Investigation of Female Menopausal Syndrome and Cognition of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the incidence of female menopausal syndrome and the cognition of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), providing a basis for interventions for menopausal syndrome in women. Methods: From October 2021 to June 2023, a survey was conducted mainly in Guangzhou’s Huangpu District, using a cluster random sampling method to select 3,000 women who voluntarily participated. A questionnaire was used to collect general information about the participants and their awareness of HRT. Results: All 3,000 participants completed the questionnaire. The majority were aged 46–50 (51.90%), most were workers (24.40%), had a high school education (40.17%), and were married (91.20%). The most common symptoms of menopausal syndrome were insomnia, fatigue, and joint/muscle pain, with prevalence rates of 71.23%, 66.57%, and 63.57%, respectively, significantly higher than other symptoms (P < 0.05). Other symptoms included depression, mood swings, palpitations, hot flashes, and sweating. Among the participants, 64.93% were unaware of HRT, 11.63% had heard of it, 9.40% were very familiar with it, and 14.03% had used it. Healthcare professionals were the main source of HRT knowledge for the participants, with other sources including the internet, friends, media, and lectures. The moderate and severe symptom groups included 1,832 and 1,168 participants, respectively. In the severe group, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were significantly higher than in the moderate group (P < 0.05), and estradiol levels were significantly lower than in the moderate group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of menopausal syndrome is high among middle-aged women, with common symptoms including insomnia, fatigue, and joint/muscle pain. These symptoms may be related to hormone levels. Many women lack awareness of HRT for the menopausal syndrome, with healthcare professionals being the primary source of information. To ensure women’s physical and mental health, it is necessary to strengthen education and raise awareness of health care, emphasizing early prevention and intervention to improve the quality of life for middle-aged and elderly women.