Cross-sectional survey of perimenopausal women for menopause symptoms and attitudes in Singapore

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Menopause symptoms and experiences vary considerably between women and can be influenced by multiple biopsychosocial and cultural factors, age and ethnicity. This study investigated the symptoms and attitudes of perimenopausal women in Singapore. METHOD: Women aged 40-60 years attending women's health talks and forums in Singapore completed an anonymized, voluntary online questionnaire in English. The study collected demographic information, and assessed menopause status and attitudes toward menopause and hormone therapy. Participants reporting menopause symptoms completed the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 147 perimenopausal women reported at least one moderate to very severe symptom of menopause. The most common menopause symptoms reported were joint and muscular discomfort (44.2%), followed by sleep problems (43.5%) and physical and mental exhaustion (39.5%). Common terms for attitudes toward menopause included natural (51.3%), old age (45.0%), and threatening, dreading, causing symptoms and health problems (40.0%). CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on common symptoms of perimenopausal women and their attitudes toward menopause and hormone therapy.