Comparative Study Of Menopausal Symptoms In Post Menopausal And Perimenopausal Women

摘要

Introduction: There is a wide variation in the frequency with which women from different ethnic groups and different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds report the occurrence of symptoms associated with their menopause. The present study is addressed to the myriad of menopausal factors that affect women?s health and to compare the menopausal symptoms among the high and low socioeconomic groups.Methodology: A prospective, non- interventional study was conducted in 200 females belonging to the post menopausal and perimenopausal age groups. Subjects who had hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and those who were on hormonal replacement therapy, steroids, calcium and vitamin D supplementation were excluded from the study. Detailed history was taken down from each subject. All subjects underwent complete physical examination including height and weight check. Routine investigations were done in all subjects. ECG and X-rays of vertebra and long bones were taken whenever it was necessary.Results: Perimenopausal women reported greater number of symptoms when compared to the postmenopausal group. Vasomotor symptoms and psychological symptoms showed a higher proportion in the perimenopausal group when compared to the post menopausal group, which was statistically significant. In the perimenopausal group, 68% reported vasomotor symptoms and 29% reported psychological symptoms. In the post menopausal group, vasomotor symptoms were reported by only 16%, and another 16% reported psychological symptoms. There was no significant difference in musculoskeletal and genitourinary symptoms between the two groups. Genitourinary and psychological symptoms were common in the middle socioeconomic group when compared to the lower socioeconomic group. Vasomotor symptoms were more common in the lower socioeconomic group. Conclusion: Perimenopausal women reported a greater number of menopausal symptoms when compared to post menopausal women. Women of middle socioeconomic status had more genitourinary and psychological symptoms whereas, women of the lower socioeconomic group reported more vasomotor symptoms.