Symptoms Of Menopause In Peri And Postmenopausal Women And Their Attitude Towards Them

Abstract

Background: The climacteric or perimenopause is the transitional phase during which reproductive function ceases. The average age of the menopause is 51.4 years with a duration of two years. Symptomatology include: vasomotor, psychological, urogenital/sexual, skin, menstrual irregularities and others. The objective was to study the attitude of these women towards menopause.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 500 women were included.

Results: Palpitations and headaches were found in 30% and 32% respectively in perimenopausal women compared to 16% and 20% in postmenopausal women. Irritability, anxiety and lethargy affected every 3 in 10 women while 24% reported forgetfulness and 12% had loss of libido in the peri menopausal group. The incidence of the above symptoms was much lower in the postmenopausal group, irritability being on the top (16%) followed by forgetfulness (12%), lethargy in 10% and loss of libido in 3%. Dyspareunia was reported by 18% of perimenopasual and 8% of menopausal women. Urinary complaints were found in 9% and 3% of the perimenopausal and menopausal women respectively. About 2 in 10 complained of dryness of skin. Menstrual irregularities affected 3 in 10 women and the commonest form of abnormality was delayed cycles (23%). Concerning their attitude towards menopause 46% perimenopausal and 76% of the postmenopausal women did not perceive menopause as a medical condition and were found satisfied as they had accepted it as a natural ageing process. Some 20-40% of women who were worried or dreading menopause were those who linked impairment of vision with menopause.

Conclusions: Attitude of women in our society was found positive towards menopause.

Keywords: Hormone replacement therapy; Menopause; climacteric; perimenupause.