Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Factors affecting daily activities in premenopausal breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy
Mikan Fukiko1, Fukushige Mami2, Kokufu Hiroko2
1Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto University, 4-24-1 Kuhonji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0976, Japan; Kagoshima Immaculate Heart University, 2365 Amatatsucho, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 895-0011, Japan.
Purpose:
Menopausal symptoms, a side effect of endocrine therapy for breast cancer, can significantly impact daily activities. These symptoms are particularly prevalent and severe in premenopausal patients. This study aimed to examine factors associated with difficulties in daily activities due to menopausal symptoms in premenopausal breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy.
Methods:
A total of 110 premenopausal breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy after surgery participated in this cross-sectional study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to assess difficulties in daily activities, menopausal symptoms -including cognitive impairment -uncertainty in illness, and social support.
Results:
Participants often experience challenges in social life, such as social interaction and participation, as part of their challenges in daily activities. Path analysis revealed that among menopausal symptoms, cognitive impairment had the greatest impact on difficulties in daily activities. Additionally, improved self-efficacy was found to alleviate these difficulties. Furthermore, self-efficacy was influenced by both illness-related uncertainty and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
Factors associated with difficulties in daily activities among Japanese premenopausal breast cancer patients were identified. Interventions for cognitive impairment, including cognitive training and memory aids, are crucial. Additionally, it is essential to work with patients to assess the impact of cognitive impairment on daily life and explore coping strategies. The findings also suggest the need for support to enhance self-efficacy, psychological support, and strengthened workplace support systems.
Related Concept Videos
Menopause
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Biological
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cancer Survival Analysis
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...

