Prevalence of menopausal symptoms, its effect to quality of life among Malaysian women and their treatment seeking behaviour

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms, its effect to the quality of life and their treatment seeking behaviour in a multiracial community in Malaysia.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving postmenopausal women in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data was obtained by face-to-face interview using standardised questionnaires on sociodemographic data, Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire, effect to quality of life and treatment sought.

RESULTS: A total of 258 women, including Malays (82%), Indians (14.1%) and Chinese (3.9%) were recruited. The median age was 58 (range 45-86) years old. Joint and muscular discomfort (73.3%) and fatigue (59.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Significant association with ethnicity were demonstrated with Malays was found to have 3.1 times higher incidence of sexual problems than Indians, (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.103; 95%CI 1.209, 7.967) and Indian had 2.6 times higher incidence of irritability compared to Malays (OR 2.598; 95%CI 1.126, 5.992). Fifty-two percent of women felt that menopausal symptoms affected their quality of life but there were only 2.7% who were severely affected. There were 24.8% of women who sought treatment and only 20.3% of those who took hormone replacement therapy. There was no significant association found between their treatment seeking behaviour in association with ethnicity, age, parity, marital and occupational status.

CONCLUSION: Menopausal symptoms were prevalent among menopausal women, although only a small group of women who were severely affected. There was a lack of tendency in seeking treatment for menopausal symptoms among the women.