Profile, Morbidities and Symptoms Management of Menopausal Women, in Cotonou

Abstract

Objective: In Benin, as life expectancy continues to increase, the number of postmenopausal women increases. Menopause is a physiological phenomenon that can be quiet for some+, tumultuous in others. Few studies are devoted to menopause in Africa and Benin in particular. The objective of this study was to describe the profile, clinical symptoms of menopausal women as well as management of postmenopausal symptoms in Cotonou, Benin. Materials and method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study in Cotonou, the capital city of Benin Republic during the month of August 2014. 2021 women were included in the study out of a female population of 11,669 people aged 40 and older. Results: 52.7% of the participating women 40 or older were postmenopausal. The mean age at menopause in the sample was 47.5 years, and the largest age group was 50 to 59 years old. Clinically, the most frequent menopausal side effects were hot flashes (58.7%), libido disorders (67%), and joints pain (38.8%). The most frequent associated pathology was hypertension in 37.7% of cases. Factors that limit access to hormonal treatment of menopause in Cotonou include lack of information (66.17%) and financial barriers (19.65%). Conclusion: Health promotion must address obesity, hypertension and smoking to reduce the negative effects of menopause in Sub Saharan Africa.