Menopausal transition in women attending a family medicine clinic in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Perimenopausal symptoms may be mild or severe. Symptomatic menopausal women might visit a gynaecologist; but in the absence of amenorrhoea, they might more likely consult a primary care physician. Documentation of the typical local symptoms may be useful for family physicians to counsel clients. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of symptoms in women in menopausal transition who presented to a family practice clinic in Ibadan.

Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of middle-aged females at the general outpatients' clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data and presence of climacteric syndrome (classical, somatic and psychologic) were assessed. Data analysis was performed with Χ² test and logistic regression. Significant p <0.05.

Results: Somatic symptoms were the most common; 67.6% had muscle or joint pain, followed by headaches (54.4%). Hot flushes (37.5%), muscle/joint pain, dry vagina/dyspareunia (24.3%) and palpitations (42.3%) were significantly associated with older age, lower socio-economic status, polygamy and tribes other than the local tribe. Participants mostly used analgesia and prayers to cope with their symptoms. No one was on hormone replacement.

Conclusion: One quarter to two-fifths of women had classical climacteric symptoms, but mostly relied on analgesia and prayers. Social support may improve the transition and hormone replacement may be explored judiciously.

Keywords: Perimenopause, climacteric, vasomotor, menopause