Menopausal age of Ghanaian women.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to determine the age of menopause among Ghanaian women.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Kwawukume
E Y
EY
Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.
Ghosh
T S
TS
Wilson
J B
JB
D000367:Age Factors; D002979:Climacteric / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires