Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine menopause transition characteristics and symptom bother in
women with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Prospective cohort (4 data
collection periods across 4 years). SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Women
(n=62) with SCI (injury levels C6-T12, nonambulatory, >36mo postinjury; 86.1%
retention) and women without SCI (n=66; 92.9% retention) with intact ovaries, not
using hormone therapy, and between the ages of 45 and 60 years volunteered. A
total of 505 observations were collected and analyzed. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at final menstrual period (FMP), transitions through
menopause status classifications, and menopause symptom bother (vasomotor,
somatic, psychologic symptoms). RESULTS: The number of women transitioning
through a menopause status classification over the course of the study did not
significantly vary by group (P=.263), nor did age at FMP (P=.643). Women with SCI
experienced greater bother of somatic symptoms (a subscale, P<.001), bladder
infections (P<.001), and diminished sexual arousal (P=.012). Women without SCI
had significantly greater bother of vasomotor symptoms (P=.020). There were no
significant group by menopause status interactions; main effects for menopause
status were significant only for vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness.
CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that women with SCI experience greater symptom
bother in certain areas, but that patterns of symptom bother across menopause,
transition through menopause, and age at FMP are similar to those of their peers.
Larger studies are needed to examine menopause outcomes with respect to level of
injury and completeness of injury. These findings provide a framework that women
with SCI and their health care providers can use to address the menopause
transition and highlight the importance of multidisciplinary involvement to
maximize health and well being during this transition.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS