The epidemiology of climacteric symptoms

The purpose of this study was to investigate symptoms of estrogen deficiency, androgen excess and urinary incontinence in a representative sample of middle-aged women. A sample consisting of 1746 women aged 40-66 was randomly selected. Of those initially selected, 1413 (81%) were eventually investigated. Gynecological data were obtained by means of questionnaires. 53% of the menstruating and 79% of the naturally postmenopausal women reported one or more symptoms indicating estrogen deficiency. 40% of the postmenopausal women had experienced marked vasomotor symptoms. Symptoms of androgen excess were uncommon. The occurrence of urinary incontinence was 10%.