Work

Associations between BMI and menopausal symptoms among Danish nurses: A cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To examine the association between body mass index and the severity of menopausal symptoms among Danish nurses. Study design Cross-sectional analysis of the 2024 wave of the Danish Nurse Cohort. Main outcome measures Total score on the Menopause Rating Scale dichotomized as no-to-mild (<9) versus moderate-to-severe (≥9), with domain cut-offs applied for somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. Multiple logistic regression models were applied, adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, cohabitation, and age at last menstrual period. Results Of 6078 women (mean age 63.5 (standard deviation 9.3) years), 55.8% reported moderate-to-severe symptoms. Each 5-unit increase in body mass index was associated with higher odds of moderate-to-severe symptoms (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.20). Domain analyses showed associations for psychological (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.23) and somato-vegetative (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.22) domains, but not urogenital (odds ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.91–1.03). Participants with a body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m 2 had lower associated odds (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.83) and participants with a body mass index of 30 kg/m 2 or more had higher odds (odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.46) than women with a eutrophic body mass index. Conclusions In a large national representative cohort of Danish nurses, higher body mass index was significantly associated with greater severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly psychological and somato-vegetative. These findings highlight the importance of considering weight-related factors when addressing midlife women's health and menopause care.

Source: Maturitas

DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2026.108859

Authors: Louise Polano, Tine Worm Thinggaard, Mette Kildevæld Simonsen, Maarten van Wijhe, Marianne Vámosi

Institutions: Roskilde University, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Bispebjerg Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Menopause: Health Impacts and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,390