Metformin use is associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis in adult women independent of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. REDLINC IX study.

Metformin may decrease cell senescence, including bone; hence we aimed at evaluating the association between metformin use and osteoporosis. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 1259 Latin American adult women aged 40 or more who were not on anti-osteoporotic drugs, were on metformin and had a bone densitometry performed. Of the whole sample, 40.

An individualized approach to the management of vaginal atrophy in Latin America.

Objective: In the absence of guidelines specific for Latin America, a region where the impact of menopause is becoming increasingly important, an evidence-based specialist opinion on management of vaginal atrophy will help improve outcomes.

Methods: An advisory board meeting was convened in São Paulo, Brazil, to discuss practical recommendations for managing vaginal atrophy in women in Latin America. Before the meeting, physicians considered various aspects of the condition, summarizing information accordingly.

Association between waist-to-height ratio and anxiety in middle-aged women: a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional multicenter Latin American study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and anxiety in middle-aged women.

Methods: We carried out a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter study of women between 40 and 59 years old from 11 Latin America countries. Anxiety was assessed using the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Association between anxiety and severe quality-of-life impairment in postmenopausal women: analysis of a multicenter Latin American cross-sectional study.

Objective: To evaluate associations between anxiety and severe impairment of quality of life (QoL) in Latin American postmenopausal women.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter cross-sectional study among postmenopausal women aged 40 to 59 from 11 Latin American countries. We evaluated anxiety (The Goldberg Depression and Anxiety Scale), and QoL (Menopause Rating Scale [MRS]), and included sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, and anthropometric variables in the analysis.

Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in middle-aged women.

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) has been recently linked with high plasma leptin levels. Our objective was to study if obese women, who have higher leptin levels, could have a higher frequency of MSP. We studied 6079 Latin-American women, 40-59 years old.

Personal and professional use of menopausal hormone therapy among gynecologists: A multinational study (REDLINC VII).

Background: Previously, the REDLINC VI study showed that the main reason for the low use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was its low rate of prescription by doctors.

Objective: To determine the use of MHT and perceived related risks among gynecologists.

Methods: A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was delivered to certified gynecologists in 11 Latin American countries.

Sedentary lifestyle in middle-aged women is associated with severe menopausal symptoms and obesity.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between sedentary lifestyle and the severity of menopausal symptoms and obesity in middle-aged women.

Methods: The Menopause Rating Scale, the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Athens Insomnia Scale were administered to 6,079 Latin American women aged 40 to 59 years. Sedentary lifestyle was defined as fewer than three weekly, 30-minute periods of physical activity.

Obesity and its relation to depressive symptoms and sedentary lifestyle in middle-aged women.

Background: The prevalence of obesity increases during female mid-life and although many factors have been identified, data from Latin America is lacking.

Objective: To assess factors related to obesity among middle-aged women and determine the association with depressive symptoms, sedentary lifestyle and other factors.

Methods: A total of 6079 women aged 40-59 years of 11 Latin American countries were asked to fill out the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Menopause Rating Scale, the Athens Insomnia Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a general questionnaire containing personal socio-demographic data, anthropometric measures and lifestyle information.

A multinational study of sleep disorders during female mid-life.

Background: Although sleep disturbances are common during female mid-life, few studies have described in detail the prevalence of this problem and related risk factors.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of sleep disturbances in mid-aged women using validated tools. Assessment of determinants capable of influencing the prevalence of insomnia and poor sleep quality was also performed.

Optimal waist circumference cutoff value for defining the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Latin American women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine an optimal waist circumference (WC) cutoff value for defining the metabolic syndrome (METS) in postmenopausal Latin American women.

Methods: A total of 3,965 postmenopausal women (age, 45-64 y), with self-reported good health, attending routine consultation at 12 gynecological centers in major Latin American cities were included in this cross-sectional study. Modified guidelines of the US National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III were used to assess METS risk factors.

Age at menopause in Latin America.

Objective: To assess the age at menopause (AM) in Latin America urban areas.

Design: A total of 17,150 healthy women, aged 40 to 59 years, accompanying patients to healthcare centers in 47 cities of 15 Latin American countries, were surveyed regarding their age, educational level, healthcare coverage, history of gynecological surgery, smoking habit, presence of menses, and the use of contraception or hormone therapy at menopause. The AM was calculated using logit analysis.