Evaluation of the relationship between plasma viscosity and selected menopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity are associated with the severity of postmenopausal symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Methods This study included 108 postmenopausal women admitted to menopause clinics. Participants were divided into two groups according to their MRS scores. Groups 1 (n = 52) and 2 (n = 56) were composed of healthy postmenopausal women with MRS scores of <14 and >= 14 points, respectively. The clinical findings and hemorheological parameters were compared between the two groups. Results Comparing plasma viscosity levels between the two groups showed that group 1 had 1.25 +/- 0.08 centipoise, whereas group 2 had 1.30 +/- 0.10 centipoise (P = 0.03). The difference in plasma viscosity between the two groups persisted after adjustment for age (1.24 +/- 0.08 vs 1.31 +/- 0.10; P < 0.001). Plasma viscosity was also significantly correlated with age (r = 0.384, P < 0.001), menopausal duration (r = 0.362, P < 0.001), and urogenital symptoms (r = 410, P < 0.001). Conclusions Increased plasma viscosity levels were significantly associated with selected postmenopausal symptoms, independent of age.