
Menopause is characterized by the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months due to the reduction of estrogen and progesterone hormones, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This process can trigger physiological and psychological symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. It is essential to understand the impact that the intensity of these symptoms has on the daily lives of these women.
ObjectivesTo assess the quality of life of menopausal women and the symptoms related to this period.
ResultsMenopause impacted the participants’ quality of life, especially in the urogenital aspects and the total MRS score. Psychological symptoms were classified as moderate (5.93 ± 3.97), with 40% of participants presenting severe symptoms and 33.3% moderate symptoms. Somato-vegetative symptoms were also classified as moderate (7.40 ± 2.61), with 46.7% of participants reporting moderate symptoms and 33.3% severe symptoms. Urogenital symptoms were considered severe (3.40 ± 2.26), with 53.3% of participants falling into this classification. The total score had a general average of 16.73 ± 7.07, also classified as severe. Most participants (66.7%) had severe symptoms, while 20% reported moderate symptoms and 13.3% mild symptoms. No participant was classified as asymptomatic or with minimal symptoms. However, according to the UQOL assessment, participants’ quality of life was considered high, considering the total score average (79.13±12.18) and the average of each assessed domain: occupational (26.13±4.16), health (21.07±5.23), emotional (22.40±3.31), and sexual (9.53±3.18). Although most participants presented a good quality of life, the study revealed great variability in the sample, with large standard deviations. Percentile analysis showed that in the 25th percentile, scores were low in most domains, while in the 50th and 75th percentiles, they were above the validated average. Although there was an overall tendency toward good quality of life, some participants still experienced challenges in specific aspects.
ConclusionMenopause can affect women’s quality of life, especially regarding urogenital symptoms and the total MRS score. On the other hand, the UQOL assessment indicates that many women still perceive their quality of life positively, with high scores in various domains. However, the wide variation in results shows that this experience is not the same for all women — while some cope well with the changes, others face challenges that impact their well-being.
ImplicationsAnalyzing the intensity and impact of menopausal symptoms on women’s quality of life allows for the development of interventions tailored to their specific needs. Furthermore, it guides the creation of support programs and health policies aimed at minimizing the negative effects of menopause and promoting the well-being of this population.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding: Not applicable.
Ethics committee approval: No. 7.071.309.
Registration: Not applicable.
