Physical Activity and Quality of Life During Menopausal Transition and Postmenopause

Menopausal transition is associated with a variety of symptoms and complaints among majority of women. It is difficult to separate whether symptoms prevalent among menopausal women are due to aging or menopause itself. However, quality of life is an important issue when health of the middle-aged menopausal women is considered. Quality of life measurements include several aspects such as physical and mental health, vitality, depression, vasomotor symptoms, and other symptoms. Physical activity has been shown to be associated with overall better subjective health and also with quality of life among menopausal women. In this chapter, we discuss prevalence menopausal of symptoms, quality of life scales, and mechanisms of physical activity related to menopausal symptoms. Experimental evidence concerning physical activity, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life is not large; only few studies have been performed. Large cohort studies have shown that physical activity is associated with fewer menopausal symptoms. To summarize, the studies have parallel results independent of their design; increasing as well as greater levels of physical activity are associated with better quality of life. Thus, physical activity can be recommended for menopausal women suffering from vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms.