BACKGROUND

Surgical menopause results in abrupt reduction of ovarian hormones and is linked with heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as, musculoskeletal, neurocognitive, psychiatric and urogenital changes, including sexual dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of surgically menopause women towards menopause and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT).

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from May 2024 to April 2025 among 92 surgically menopause women. Respondents answered a validated questionnaire regarding their KAP on menopause and HRT.

RESULTS

Majority of the respondents were 41-45 (40.2%) and 46-50 (42.4%) years old at the time of surgery. The most common symptoms were hot flashes/night sweats (60.9%) and vaginal dryness (55.45%) with onset occurring more than 12 months after surgery. Participants demonstrated a neutral understanding of both knowledge on menopause and HRT (mean score 3.03, 2.96). A notable finding was their limited awareness of HRT’s effectiveness in treating hot flashes (mean score 2.76), contrasting with a stronger belief in its cosmetic benefits, (mean score 3.15). Attitudes toward menopause and HRT were also neutral. The primary factor influencing HRT use was physician’s recommendations. While approximately half of the women discussed the surgical induction of menopause and the need for HRT, only 47.8% were prescribed HRT.

CONCLUSION

Majority of women have fair knowledge on menopause and HRT. Women are not fully familiar with the uses of HRT. The neutral responses across the KAP points the need for educational intervention for fostering a more informed and empowered patient population.

Human ; Female ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Menopause

Objective: This study aims to establish baseline information on the practice of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) among Filipino gynecologic endoscopists amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted among Fellows of the Philippine Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (PSGE) practicing in private and government hospitals in the Philippines after informed consent. The survey had five subsections: (1) demographic data, (2) impact of COVID-19 pandemic on MIGS practice, (3) changes of practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (4) changes in the conduct of surgery and postoperative care. Results: A total of 119 out of 144 PSGE Fellows based in the Philippines participated in the survey, 83% were Fellows in both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The majority had more than 15 years of practice and were practicing in the National Capital Region. Surgeries were canceled initially but have since resumed. The majority were hysteroscopy cases, the most common being polypectomy. Majority of the respondents reduced their clinic hours and appointments. Most have used telemedicine for consultations. Use of face masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment (PPE) were the top precautions taken in the clinics. Screening and precautions per guidelines inside the operating room setting were observed. Modifications during surgery include the use of smoke evacuators, minimizing energy device use, and wearing enhanced PPE. Conclusion The volume of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy cases was greatly reduced during the pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted the practice of MIGS both in the outpatient clinics and the operating rooms. Most of the changes made are congruent to local and international automotive task force guidelines. Precautionary measures and screening procedures must remain in place to reduce the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission to patients and health-care workers.
COVID-19 ; Personal Protective Equipment ; Telemedicine

Objective: To determine the effect of metformin on maternal and neonatal outcome among pregnant Filipino women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study of PCOS women who were on metformin treatment prior to achieving pregnancy. The women were divided into two groups: women who continued metformin during pregnancy and women who discontinued metformin at the time the pregnancy was confirmed. Determination of the effect of metformin on pregnancy outcomes were analyzed using chi-square test. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the factors related to spontaneous abortion. Result: A total of 101 women continued metformin during pregnancy while 60 women discontinued metformin. Women who continued metformin had lower rates of first trimester spontaneous abortion compared to those who discontinued metformin (5% versus 36.2%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in gestational diabetes between those who continued and discontinued metformin during pregnancy (19.0% versus 32.6%, p=0.07). Logistic regression analysis showed that only metformin during pregnancy has a protective effect on abortion (OR=0.168; 95% CI 0.048,0.592; p=0.005). The differences in neonatal outcomes between the two groups did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion In Filipino women with PCOS, continuous use of metformin during pregnancy reduces the rate of first trimester spontaneous abortion
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Pregnancy Complications ; Metformin

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the biosynthesis and release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). GnRH is also known as luteinizing hormone releasing horome (LHRH).
GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE ; GENITAL DISEASES, FEMALE