Improving Quality of Life in Menopausal Women Through a Best Practice Protocol: the Use of Hormone Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Module and Exercise

Author

Claire Czerwonka, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

5-8-2024

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Jamie Bump

Abstract

Menopause is a normal process of aging, but many of the symptoms negatively impact women’s day-to-day quality of life (QOL), as well as activities of daily living, physical and mental health (ACOG, 2014). Generally, systemic estrogen hormone therapy is indicated for menopause-related vasomotor symptoms, but there is no research further addressing QOL issues or lifestyle management in addition to hormone therapy. The purpose of this evidence-base practice (EBP) project was to implement a menopause protocol to address QOL issues in menopausal women with the use of hormone replacement therapy, education through an online mindfulness module, and the use of exercise. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from eligible patients at scheduled appointments. Ten women aged 46-58 years old from an outpatient private women’s health clinic in Wisconsin participated in this project. Once recruited, participants completed a demographic form, a menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) survey and were given educational handouts (Appendix A). The intervention included the application of UCLA Mindful creation of an individual exercise program for the patient, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT was prescribed by the providers, based on patient eligibility and preference. Participants were monitored for a total of ten weeks, which included a check-in at five weeks. Post intervention, participants were readministered the MENQOL to determine effectiveness of the intervention. Pre and post intervention scores were evaluated using a paired sample t test. Overall, results of the MENQOL scores showed a significant large difference between pre intervention scores (M= 4.5, SD = 1) and post intervention scores (M= 3.8, SD = 0.8), t (9) = 2.9, p = 0.17. Findings from this project can inform future development of guidelines for provider use in the management of menopausal women and their symptoms.

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Recommended Citation

Czerwonka, Claire, "Improving Quality of Life in Menopausal Women Through a Best Practice Protocol: the Use of Hormone Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Module and Exercise" (2024). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 207.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/207