J Rymer1, E P Morris. 1. Guy's, King's, and St Thomas's Medical School, London. eddie.morris@virgin.net
Abstract
DEFINITION: Menopause begins one year after the last menstrual period. Symptoms often begin in the perimenopausal years. INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE: In the United Kingdom the mean age for the menopause is 50 years 9 months. The median onset of the perimenopause is between 45.5 and 47.5 years. One Scottish survey (of 6096 women aged 45 to 54 years) found that 84% had experienced at least one of the classic menopausal symptoms, with 45% finding one or more symptoms a problem. AETIOLOGY/RISK FACTORS: Urogenital symptoms of menopause are caused by decreased oestrogen concentrations, but the cause of vasomotor symptoms and psychological effects is complex and remains unclear. PROGNOSIS: Menopause is a physiological event. Its timing may be genetically determined. Although endocrine changes are permanent, menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, which are experienced by about 70% of women, usually resolve with time. However, some symptoms, such as genital atrophy, may remain the same or worsen. AIMS: To reduce or prevent menopausal symptoms, and to improve quality of life with minimum adverse effects. OUTCOMES: Frequency and severity of vasomotor, urogenital, and psychological symptoms; quality of life. METHODS: Clinical Evidence search and appraisal December 1999. We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that met Clinical Evidence quality criteria.
DEFINITION: Menopause begins one year after the last menstrual period. Symptoms often begin in the perimenopausal years. INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE: In the United Kingdom the mean age for the menopause is 50 years 9 months. The median onset of the perimenopause is between 45.5 and 47.5 years. One Scottish survey (of 6096 women aged 45 to 54 years) found that 84% had experienced at least one of the classic menopausal symptoms, with 45% finding one or more symptoms a problem. AETIOLOGY/RISK FACTORS: Urogenital symptoms of menopause are caused by decreased oestrogen concentrations, but the cause of vasomotor symptoms and psychological effects is complex and remains unclear. PROGNOSIS: Menopause is a physiological event. Its timing may be genetically determined. Although endocrine changes are permanent, menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, which are experienced by about 70% of women, usually resolve with time. However, some symptoms, such as genital atrophy, may remain the same or worsen. AIMS: To reduce or prevent menopausal symptoms, and to improve quality of life with minimum adverse effects. OUTCOMES: Frequency and severity of vasomotor, urogenital, and psychological symptoms; quality of life. METHODS: Clinical Evidence search and appraisal December 1999. We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that met Clinical Evidence quality criteria.
Authors: Hayden B Bosworth; Lori A Bastian; Steven C Grambow; Colleen M McBride; Celette Sugg Skinner; Laura Fish; Barbara K Rimer; Ilene C Siegler Journal: J Behav Med Date: 2005-02