Menopause: Cross-cultural considerations

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to assess, based on available literature, if there is adequate evidence to support the concept that there are cross-cultural differences related to the menopausal transition based on geographic location or sociocultural influences. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies addressing cross-cultural aspects of the menopause transition as well as regional and country level studies. Articles were limited to human subjects published in English on topics related to the age of final menstrual period. Search terms included age of natural menopause and terms related to transition symptomatology. Studies reviewed indicate some common symptoms across cultures, as well as sociocultural influences that in part account for the presence of variation in the frequency of symptoms across a few domains. Variations exist across populations based on ethnic and racial background, country of residence, and geographic location. This variation supports the need for healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive care.