مجله پزشکی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی تبریز (Aug 2024)

The relationship of early postmenopausal symptoms, sexual function, and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone with anxiety score in postmenopausal women referring to health centers of tabriz

  • Hamed Valizadeh,
  • Bina Eftekharsadat,
  • Hanieh Salehi Pourmehr,
  • Mandana Mojtahedi,
  • Somayyeh Sarrafi,
  • Sina Emdadi,
  • Azizeh Farshbaf Khalili

DOI
https://doi.org/10.34172/mj.2024.037
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 46, no. 3
pp. 329 – 337

Abstract

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Background. Anxiety is independently associated with severe quality of life impairment and severe postmenopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of early postmenopausal symptoms, sexual function, and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with anxiety scores. Methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive correlational study, 117 eligible postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years with mild to moderate anxiety were selected using convenience sampling method. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Green's Menopause Symptoms Scale, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were completed. Data were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman tests and linear regression model. Results. By adjusting the confounding variables, the total score of FSFI and its sub-domains had no statistically significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory score (P>0.05). The total score of Greene Climacteric Scale (r=0.535; P<0.001) and sub-domains of anxiety (r=0.448; P<0.001), depression (r=0.344; P<0.001), and physical symptoms (r=0.509; P<0.001), as well as the serum level of DHEA (r=-0.754; P<0.001) had statistically significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory score. The total score of Greene Climacteric Scale and its sub-domains, except for the sexual dimension, and DHEA level could predict anxiety score. Conclusion. The score of menopausal symptoms and its subdomains, except for the sexual domain and DHEA level, could predict the anxiety score. The findings of this study show the importance of the relationship between early menopause symptoms and serum level of dihydroepiandrosterone with anxiety score in postmenopausal women. Practical Implications. It is suggested to conduct a more comprehensive study considering a wider sample size and socio-cultural factors and barriers.

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