OBJECTIVES

: Menopause related vasomotor symptoms (VMS) occur in approximately 75% of women in the US. Night sweats and hot flashes are associated with sleep and mood disturbances, as well as an overall cognitive decline. This may result in social and work-related impairment. This study assessed the impact of severe VMS on work and activity impairment.

METHODS

: Patient- and physician-recorded data from a US cross-sectional survey conducted by Adelphi Real World in 2014Q2 were analysed. Physicians were asked to complete details of consecutive patients consulting with VMS including demographics, symptoms and comorbidities, as well as classifying the severity of VMS. The same patients completed a survey which comprised the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Adjusted means were derived for the level of work and activity impairment reported by patients with severe and mild/moderate VMS, by utilising multiple linear regressions, adjusted for covariates age, BMI and comorbidities.

RESULTS

: 250 patients were included in the study (mean age 53.4 years; 66.5% post-menopausal; 72.7% receiving prescribed treatment) of which 159 were in employment. The sample consisted of 26.4%, 51.2% and 22.4% patients with mild, moderate and severe VMS, respectively. Patients experiencing severe VMS were significantly more associated with a higher overall work impairment score compared with mild/moderate patients (mild/moderate; 14.3%, severe; 25.7%, p=0.028). Patients with severe VMS reported activity impairment around double that of mild/moderate VMS patients (mild/moderate; 17.4%, severe; 34.0%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Over a fifth of women experienced severe VMS. Their work and activity impairment ranged from 25-35%; comparable with numerous chronic diseases. This study highlights that women experiencing severe VMS are significantly more likely to endure high levels of impairment at work and in their daily activities.