Menstrual diary data and menopausal transition: Methodologic issues

Abstract

Objectives. To identify problems arising in the analysis of menstrual diary data in a longitudinal study of the menopausal transition, and to propose solutions. Subjects and methods. Menstrual diary information provided by 372 women over a period 7 years is the basis of the study. This paper considers the processes and decisions associated with transforming this information into a form suitable for answering research questions. Results. We decided to use 'cycle' as the unit of analysis and to regard spotting-only episodes as nonmenstrual bleeding. Difficulties in distinguishing between long cycles and gaps because of recording lapses are shown to be related to both the design of the menstrua..