Assessment of Health Status in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women Residing in Urban Slums

Background: Menopause is said to be a universal reproductive phenomenon.All the women who live beyond the age of 45-50 years, experience a period of transition from reproductive to the non-reproductive stage of life.Menopause although not a disease is associated with hot flushes, night sweats, urinary and genital changes, dyspareunia, insomnia and many psychological dysfunctions such as anxiety, depression, lack of concentration and decreased self-esteem.Objectives: (1) To identify socio-demographic factors associated with perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.(2)To study menopause associated health problems in the study population.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women residing in urban slums of Burla and data regarding socio-demographic profile and health problems associated with menopause were assessed.A total of 440 individuals were enrolled for the study for a duration of three months out of which 405 participated.Results: Hypertension was found to be most common non communicable disease among post menopausal women 137 (38.6%) followed by Diabetes mellitus 78(21.8%).Among the perimenopausal women incidence of Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Hypercholesterolemia were lower i.e.8 (15.2%), 6(10.6%),11(21%), 3(5.2%),6(10.6%)respectively.Only 35(68.4%) of women perimenopausal group experience hot flushes whereas 303 (85.5%) of post menopausal women complained of hot flushes.Conclusion: As life expectancy and population of post-menopausal women increases, efforts are needed to educate them and make them aware about various menopausal symptoms.This will enable them to recognize these symptoms early, to seek timely medical treatment for the same and improve their quality of life.