Evaluation Of Health Care Requirements of Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal WomenEvaluation Of Health Care Requirements of Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Perimenopause is a phase of transition from the reproductive to non-reproductive period. While postmenopause is characterized by a complete cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 months or more. Plethora of evidence suggest that health and quality of life in a woman is affected by menopausal symptoms.

The current study appraised the health care requirements of one hundred perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Consecutive sampling technique was used to include participants of the age group 40-70 years. Data was obtained by interviewing participants based on a pretested, and validated questionnaire. Besides, data was accumulated about the reproductive profile; obstetrics history; prevalence of perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms; and sources used to acquire information about menopause.

The results showed that the mean age of participants was 53.04 ± 7.35 years while mean age of reaching menopause was 46.88 ± 4.93 years. A total of 96% women were vegetarian. Among all the enrolled women, 50% were overweight as per their BMI and 56% informed never doing exercises. The most frequently encountered menopausal symptoms were hot flushes (88%), more tired than usual (86%), joint pains (82%), depressed mood (78%), facing difficulty falling asleep (65%). Approximately 74% reported that they knew little about menopausal symptoms and their management, and the most commonly used source of information were television/ internet (52%), and friends (47%).

Thus, the study concluded that participants need education, relevant health-related information, counselling, and the availability of affordable, trustworthy, and accurate health care services for the management of menopausal symptoms.

Source: Rawat BS et al. A cross sectional study to estimate the health care needs of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research.2024;11(3):374-380. https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijogr.2024.068.