[Age at natural menopause among Brazilian women: results from a population-based survey]

A descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted to identify age at menopause and its associated factors as well as socio-cultural, demographic, and economic characteristics of climacteric women in Campinas, São Paulo State. Subjects were 456 Brazilian women between 45 to 60 years of age, selected through area cluster sampling. Data were collected through home interviews using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. This instrument was an adaptation, done by the authors, of questionnaires provided by the International Health Foundation/International Menopause Society and by the North American Menopause Society. Statistical analysis was performed through life table analysis and Cox logistic regression. Mean age at menopause was 51.2 years. There was no association between study factors and age at natural menopause.