The role of self-rated health in the association between chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms

Objectives: We have previously shown an association between several chronic somatic diseases and climacteric-related symptoms. This time, we investigated whether self-rated health (SRH) contributes to this association.Methods: The Women's Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate the climacteric-related symptoms, and existence of the diseases was investigated in 3421 women (41-54 years). In our previous study, the associations were defined with multivariable analyses. In the present study, SRH (good, moderate or bad) was included as a covariate.Results: Most of the previously found associations between the diseases and the symptoms lost their significance. Accordingly, SRH played an important role in the association between the diseases and the symptoms related to the climacteric.Conclusions: SRH seems to be of significant importance regarding the relationship between the chronic somatic diseases and the symptoms related to climacteric. Most of the diseases are not associated with the climacteric-related symptoms if the disease does not deteriorate the SRH. Thus, women's own perception of their health is crucial for their symptomatology

Physical activity and maternal–fetal circulation measured by Doppler ultrasound

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of physical activity on maternal-fetal circulation measured by uterine and umbilical artery Doppler flow velocimetry waveforms. STUDY DESIGN: Participants included 781 pregnant women with Doppler ultrasounds of the uterine and umbilical artery and who self-reported past week physical activity. Linear and generalized estimating equation regression models were used to examine these associations. RESULTS: Moderate-to-vigorous total and recreational activity were associated with higher uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and an increased risk of uterine artery notching as compared to reporting no total or recreational physical activity, respectively. Moderate-to-vigorous work activity was associated with lower uterine artery PI and a reduced risk of uterine artery notching as compared to no work activity. No associations were identified with the umbilical circulation measured by the resistance index. CONCLUSION: In this epidemiologic study, recreational and work activity were associated with opposite effects on uterine artery PI and uterine artery notching, though associations were modest in magnitude