EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AMONG WOMEN IN CHENNAI AGED 40-60 YEARS -A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Menopause is physiological process as it signifies the permanent cessation of menstruation and end to reproductive potential. Menopause is a significant stage marking the end of a womans reproductive life. Although this process is physiological, it is plagued by wide range of discomforting features which affects their quality of life. It is time where psycho-social functioning of women due to decrease in the ovarian activity and oestrogen hormone levels. Mean average age of menopause in India is 48years.Hence, to assess the menopausal symptoms among women in the age of 40-60 years and the study the relation of Epidemiological profile and psychological symptoms during menopausal period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women aged between 40—60years during the period of march 2019 to may 2019(period of 3months) to know the epidemiological profile of menopausal symptoms. The study information of women was collected by personal interview technique by community survey. Results: The average age of menopause was 45years. The most common symptoms faced by women were psychological problems, when compared to physical symptoms and vasomotor symptoms. Most of respondents answered tiredness and irritability and depression which is 37.3%,58% and 49% respectively. The significant association found between age, economic status, occupational status and menopausal symptoms. There was no significant association between parity,education. This study found that there is some significant association with Diabetes after menopause. Conclusion: During menopausal period, women experience menopausal symptoms due to lot of fluctuations of hormone levels. Most of the respondents, even literate women lack in knowledge about breast self examination, the awareness should be created to every women in this world. Many of them responded that they had extreme mood fluctuations and joint pains. The significant association between diabetes and hypertension during menopausal time to be identified in large sample in future. The program and public awareness to be focused during upcoming years.