SCI and non-SCI groups.

Research Summary

This prospective cohort study examined menopause transition characteristics and symptom bother in women with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). Results suggested that women with SCI experience greater symptom bother in certain areas, but that patterns of symptom bother across menopause and transition through menopause and age at FMP is similar to their peers. The findings provide a framework for women with SCI and their healthcare providers to address the menopause transition and highlight the importance of multidisciplinary involvement to maximize health and well being.

Practical Implications

Informed Clinical Practice

Healthcare providers can use the findings to understand that women with SCI may experience menopause similarly to their peers, but with increased bother from somatic symptoms and diminished sexual arousal.

Targeted Interventions

The results suggest a need for multidisciplinary involvement to address menopause-related issues in women with SCI, considering both gynecological and physiatry perspectives.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to examine the efficacy of interventions to treat menopause symptom bother in women with SCI, considering the level and completeness of injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study population was primarily well-educated and Caucasian.
2
The symptom scale used may be limited in its specificity for menopause-related symptoms.
3
The study lacked adequate power to test outcomes with respect to the level or completeness of SCI.

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