8000002 MidFit: a lifestyle program to support perimenopausal women

<h3>Objective</h3> While menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) remains the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms, there is growing evidence to support the benefits of lifestyle adjustments for managing symptoms and optimising health outcomes during perimenopause and beyond. The aim of this research was to develop a lifestyle programme for perimenopausal women, and to evaluate the programme’s acceptability and effectiveness on symptoms. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A lifestyle intervention incorporating physical activity and menopause-specific health education (including basics of menopause, benefits of physical activity and diet, mental health and well-being, sleep, pelvic floor health, sexual health, hormonal replacement therapy and health after menopause) was implemented over six-weeks. This was initially piloted using a pre-post design. Learnings from the pilot study were then incorporated into a quasi-randomised control trial. Feasibility for both studies was assessed through recruitment, retention and adherence rates, as well as safety measures. Acceptability was evaluated using weekly questionnaires and a focus group or interviews with a subset of participants. Secondary outcomes included self-reported perimenopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale [MRS]). <h3>Results</h3> Of 38 eligible participants who registered interest in the pilot study, 21 enrolled (55% recruitment rate), of which 17 completed pre- and post-intervention assessments (81% retention rate). On average, participants attended 83% of group sessions either in person or online. No safety concerns were reported. Participants found the programme acceptable, with focus group interviews revealing positive feedback regarding its relevance and efficacy. Total MRS score decreased over time (pre-intervention: 16.82 ± 7.74 Au; post-intervention: 8.53 ± 5.72 Au, P = &lt;0.001). Findings from the randomised controlled trial are currently being analysed. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The findings from the pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a lifestyle programme for perimenopausal women with additional support for a positive impact of the programme on perimenopause-related symptoms.