Perception Of Menopause Research Articles

Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for menopausal symptoms and quality of life in Korean perimenopausal women: A pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTherapeutic interventions are crucial for perimenopausal women, given the challenging physical and psychological symptoms they face. This study focused on the development and verification of the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol designed specifically for Korean perimenopausal women. Study designA CBT protocol for perimenopausal women was newly developed based on theory and evidence. Forty menopausal women were randomly assigned to either the CBT group (n = 19) or treatment-as-usual (TAU) group (n = 21). Participants in the CBT group underwent 60-min weekly sessions for eight weeks. The TAU group received standard care from gynecologists. Main outcome measuresAt baseline and follow-up, participants completed the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Menopause Emotional Symptom Questionnaire (MESQ), and Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire. ResultsThe CBT group showed significant changes in their MRS (F = 4.18, p = .048), WHOQOL-BREF (7.60, 0.009), GAD-7 (4.61, 0.038), PHQ-15 (5.49, 0.025), and MESQ scores (7.19, 0.011) compared to the TAU group. In the CBT group, changes in GAD-7 scores were correlated with PHQ-15 (ρ = 0.57, p < .05), MESQ (0.57, < 0.05), and WHOQOL-BREF scores (−0.53, < 0.05). ConclusionCBT prevents the worsening of menopausal and emotional symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. CBT may have had a therapeutic effect through the following mechanisms: managing anxiety by changing perceptions of menopause through education and training for coping with various menopausal symptoms and improving self-efficacy in symptom management. Clinical trial registration numberKCT0007517.

Development of the Menopause Perception Scale.

How women perceive menopause depends on how well they go through that period of time. However, there is no measure that can be used to assess how women perceive menopause. Therefore, we developed a valid and reliable scale (Menopause Perception Scale [MPS]) to assess how women perceive menopause. This methodological research was conducted in three stages. First, we developed items and assessed their content validity. Second, we collected data from 470 women. Third, we assessed the scale for validity and reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used for construct validity. Cronbach's α was calculated for reliability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for criterion validity. Mean comparison tests were performed for known-groups validity. The MPS had a content validity index of 0.90. It had a Kaiser-Meier-Olkin score of 0.768, for which Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (1,778.047; P < 0.001). The values were acceptable. The exploratory factor analysis yielded an 18-item structure with factor loads greater than 0.40. It also revealed a four-factor model (acceptance, perceived sexuality, normalization, and perceived support) confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis. The fit indexes were acceptable. The model explained 56.64% of the total variance. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.824). There were positive correlations between the scale and its subscales. Furthermore, the MPS was significantly correlated with the Menopause Attitude Assessment Scale ( r = 0.334, P < 0.001) and the Menopause Rating Scale ( r = -0.286, P < 0.001). The MPS is a valid, reliable, user-friendly, and practical self-report measure with satisfactory psychometric properties. Researchers should conduct cross-cultural studies to adapt it to other cultures.

Factors affecting shared decision-making concerning menopausal hormone therapy.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is an effective treatment for menopause-related symptoms. Menopause management guidelines recommend a personalized approach to menopause care, including MHT use. Decision-making around menopause care is a complex, iterative process influenced by multiple factors framed by perspectives from both women and healthcare providers (HCPs). This narrative review aims to summarize evidence around factors affecting decision-making regarding menopause-related care. For HCPs, the provision of individualized risk estimates is challenging in practice given the number of potential benefits and risks to consider, and the complexity of the data available, especially within time-limited consultations. Women seeking menopause care have the difficult task of making sense of the benefit versus risk profiles to make choices in line with their decisional needs influenced by sociocultural/economic, educational, demographic, and personal characteristics. The press, social media, and influential celebrities also impact the perception of menopause and decision-making around it. Understanding these factors can lead to improved participation in shared decision-making, satisfaction with the decision and decision-making process, adherence to treatment, reduced decisional regret, efficient use of resources, and ultimately long-term satisfaction with care.

The Relationship between Menopause Perception, Body Mass Index, and Waist-Hip Ratio with Menopausal Symptoms in Turkish Women

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between menopause perceptions, feelings felt, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio with menopausal symptoms in Turkish climacteric women. Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in a Family Health Center. The research sample consisted of 220 women in the climacteric period. Data were collected with the survey form and The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) were measured and calculated by the researchers. Results: The women who perceive menopause as a “natural, normal process” had lower somatic, psychological, and general menopausal symptoms, and those who defined it as “the end of sexuality” had higher genitourinary symptoms (p&lt; .01). Women who were adversely affected or felt negative emotions about menopause reported that they experienced all menopausal symptoms more severely (p&lt; .001). Obese women experienced particularly higher levels of somatic and general menopausal symptoms (p&lt; .05-p&lt; .01), while women with WHR&lt; 0.72 experienced a higher level of genitourinary symptoms (p&lt; .05). Conclusion: The results showed that menopause perception, feelings felt, obesity, and WHR have an impact on menopausal symptoms and levels.

Determinants of knowledge and perception about menopause among Saudi women: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealthcare professionals and educators closely monitor the occurrence of climacteric symptoms in women's primes. Knowledge and perception of menopause play a crucial role in improving quality of life. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of menopause among Saudi women and identify its predictors. This study is the first of its kind in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. MethodsConducted in accordance with the STROBE guidelines, this cross-sectional study was carried out in the Jazan region from May 2022 to January 2023 and involved 480 Saudi women who provided consent. Data were collected through interviews using a validated questionnaire and random sampling. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: informed consent, demographics, 21 knowledge questions, and ten menopause perception questions. The validity of the content and the internal consistency were evaluated before data collection. Primary healthcare centers were randomly selected from four governorates with a proportional sample size to the population. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM-SPSS. ResultsAmong the participants, 64 % were under 40 years old, 80 % had experienced menarche between the ages of 10 and 15, 48 % were employed, approximately half held a bachelor's degree, and they had a good family income. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 48.87 ± 11.72, with a minimum score of 27 and a maximum score of 78. In terms of knowledge categories, 56.3 % of the participants (N = 270) were classified as having low knowledge, while 43.8 % (N = 210) were classified as having high knowledge. Most of the participants had positive perceptions and agreed that menopause is a natural event in women's lives. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and perception (R = 0.219, P < 0.01). Variable findings were observed regarding the role of explanatory variables in women's knowledge of menopause between univariate and multivariate models. The results of the multivariate model showed that age (46–50 years, OR = 0.42), having children (OR = 1.09), residence (OR = 0.45–5.73) and family income categories (medium: OR = 3.98, good: OR = 3.78, and excellent: OR = 1.95) had a significant impact on knowledge, highlighting the correlation between demographic factors and knowledge. ConclusionsBased on the study findings, we recommend implementing workplace and community-based activities to increase women's awareness of menopause and incorporating it as an integral part of counseling sessions for women in this age group. Therefore, the results of the study will be shared with the relevant authorities responsible for women's health, enabling them to effectively support and educate women.

Investigating Post-Menopausal Characteristics and Perceptions of the Menopausal Transition

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of menopause among post-menopausal women.METHODOLOGYA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Medical, and Teaching Institute Peshawar from March 2022 to March 2023. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed using a semi-structured proforma covering demographic variables, knowledge, and attitudes toward menopause. Delving into knowledge and perceptions of menopause, the questionnaire probed participants about their awareness of menopause upon cessation of menstrual periods, knowledge of the age of menopause, understanding of menopausal symptoms, whether they perceived menopause as a disease, medical condition, or a natural process, and their opinions on the treatment of menopausal symptoms.RESULTSIn a survey assessing menopausal characteristics and perceptions, 81% of women experienced natural menopause and 19% underwent surgical menopause. 85% had prior knowledge of menopause, but only 45% knew its typical onset age. 56% held a positive perception of menopause. Hot flashes and mood swings were reported by 55% of women, while 48% experienced insomnia.CONCLUSIONMany post-menopausal women are not aware of menopausal symptoms. Tailored health education and comprehensive support are necessary to address knowledge disparities and provide holistic care for women in this transition.

Prevalence of poor body image and its correlation with self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women

Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of poor body image and its influence on low self-esteem and depression in middle-aged women. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey of 372 women using a predesigned online questionnaire. Main outcome measures were mean scores on the nine-point body image scale (BIS) and prevalence of poor body image (BIS ≥ 10). Significant sociodemographic, physical and mental health predictors of BIS ≥ 10 were established using logistic regression analysis. Correlation of body image with self-esteem, assessed by Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, and depression, assessed by Beck’s Depression Inventory, was established using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the odds ratios were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results The mean scores obtained for body image were 5.52 (standard deviation 4.82) and the prevalence of BIS ≥ 10 was 17.4%. Significant predictors of poor body image were education status (0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39–0.89), body mass index (2.26, 95% CI = 1.12–4.55), social support structure (0.35, 95% CI = 0.16–0.79), diagnosis of mental illness (3.74, 95% CI = 1.31–10.66) and perception of menopause (positive vs. negative: 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07–0.55). Body image scores correlated with self-esteem (r = −0.46; 95% CI = −0.54 to −0.38) and depression (r = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.52–0.65). BIS ≥ 10 significantly increased the odds of low self-esteem (5.71; 95% CI = 2.66–12.26) and depression (11.25; 95% CI = 4.9–27.7). Conclusions The prevalence of poor body image in middle-aged women was 17.4%. This strongly correlated with low self-esteem and depression. A lower education status, higher body mass index, a negative perception of menopause, poor social support structure and a history of mental health diagnosis increased the odds of poor body image prevalence in middle-aged women.

Study of menopausal symptoms and perception about menopause among postmenopausal women residing in Mechinagar municipality

Introduction: Menopause is the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and an important biomarker of both fertility loss and menopausal symptoms. Menopausal health has received limited attention in developing countries until more recent times. As women's status in society continues to improve, an increasing number of them are now seeking assistance for their menopausal issues. Objective: To determine prevalence of menopausal symptoms and assess the perspectives of postmenopausal women regarding the menopausal experience. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 162 women in postmenopausal phase, specifically those aged between 45 and 60 years, residing in Mechinagar municipality. The study included women who had not had a menstrual cycle in the previous year. The study employed convenient sampling technique. The study applied the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) to find presence of menopausal symptoms and its severity. Results: The participants had an average age of 55.72 (SD ± 4.401 ) years. The mean age for menopause was of 47.17 years, with a standard deviation of ±4.473. Among the women surveyed, the most frequently reported menopausal symptoms included somatic symptoms such as heart discomfort, urogenital symptoms like bladder problems, hot flushes, joint and muscular pain, , and psychological symptoms such as irritability. Majority 143 (88.3%) of the respondents had MRS score of less than 16. There was a predominantly positive perception of menopause. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated a high prevalence of menopausal symptoms, but these symptoms were generally of low severity. There was at least one menopausal symptom reported by each postmenopausal woman who participated in this study.

The psychological dimension of menopause among Somalia women: phenomenological study

The aim of study is to determine how women living in Somalia perceive the menopausal process and what problems are experienced related to the process. This study was conducted with qualitative research method and 15 women were interviewed. The themes of the effects of menopause and characteristics of menopause in the category of women's perception of menopause; The menopause perspective category includes the themes of positive perspective and negative perspective. It was determined that women generally perceive the menopausal period as aging and the end of fertility. In the category of the society's perspective on menopause, two themes were determined, namely the physical and social effects. It was found that they could not receive any support during this period and were inadequate and alone in coping with the symptoms of menopause. It is recommended to raise awareness of women about menopause and to be supported in coping with symptoms.

Prevalence and quality-of-life burden of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: A European cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesTo determine, in a European cohort, the prevalence and health-related quality-of-life (QOL) burden of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in postmenopausal women, and among subgroups of women not taking hormone therapy (HT). Study designScreening surveys were sent to a random sample of women aged 40–65 years; those meeting the inclusion criteria completed the full questionnaire. Women with successfully treated VMS or breast cancer or who were receiving HT for medical conditions were excluded. Main outcome measuresFrequency and duration of VMS, perceptions of menopause, seeking advice from a healthcare professional, treatment for VMS symptoms, perceptions of HT use, out-of-pocket costs, and other approaches to coping with menopause. The Menopause-Specific QOL (MENQOL) questionnaire and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire were included. ResultsOf 11,452 women who completed the screening survey, 5178 were postmenopausal and 2035 completed the full questionnaire. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe VMS ranged from 31 % in France to 52 % in Italy. The majority were in the HT-caution or HT-averse group, despite being eligible for HT. Most common menopausal symptoms reported in the MENQOL were “feeling tired or worn out,” with aching in muscles and joints reported as the most common symptom in Spain. Weight gain was the most bothersome symptom in all countries, except for Spain, where low backache was more bothersome. Hot flashes and night sweats had a greater impact on daily than on working activities, as measured by the WPAI. ConclusionsA high proportion of European women reported experiencing moderate-to-severe VMS, with associated symptoms influencing QOL.

Evaluation of Women’s Experience and Perception of Menopause

Evaluation of Women’s Experience and Perception of Menopause

Relationship between Menstruation and Fertility: Perception and Knowledge of Nigerian Women

Background: Cultural and religious bias, myths, taboos and misconceptions about menstruation are rife in many developing countries. Adequate scientific based knowledge about menstruation and its relationship to fertility is crucial in attaining optimal reproductive health. Aim: We evaluated the perception and knowledge of African Nigerian women towards the relationship between menstruation and fertility. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective cross-sectional household survey with multi-staged cluster sampling design in which 230 randomly selected, consenting women in September and October 2012 were assessed about their perception of menopause using a structured questionnaire. Findings: We found that 59% of women thought that if a woman does not menstruate, she definitely cannot have a baby, 24% claimed that women with menstrual pain are likely to have miscarriages, while 21% believed that women with menstrual pain will have delay/difficulty getting pregnant. About 3/4 was of the opinion that it is morally wrong to have sex while menstruating and 76 (33.6%) of the women were of the opinion that women who take medications to stop their period are likely to develop cancer later in life. One-fifth of the women think there is no link between menstruation and family planning. Conclusion: Perceptions and knowledge about menstruation is varied among many Nigerian women, with widespread misconceptions and inadequate knowledge about its relationship with fertility. Universal enlightenment to disabuse the minds of Nigerian women from related myths, taboos and misconceptions is needed to promote reproductive health.

"It just makes me feel a little less alone": a qualitative exploration of the podcast Menopause: Unmuted on women's perceptions of menopause.

Menopause can negatively impact women's quality of life, with many women reporting inadequate information and support. Podcasts have grown in popularity in recent years and have been found to be accessible methods for increasing knowledge and challenging perceptions of stigmatized topics. The current research aimed to understand the impact of the podcast "menopause: unmuted" on women's menopause-related knowledge, understanding, and communication practices. A diverse sample of 30 women aged 40 to 60 years listened to the podcast series, which focused on menopause stories, before taking part in semistructured interviews to discuss the impact of the podcast on how they understood and communicated about menopause. The interviews were analyzed thematically. Two overarching themes were identified in the data. A "journey of knowledge gain" explores participants' understanding of menopause before listening to the podcast and describes how this is deepened by hearing and connecting with women's stories. "Reframing menopause" describes the impact of the podcast, where women reflect on the value of communication amongst women, challenge and re-evaluate the stigmatization of menopause, and discuss ways to make positive behavioral changes in their lives. The podcast "menopause: unmuted" helped women to learn about the menopause experience, have a greater sense of belonging to a community of women, and feel empowered to make changes in their own lives. Sharing stories via podcasts has potential as an accessible and impactful medium to educate women and reduce the widespread stigma associated with menopause.

Perception of Menopausal Symptoms Among Menopause Women in Basra Southern Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: To understand the prevalence of postmenopausal symptoms, their order in frequency, as well as the age at onset of menopause in the community is an important step to provide the best quality of care for menopausal women. Objective: The study aims to investigate the prevalence of postmenopausal symptoms, menopausal age of onset and perception of menopause among women in Basra, Southern Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two major hospitals in Basra Southern Iraq (Al Mawani Teaching Hospital and Al Shifaa General Hospital), from 1/1/2019 to 1/6/2019. Five hundred participants were interviewed by a questionnaire. Results: The participants` age ranged from 41-65 years. The mean age at menopause was 47.7 ± 2.1 years. The most common complaints were hot flushes (70.8%) followed by back and joint pain (49%), night sweats (32%) and insomnia (25.6%). There was a significant association between age at menopause with body mass index (p=0.00) and the number of menopausal symptoms (p=0.009). While there were no significant relationships between age at menopause and education status (p=0.38), marital status (p=0.133), employment (p=0.86), or income (p=0.12). Conclusion: Despite the fact that the participants were aware of menopause and its natural occurrence, a minority of them sought medical advice or received hormone replacement therapy. Hot flushes are the most common symptom of menopause.

Factors influencing healthy menopause among immigrant women: a scoping review

BackgroundMany factors influence the menopausal transition and the complexity of this transition increases with the addition of immigration transition. This review aims to identify the factors that influence the menopausal transition for immigrant women based on ecosocial theory.MethodsA scoping review of English publications was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using CINAHL, AgeLine, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, Nursing and Allied Health Database, PsycARTICLES, Sociology Database, and Education Research Complete. Thirty-seven papers were included for this review.ResultsThe factors which influence the menopausal transition for immigrant women were grouped into three categories: (a) personal factors, (b) familial factors, and (c) community and societal factors. Personal factors include income and employment, physical and psychological health, perceptions of menopause, and acculturation. Familial factors include partner support, relationships with children, and balancing family, work, and personal duties. Community and societal factors encompassed social network, social support, healthcare services, traditional cultural expectations, and discrimination in host countries.ConclusionsInterventions addressing the menopausal transition for immigrant women should be designed considering different psychosocial factors and actively work to address systemic barriers that negatively impact their transition.

Individual Characteristics Associated with Menopausal Symptom Severity and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life: A Rural Perspective.

This study aims to analyze the relationship/effect of a wide range of individual factors with/on menopausal symptom severity (MSS) and menopause-specific quality of life (MSQoL) in rural Turkish women. This cross-sectional study included rural perimenopausal/postmenopausal women. Demographic (age, marital status, and education and employment status), physical (body weight and height), medical (chronic disease status), obstetric (number of gravidas), and menopausal characteristics (menopausal nature, perception of menopause, and menopausal stage), physical activity level, anxiety and depressive symptom levels, MSS, and MSQoL of the participants were assessed. The relationships between MSS/MSQoL and all individual characteristics were examined by correlation analyses. In addition, MSS and MSQoL were compared between various categories using independent-groups t tests and variance analyses. Statistical significance level was set at p <0.05. A total of 245 women (mean age 56.64 ± 6.59 years) were included in the study. It was found that marital status, body mass index, presence of chronic disease, the number of gravidas, perception of menopause, and anxiety and depressive symptom levels were associated with MSS and MSQoL (p < 0.05). On the other hand, symptom severity and QoL did not change according to the level of education, employment status, menopausal nature, menopausal stage, and physical activity level (p > 0.05). MSS and MSQoL in rural women may be associated or affected by a wide range of individual characteristics, and this relationship or influence differs from the urban women literature at some points. Further studies are needed to illuminate the menopausal process in rural areas and compare rural and urban results.

Perception of menopause among women of Sarawak, Malaysia

BackgroundVarious factors, including menopausal status, educational and social background, culture, and physical and emotional health, may influence women’s perceptions of menopause. This study documents the elements influencing attitudes towards menopause among women in Sarawak, Malaysia.MethodsA face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire was conducted with 324 Sarawakian women aged 40–65 to determine the mean age of menopause and perceptions and experiences of menopause among these women.ResultsThe mean age ± standard deviation of the women was 51.37 ± 5.91 years. Ninety (27.8%) participants were premenopausal, 124 (38.5%) perimenopausal and 110 (33.7%) postmenopausal. The majority of these women (228; 70.4%) were local indigenous inhabitants of Sarawak. The findings show that 22.5% of the participants agreed that problems during menopause are a natural process. While 21.9% of the participants suggested that menopause should be treated medically, 32.3% argued that natural approaches for menopause symptoms are better than hormonal treatments. Seventy-five per cent of the women agreed that the absence of menses after menopause is a relief; meanwhile, 61.2% stated that menopause causes unpleasant symptoms. Notably, 51.7% were not sure whether women become less sexually attractive after menopause, and 51.1% were uncertain as to whether they feel less of a woman following menopause. Finally, 81.7% of participants were unsure if sexual activity is more enjoyable after menopause, and 71.9% were uncertain whether changes in life during menopause are more stressful. Among the different menopausal stages, the premenopausal group of women were noted to have more positive perceptions of menopause compared to the peri- and postmenopausal women. The study also observed that women with a better educational background generally had more positive perceptions of menopause.ConclusionsThe women’s perceptions of menopause in this study were found to correspond to those in other studies on Asian women. Women with higher levels of education and premenopausal women comparatively expressed more positive opinions regarding menopause. Lastly, most of the women noted that menopausal symptoms are unpleasant, but that the absence of menses after menopause is a relief.

Exploring women's perceptions and experiences of menopause among East Coast Malaysian women.

Menopause signifies the beginning of a non-reproductive phase from the reproductive period. Although it is considered a natural life transition, recent studies have indicated that a woman's menopausal experience may impact her quality of life. While studies have examined Malaysian women's knowledge and awareness of menopause, they have focused on the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and sociocultural aspects. These investigations also used a quantitative design that may have limited the information regarding the nature and experience of menopause. Objectives: This study explores women's perceptions and understanding of their menopausal experience. A total of 20 menopausal women were recruited using purposive sampling through social media in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to explore how they perceived their menopausal experience. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes that emerged from the findings included perceptions of menopause, biopsychosocial changes and help-seeking behavior. For many Muslim women, menopause was perceived as a time for them to engage in religious commitment more than they had before. The study findings uncovered a knowledge gap and a lack of support for women impacted by menopause. Muslim women regarded their menopause phase as a time for them to engage in religious duty fully. These results indicate the need for a psychosocial intervention and educational program to ensure women a better transition throughout their menopausal phase.

Experience and Perceptions Regarding Menopause among Rural Women: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study in South Karnataka.

Background:There is a culture of silence around menopause in India, more so among rural women. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of menopausal symptoms, factors associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms, and perceptions regarding menopause among rural perimenopausal women.Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural hospital, among women aged 40 years or more, having experienced at least one menstrual cycle in the past 1 year. Structured interview schedule was administered to capture perceptions of menopause. Symptoms of menopause and severity were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and participants screened for depression using patient health questionnaire-9.Results:Among 200 women, the prevalence of symptoms of menopause was 70%. Commonly reported symptoms were somatic symptoms: Joint/muscular pain, hot flushes, and psychological symptoms: Physical/mental exhaustion, anxiety. Median overall MRS score was low (4 [interquartile range = 1, 7]), pointing out to lesser severity. Significant association was found between MRS score and higher body mass index (P = 0.007), tobacco-chewing (P = 0.023), and depression (P < 0.001). Perception of menopause was generally positive, but we also documented some myths and misconceptions regarding menopause that indicate a need for health awareness in this population.Conclusion:This study found high prevalence but low severity of menopausal symptoms. Our findings point to a need for mitigating symptoms of menopause through diet, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and counseling for depression. Targeted interventions using community women's groups and village-level health workers are recommended to provide not only awareness regarding menopause but also an opportunity to screen for comorbidities with appropriate referrals.

Knowledge and awareness toward menopause and hormone therapy among premenopausal women in Jordan

Background Menopause is a natural important transition in women’s life. Having adequate knowledge and perception about menopause at a young age is critical for women to cope better with its associated consequences and improve their well-being. Objective This study evaluated the awareness, knowledge, and perception of menopause and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) among premenopausal females from Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional study including females aged 20–40 years (n = 450) was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019 in two hospitals in Irbid, Jordan. A structured questionnaire was developed based on previous literature and using the Green Climacteric Scale to assess participants’ knowledge and awareness of signs and symptoms of menopause and MHT. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. Factors associated with the degree of menopausal knowledge were identified. Results The mean ± standard deviation age of participants was 29.1 ± 6.3 years. More than half of participants were knowledgeable about several aspects of menopause. Education to college or more was significantly and positively associated with knowledge about menopause (β = 0.504, p = 0.005). The majority of participants did not know the roles, benefits, and risks of MHT. There was an almost equal distribution for participants’ positive (47.6%) and negative (50%) attitudes toward menopause. Conclusions The findings suggest that premenopausal females in Jordan are knowledgeable about various aspects of menopause. Nevertheless, there is still a need to develop educational programs and implement proper counseling to improve young females’ awareness about menopause, particularly its health implications and treatment options.