Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil

About: Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil is a education organization based out in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Sexual function. The organization has 881 authors who have published 819 publications receiving 6376 citations.

Understanding weight gain at menopause

Abstract: Objective The aim of this review was to summarize the literature regarding the impact of the menopause transition on body weight and body composition.Methods We conducted a search of the literature...

Gender differences in cardiovascular disease: hormonal and biochemical influences.

Abstract: Objective: Atherosclerosis is a complex process characterized by an increase in vascular wall thickness owing to the accumulation of cells and extracellular matrix between the endothelium and the smooth muscle cell wall. There is evidence thatfemales are at lower risk ofdeveloping cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared to males. This has led to an interest in examining the contribution of genetic background and sex hormones to the development of CVD. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of factors, including those related to gender, that influence CVD. Methods: Evidence analysis from PubMed and individual searches concerning biochemical and endocrine influences and gender differences, which affect the origin and development of CVD. Results: Although still controversial, evidence suggests that hormones including estradiol and androgens are responsible for subtle cardiovascular changes long before the development of overt atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Exposure to sex hormones throughout an individualis lifespan modulates many endocrine factors involved in atherosclerosis.

Sexual dysfunction in middle-aged women: a multicenter Latin American study using the Female Sexual Function Index.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and associated risk factors among middle-aged Latin American women using one validated instrument. Methods: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was applied to 7,243 healthy women aged 40 to 59 years who were users of 19 healthcare systems from 11 Latin American countries. An itemized questionnaire containing personal and partner sociodemographic data was also filled out. Results: Mean T SD age of surveyed women was 49.0 T 5.7 years, with 11.6 years of schooling on average. There were 55.1% of women who were married, 46.8% who were postmenopausal, 14.1% who used hormonal therapy (HT), and 25.6% who were sexually inactive. Among those who were active (n = 5,391), the mean T SD total FSFI score was 25.2 T 5.9 and 56.8% of them presented SD (FSFI total score e26.55), with a prevalence varying from 21.0% to 98.5% depending on the center. Centers were grouped in terciles (according to mean T SD prevalence). The tercile with higher SD prevalence (86.4%) compared with that with lower SD prevalence (32.2%) had significantly older women (49.5 T 5.3 vs 48.0 T 5.6 y) with a higher rate of vaginal dryness (60.4% vs 40.8%) and older partners (53.0 T 6.9 vs 50.2 T 7.5 y). Similarly, there was a significantly higher rate of married (68.5% vs 63.1%), postmenopausal (49.7% vs 39.3%), and HT-using women (23% vs 9.2%). There were no differences in regard to their health perception, history of oophorectomy, rape, and partner SD rate (27% vs 26.2%). The total FSFI score was significantly lower in the tercile with higher SD prevalence (22.0 T 5.0 vs 27.5 T 5.4). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratios (95% CIs) for the main risk factors associated with SD among those who were sexually active: bad lubrication, 3.86 (3.37-4.43); use of alternative menopausal therapies, 2.13 (1.60-2.84); partner SD, 1.89 (1.63-2.20); older women (948 y), 1.84 (1.61-2.09); bladder problems, 1.47 (1.28-1.69); HT use, 1.39 (1.15-1.68); negative perception of female health status, 1.31 (1.05-1.64); and being married, 1.22 (1.07-1.40). Protective factors were higher educational level (women), partner faithfulness, and access to private healthcare. Conclusions: The prevalence of SD in this middle-aged Latin American series was found to be high, varying widely in different populations. A decrease in vaginal lubrication was the most important associated risk factor. Differences in the prevalence of risk factors among the studied groups, several of which are modifiable, could explain the variation of SD prevalence observed in this study.