Women

This study aimed to assess maternal health profiles related to diet, pregnancy, and breastfeeding practices among 437 mothers with children under 24 months in a rural village in Madagascar, and to examine their association with maternal educational attainment using interviews and anthropometric data. Bivariate statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between maternal education level and all studied variables. Multivariate analyses were also conducted but did not yield reliable results and are therefore not presented. The findings showed that higher maternal education was strongly associated with better socioeconomic conditions; improved access to essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare facilities; and greater dietary diversity. More educated women reported consuming a wider range of foods, reflecting better nutritional quality and potential benefits for maternal health. In contrast, education level did not significantly affect pregnancy-related care or breastfeeding practices as recommended by the WHO. This suggests that while education enhances women’s ability to access and choose nutritious diets, broader cultural or systemic factors may shape maternal care behaviors. Women with higher educational attainment had greater access to diverse and sufficient diets, which may contribute to improved maternal nutritional status. Sustainable interventions aimed at improving women’s education and nutritional literacy are needed to support informed dietary choices and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils, is increasingly recognized as a complementary approach to women’s mental health, particularly during hormonally sensitive life stages such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Concerns about the side effects of pharmacological treatments during these periods have driven interest in non-pharmacologic interventions. This narrative review synthesizes current clinical evidence on the efficacy of aromatherapy in alleviating psychological distress in women. A comprehensive literature review between 2000 and 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 47 studies focusing on essential oils for anxiety, depression, or stress in female populations. The most substantial evidence supports the use of lavender, bergamot, rose, chamomile, clary sage, and ylang-ylang, with inhalation and massage as the most frequently studied delivery methods. Outcomes include reductions in cortisol, heart rate, and subjective stress, along with improvements in mood and emotional regulation. Aromatherapy demonstrates particular promise in postpartum and perimenopausal care. However, methodological heterogeneity and variability in oil composition limit generalizability. Despite these challenges, the evidence suggests that aromatherapy may serve as a safe, low-cost adjunct for managing mood disorders and stress in women, particularly when integrated into personalized, holistic care strategies.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which includes vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and other bothersome genitourinary symptoms, affects over half of postmenopausal women and has a considerable impact on quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an injectable combination of hyaluronic acid and amino acids for treating GSM-related symptoms. In this prospective, multicenter study, 84 women aged 46–60 with moderate to severe VVA confirmed by gynecological examination received three intradermal treatments at 21-day intervals, targeting the vestibule, introitus, lower vaginal wall, and labia majora. Symptom severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), while tolerability and satisfaction were evaluated via a five-point Likert scale. Quality of life was measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, after each injection, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. After three months, significant improvements were noted in vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia (all p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increased from 59.0% to 80.7%, and SWLS scores rose from 4.57 ± 1.76 to 6.53 ± 1.10, reflecting enhanced quality of life. The treatment was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that this injectable formulation may represent an effective, non-hormonal option for women with VVA, particularly those who are not candidates for hormone therapy.