Abstract
Introduction: Due to the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause period, postmenopausal women (PMW) experience symptoms that can affect their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and its related factors in Iranian PMW.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total number of 300 participants from Neyshabur health centers were recruited, using stratified random sampling in 2022. Data were collected using the demographic characteristics and Menopause Rating Scales. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and stepwise regression analysis were employed for data analysis using SPSS software version 22.
Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of menopause was 49.4 (3.3). The most common menopausal symptoms were muscle or joint pain 239 (79.7%), hot flashes/sweating 232(77.3%), and anxiety 219 (73%), and sexual problems 214 (71.3%). Independent predictors of menopausal symptoms were: the spouse’s education level for physiological and total menopausal symptoms; chronic diseases for somatic total menopausal symptoms; age, economic status, and the number of children for uranological menopausal symptoms; and family structure for physiological menopausal symptoms (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Women education about menopause, including its associated symptoms and the underlying factors influencing symptomatology, is essential for enhancing their quality of life both during and after this transitional phase. Additionally, providing them with information on effective strategies and interventions for mitigating and managing menopausal symptoms can significantly contribute to improving women’s overall well-being during this life stage.