Physical activity, anthropometric measurements, quality of life and menopausal symptoms among South-Indian women

Introduction
Menopause is the period when the reproductive capacity ceases in women’s life. A wide range of symptoms occur as a consequence of estrogen decrease during menopause. Evidence suggests that physically active women have a better quality of life (QoL) and fewer menopausal symptoms. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between physical activity (PA), anthropometric measurements, QoL and menopausal symptoms.

Material and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted online through WhatsApp and Facebook and via email among menopausal women (April 2021 – June 2021). In total 168 responses were received; 153 responses were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria. Participants were asked to complete the details of anthropometric measurements, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL).

Results
The majority of menopausal women complained of one or more symptoms in the MRS. A statistically significant difference was noted between the body mass index (BMI) and the menopausal symptoms such as irritability and depressive mood. There was an association between PA and MENQOL physical and sexual domains (p-value ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions
There was an association between PA, menopausal symptoms, BMI and MENQOL physical and sexual domains. Hence, moderate PA promotion is recommended among middle aged women to have a healthy menopausal transition.