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Menopausal age of Ghanaian women
E Y Kwawukume1, T S Ghosh, J B Wilson
1Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to determine the age of menopause among Ghanaian women.
Method:
A prospective survey involving 152 women in Akosombo District in Ghana was conducted. A questionnaire was developed including: age at menopause, symptoms of hot flushes or flashes, palpitations, anxiety, sleeplessness, headaches, frequency of urine, depression, irritability, tiredness, weight gain, poor memory and attitudes to coitus.
Result:
Of 152 women interviewed, 29 were excluded because they were not sure of their birth dates and 123 women were analyzed. The mean and median ages at menopause were 48.05 years +/- 3.62 S.D. and 48 years respectively. The major symptoms at menopause were tiredness 79.9%, sleeplessness 71.0%, palpitations 63.7%, weight gain 61.8%, hot flushes 56.5%, and irritability 56.5%. However, 85.6% of the women who experienced hot flushes reported this to be the most unpleasant.
Conclusion:
1. The age at menopause in Ghanaian population was 48.05 +/- 3.62. 2. Tiredness, sleeplessness, palpitations, weight gain, hot flushes, irritability, anxiety and headache were the major symptoms at menopause. 3. Hot flushes or flashes was the most disturbing symptom at menopause.