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Defining the perimenopause for application in epidemiologic investigations
D J Brambilla1, S M McKinlay, C B Johannes
1New England Research Institute, Inc., Watertown, MA 02172.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|December 15, 1994
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method to identify the start of perimenopause using self-reported data. This approach helps pinpoint the menopausal transition in women, aiding large-scale health studies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Perimenopause marks a significant transition in women's reproductive health.
- Accurate identification of perimenopause onset is crucial for epidemiological studies.
- Existing methods may not be easily applicable to large populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a definition for the inception of perimenopause.
- To utilize self-reported data for identifying perimenopausal transition.
- To create a tool applicable for large-scale epidemiologic investigations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a 5-year longitudinal study of 2,569 Massachusetts women aged 45-55.
- Derived a definition based on self-reported menstrual cycle data and menopausal symptoms.
- Assessed the predictive ability of selected variables for menopause onset within 3 years.
Main Results:
- A definition for perimenopause inception was established using self-reported data.
- Key indicators identified were 3-11 months of amenorrhea and increased menstrual irregularity.
- This definition demonstrated predictive accuracy for menopause onset.
Conclusions:
- A practical, self-reported definition for perimenopause inception is presented.
- This method is suitable for use in large epidemiologic studies.
- The findings contribute to better understanding and tracking of the menopausal transition.