The effect of physical activity and depressive mood on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women

Aims The symptoms of menopause in postmenopausal women adversely affect the quality of life. Menopausal symptoms are more severe with comorbid disorders such as depression; it may be lighter in physically active people. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and physical activity and depressive mood. Material and method One hundred and ninety women under 65 years of age who were at least 1 year passed since their last menstrual period participated in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Menopause Symptom Rating Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form and Beck's Depression Inventory were applied to the participants. Results It was seen that 51.6% (98 subjects) of the women who participated in the study had severe menopausal symptoms. 52.6% (100 subjects) of the participants were physically inactive, and their menopausal symptoms increased as the physical activity scale score decreased (P = .001). Menopausal symptoms increased as the Beck's Depression Inventory score increased (P