Frequency Distribution and Associated Factors of Menopausal Symptoms in Women in Isfahan, Iran



Zamani AR^{1, 2} ; Ghalriz P^{1, 2} ; Sahhafi SM³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: The evaluation of the menopausal women for determining the early and late complications of menopause, preventing their occurrence by hormone-replacement therapy or alternatives, seems necessary. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency distribution and associated factors of menopausal symptoms in women referring to Alzahra Clinic of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 400 women randomly selected from the above 45-years-old menopausal women referring to the outpatient clinic of Alzahara Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, in 2012. The data was collected by Jones' Standard Questionnaire during the interviews and analyzed by chi-square test. Findings: The frequency distribution of early symptoms of menopause including alopecia, axillary and pubic hair loss, tinnitus, dry and itchy skin, and mastalgia were 1%, 2%, 4%, 7% and 8%, respectively. The frequency distribution of burning hands and feet, frequency, vaginal itching, secretion and burning and decrease in breast size were less than 30%; the prevalence of headache and hot flashes were more than 54%. The frequency distribution of hypertension (a late symptom of menopause) was 44.5%. Conclusion: The results revealed that increase in age and body mass index (BMI) increased hot flashes, headache, hypertension, decrease in breast size and frequency and hot flashes and hypertension, respectively. Increase in headache, hypertension and decrease in breast size in illiterate women was the highest in comparison to women with higher education. Burning hands and feet in single women and women with physical activity was higher compared to married women and women without physical activities. Smoking women had higher hypertension and burning hands and feet. Headache and decrease in breast size were lower and burning hands and feet was higher in women using hormonal drugs compared to non-users.