The Effect of Physical Activity and Depressive Mood on Menopausal
Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women
Abstract
Aims: The symptoms of menopause in postmenopausal women adversely affect
the quality of life. Menopausal symptoms are more severe with comorbid
disorders such as depression; it may be lighter in physically active
people. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between
menopausal symptoms and physical activity and depressive mood. Material
and Method: 190 women under 65 years of age who were at least one year
passed since their last menstrual period participated in the study.
Sociodemographic data form, Menopause Symptom Rating Scale,
International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form and Beck’s
Depression Inventory were applied to the participants. Results: It was
seen that 51.6% (98 subjects) of the women who participated in the
study had severe menopausal symptoms. 52.6% (100 subjects) of the
participants were physically inactive, and their menopausal symptoms
increased as the physical activity scale score decreased (p=0.001).
Menopausal symptoms increased as the Beck’s Depression Inventory score
increased (p<0.001). It was observed that depression inventory
scores decreased as the level of physical activity increased
(p<0.001). Conclusion: Adoption of regular physical activity
habits by postmenopausal women and providing treatment to those with
depression will contribute to alleviating the severity of menopausal
symptoms.