Investigation of the Effects of Pilates Exercises on Menopause Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women

Investigation of the Effects of Pilates Exercises on Menopausal Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women

Menopause represents a major transition in a woman's life as estrogen and progesterone levels decline, and this hormonal shift is associated with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, including vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, and urogenital symptoms such as vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Pilates exercises on menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. The research seeks to understand how an 8-week Pilates program, conducted twice a week, influences the quality of life and sexual function during the postmenopausal period. A total of 30 postmenopausal women were included in this study, divided into a Pilates group and a control group. The Pilates group participated in an 8-week Pilates exercise program, while the control group received no exercise intervention but attended menopause information sessions. Data were collected using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), the Menopausal-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and after the intervention. Body Mass Index (BMI) was recorded, but not used in the primary analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women who have reached menopause
• Being physically or cognitively competent to exercise
• Those who agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with serious heart disease, DM, kidney, liver, thyroid disease and cancer patients
• Those receiving hormone therapy
• People using antipsychotic medication
• Those using steroids and derivative drugs
• People using insulin sensitizing drugs Those with musculoskeletal system diseases that would prevent them from exercising Cognitive problems that affect cooperation