Age at natural menopause in Beirut, Lebanon: the role of reproductive and lifestyle factors
- PMID: 11201328
- DOI: 10.1080/03014460150201850
Age at natural menopause in Beirut, Lebanon: the role of reproductive and lifestyle factors
Abstract
Primary objective: To determine the median age of natural menopause and factors associated with the timing of menopause in Beirut, Lebanon. RESEARCH DESGIN: A population-based sample of 298 women were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Methods and procedures: Logit analysis and logistic regression were used to estimate the median age and identify correlates of menopausal status.
Main outcomes and results: The median age of natural menopause in Beirut, Lebanon is estimated to be 49.3 years. Not being currently married (odds ratio (OR)=4.19, 95% CI: 1.53, 11.51) and smoking (OR = 1.02 for each year of smoking, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.05) are significantly associated with an earlier age at menopause. Women with menstrual bleeding longer than 5 days have later ages at menopause (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.97). Age at menarche, parity, education and socio-economic status are not statistically associated with the age at menopause.
Conclusions: The age at natural menopause in Lebanon is comparable to median ages reported for women in industrialized countries (49.3-51.4). Our results emphasize the role of smoking in determining an earlier age at menopause and indicate that reproductive characteristics affect the timing of menopause.
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