"Menopausal Symptoms" in Women of Various Ages

Incidence of symptoms generally attributed to menopausal change was investigated across 5 age groups and between “menopausal” and “nonmenopausal” women within the same age group. Findings were based upon symptom checklist data obtained from 460 women. Highest frequency of symptoms occurred at 2 developmental turning-points in life: adolescence and menopause. At adolescence, the symptoms were primarily emotional; at menopause, they tended to be somatic. The Blatt Menopause Index, a measure weighted for endocrine-related changes, significantly differentiated the “menopausal” group from all the other groups.