Menopausal symptoms in mid-life women in Southern China

OBJECTIVES: To explore the prevalence of menopausal symptoms in Chinese women aged 40-65 years living in Guangdong province in southern China, and to investigate their care-seeking behavior. DESIGN: A cross-sectional population-based study performed in Guangdong province, PR China. METHODS: A total of 9939 women were selected by multistage cluster sampling. From November 2003 to July 2004, women were interviewed in person with a prepared questionnaire about symptoms experienced in the 2 months preceding the survey. The main outcome measurements were self-reported menopausal symptoms and related factors. RESULTS: The mean age of natural menopause was 48.9 years. The prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms were low. The three most prevalent symptoms were insomnia, joint and muscle pain, and dizziness (in 37.2%, 35.7%, and 31.5% of the sample, respectively). Hot flushes were experienced by 17.5% of women. The factors associated with the frequency of menopausal symptoms included profession, education, type of menopause and the presence of physical or emotional problems. Ever and current hormone replacement therapy usage was reported in 0.8% and 1.3% of women, respectively. Of the total study population, 28.9% had sought health care because of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of menopausal symptoms in southern Chinese women is low, and this is accompanied by low usage of hormone replacement therapy.