Health care-seeking for menopausal problems

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the rate and timing of medical consultations for menopausal problems during the menopausal transition and to identify baseline and prospective variables associated with these consultations. Methods: This was a 9-year community-based study with annual interviews of 438 Australian-born women who at baseline were aged 45-55 years, had menstruated in the previous 3 months and were not using hormone therapy. Results: In total, 387 women completed the 9-year study, of whom 86% consulted a doctor about menopausal problems, with an annual mean of 31%. Of the women, 212 experienced a natural menopause. The prevalence of consultations regarding menopausal problems was a maximu..