An analysis of the main reasons that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China have for seeking outpatient treatment and factors influencing their symptoms: a single-center survey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the main reasons that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women have for seeking treatment and factors influencing their symptoms in order to provide (peri-) menopausal women with better healthcare treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 357 (peri-) menopausal women who sought outpatient treatment at The Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University from July 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012. The survey includes general questions and an evaluation of (peri-) menopausal symptoms using the modified Kupperman index score. RESULTS: The average age of the women who took part in the study was 51.47 years old (standard deviation = 5.18). Of the women, 47.6% were perimenopausal, 34.7% were early postmenopausal, and 17.7% were late postmenopausal. The age of natural menopause was between 39 and 56 years, and the average natural menopause age was 49.3 years (standard deviation = 4.0). The incidence of (peri-) menopausal symptoms was 91%. Age, education level, and chronic diseases were associated with menopausal symptoms. The main reasons for seeking treatment were hot flushes, insomnia, bone and joint pains, mood swings, and palpitations. CONCLUSIONS: The main reasons for Chinese (peri-) menopausal women seeking treatment were hot flushes, insomnia, bone and joint pains, mood swings, and palpitations; age, education level, and chronic diseases are the main factors that influencing the (peri-) menopausal symptoms.