Gynaecological Survey in a Metropolitan Area of Melbourne

Abstract

Summary: A survey of the emotional and physical health of 990 women in a suburb of Melbourne was carried out. The data related to the reproductive period are presented. Evidence was found that the age of menarche was declining. Nine per cent of women menstruated beyond the age of 55 and there was a tendency for the late onset of the menarche to be followed by early menopause. Menstrual symptoms were very common (51.5%) and their frequency did not vary between the age of 20 to 50. Menstrual symptoms were more frequent in the presence of psychiatric illness and psychoneurotic symptoms. Smoking and medication were more common in patients with menstrual symptoms. One in 3 women between the age of 25 to 29 was taking the contraceptive pill, and single women used it almost as frequently as married women. Both depression and neurotic symptoms were commoner among pill users.