Publication:

Menopause rating scale: a simple tool for assessment of climacteric symptoms

Background Menopause is a physiological event, a unique stage of a female reproductive system and transition in life that occurs in all women who reach midlife. The clinical consequence of menopause is due to estrogen deficiency. Some of menopausal symptoms experienced by these women can be severe enough to affect their normal lifestyle. Unfortunately, majority of these women are not aware of the changes brought about by menopause. Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of different menopausal symptoms and their severity according to menopause rating scale and their impact on quality of life.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted by the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Yenopaya Medical College, Mangalore between June 2020 to August 2020. A total of 210 women who are between the age of 40 and 65 years who had their last menstrual period of at least 1 year ago and were included in the study.

Results In the study majority of subjects were in the age group 46 to 50 years (42.9%). In the study there was significant association between general health and hot flushes, heart discomfort, depressive mood, irritability, physical and mental exhaustion, bladder problems and joint and muscular pain. There was no significant association between general health and sleep problem, anxiety, sexual problems and dryness of vagina.

Conclusion The menopausal rating scale can be used an effective tool while examining the patients for menopausal symptoms. Regular screening of such women can make a huge difference, and their quality of life can be improved.