Eight out of ten women experience early symptoms of the menopause, according to new research. The study, published in Women's Midlife Health, found that pre-menopausal women in their 40s and early 50s suffer from a wide range of symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, pain and exhaustion.
Lead author Dr Sioban Harlow, of the Centre for Midlife Science at Michigan University, said researchers were surprised to find that a quarter of women in the relatively healthy cohort reported severe symptoms before the onset of the menopausal transition. The phase, known as 'pre-menopause', occurs when women are still having regular periods but oestrogen and progesterone levels have started to fall.
The study analysed 3,289 women aged 45-52 and grouped them into six symptom classes. In pre-menopause, 10 per cent were classified in the highest symptom class, reporting high intensity of most symptoms, while 16 per cent had moderately intense symptoms such as hot flushes. Combined, 26 per cent were described as 'highly symptomatic' and most in need of help. Fifty-four per cent had milder symptoms, and only 20 per cent experienced no symptoms at all.
Dr Harlow emphasised the importance of providing women in the early stages of the menopause with necessary treatment to reduce their risk of developing chronic illness. Lifestyle changes and therapy could prevent conditions such as heart disease later in life. She called for increased attention to the promotion of physical and mental health in early midlife, noting that women's health needs extend far beyond hot flushes.
The findings highlight that women who still have monthly periods but experience other symptoms can find it difficult to get help. The researchers hope the study will encourage the healthcare community to pay attention to the health needs of the quarter of women who are highly symptomatic prior to the menopausal transition.
