The menopausal transition is associated with substantial hormonal alterations that may adversely affect lower urinary tract function, bowel function, and sexual health. Although these symptoms are common, few studies have comprehensively evaluated all three pelvic floor compartments across different menopausal stages. The aim of this study is to compare lower urinary tract symptoms, bowel symptoms, and female sexual function among women in the perimenopausal, early postmenopausal, and late postmenopausal stages. In addition, the relationship between menopausal stage and symptom severity will be investigated.
Menopause is characterized by estrogen deficiency, resulting in structural and functional alterations in pelvic floor tissues. Lower urinary tract symptoms, bowel dysfunction, and female sexual dysfunction are increasingly recognized as important health concerns during the menopausal transition. Despite growing evidence regarding individual pelvic floor disorders, few studies have simultaneously evaluated urinary, colorectal, and sexual symptoms across different menopausal stages. This study will classify women according to STRAW+10 criteria into: Perimenopause Early postmenopause Late postmenopause Participants will undergo a single assessment session. Demographic information together with validated questionnaires will be collected. No intervention or treatment will be provided.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
180
Lower urinary tract symptoms will be assessed using the validated Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and poorer urinary health-related quality of life.
Bowel symptoms and colorectal-anal distress will be evaluated using the Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and distress related to bowel dysfunction.
Constipation severity will be assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score. Higher scores represent more severe constipation symptoms.
Female sexual function will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index, a validated questionnaire evaluating desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Higher scores indicate better sexual function.
Bezmialem Vakif University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) Score
Lower urinary tract symptoms will be assessed using the validated Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and poorer urinary health-related quality of life
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8)
Bowel symptoms and colorectal-anal distress will be evaluated using the Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and distress related to bowel dysfunction.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score
Constipation severity will be assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score. Higher scores represent more severe constipation symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Bristol Stool Form Scale
The Bristol Stool Form Scale is a 7-category scale ranging from Type 1 (hard stools) to Type 7 (watery stools). Values range from 1 to 7. Lower scores indicate harder stool consistency, whereas higher scores indicate looser stool consistency.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Female Sexual Function Index
Female sexual function will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index, a validated questionnaire evaluating desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Higher scores indicate better sexual function.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
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