Quality of Life, Menopausal Symptoms, Insomnia and Depression in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND This cross-sectional observational study evaluated whether the severity of menopausal symptoms, insomnia, and depression is associated with decreased quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal Polish women. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 287 peri- and postmenopausal white European women aged 45 to 60 years were included. Exclusion criteria were hormone replacement therapy, chronic diseases or cancer, drug or alcohol addiction, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive impairment. Menopausal symptoms, insomnia, depression, and quality of life were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale, Athens Insomnia Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS Postmenopausal women reported more severe psychological (10.5 vs 8.7, P=0.027) and vasomotor menopausal symptoms (2.2 vs 1.2, P<0.001) and had lower overall quality of life (3.4 vs 3.6, P=0.019), physical health (3.7 vs 3.9, P=0.014), and social relationships scores (3.5 vs 3.7, P=0.007) compared with perimenopausal women. Perimenopausal women living in rural areas experienced more severe psychological menopausal symptoms than those in urban areas (11.4 vs 8.2, P=0.036). Among postmenopausal women, lower educational level was associated with more severe vasomotor symptoms, compared with a university degree (2.6 vs 1.9, P=0.036). Severity of insomnia and depression did not correlate with education, residence, or marital status (P>0.05). Lower educational level and single marital status were associated with poorer quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Decreased quality of life was associated with greater severity of menopausal symptoms, insomnia, and depression. Identification of factors reducing quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal women may support early intervention and improve long-term functioning.