Severity of menopausal symptoms and its relationship with quality of life in post menopausal women-a community based study

Background: Menopause is the anchor point defined as 12 months of amenorrhea following the final menstrual period (FMP). Post menopause is the span of time dating from the final menstrual period and it is early within 5 years of FMP and the late when more than 5 years after FMP. The transition defined by perimenopause and menopause may be viewed as problematic period of menstrual, emotional and physiologic changes. Aim: This study tested the severity of menopausal symptoms and its relationship with quality of life in postmenopausal women. Methods: A Cross sectional study was conducted in selected areas in Kattankulathur Block, Chennai,Tamilnadu. After Initial screening, Simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the study participants. The total sample size comprised of 130 post menopausal women. Assessments were made by five point rating scales for assessing the physical and psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women which was based on Standardized Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and WHO QOL BREF Scale for assessing their quality of life. Results: Hot flushes (72%), sweating (71.5%) and lack of energy (63%) are the most prevalent symptoms experienced by postmenopausal women. Majority of them 56(44%) had very poor quality of life and 59(46%) were very dissatisfied about their health status. The lower mean scores were found in physical, psychological, social and environment domain among postmenopausal women. There was fair negative correlation observed between quality of life with physical and psychological symptoms of postmenopausal women. Conclusion: The study concluded that, severity of menopausal symptoms negatively affected the quality of life of postmenopausal women.