Abstract
Introduction
Menopausal symptoms are common during midlife and may influence women's physical activity (PA) participation and their experience of being active. However, relationships between menopausal symptom severity, PA, confidence and enjoyment, social support (SS), exercise identity, and quality of life (QOL) remain unclear. This study examined associations between menopausal symptoms, PA, and psychosocial factors among physically active midlife women.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 151 women aged 40–60 years who reported engaging in intentional PA at least once per week. Participants completed an online survey including the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Self-Administered Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (SMAQ), Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS), Social Support for Exercise Survey (SSES), Exercise Identity Scale (EIS), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Spearman correlations and regression analyses were used to examine associations among menopausal symptoms, SS, exercise identity, QOL, and self-reported PA. Perceived effects of menopausal symptoms on PA were also summarized descriptively.
Results
Contrary to the hypothesis, greater menopausal symptom severity was not associated with lower PA. Instead, symptom severity demonstrated a weak positive association with PA and was the only variable significantly associated with PA in the multiple regression model. Menopausal symptoms were highly prevalent and were commonly perceived as negatively affecting PA confidence, enjoyment, intensity, and ease of participation. SS was positively associated with PA at the bivariate level but was not significant after accounting for other variables in the multiple regression model. Exercise identity and QOL were also not significantly associated with PA in the multiple regression model.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that midlife women may remain physically active even while experiencing symptoms that make activity feel more difficult, less enjoyable, or less confidence-building, and that self-reported PA participation and the perceived experience of being active should be considered separately. Findings support the need for flexible, symptom-aware, and socially supportive approaches to PA promotion for midlife women.