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Survey study, 2003

Does quality of life worsen during menopause, especially in women with PMS?

Yes. Women in perimenopause and postmenopause reported lower quality of life than premenopausal women. Women with both PMS and menopausal symptoms had the lowest quality of life scores.

Moderate study design 1360 women aged 40-54 on Kinmen island (after exclusions from 1497 recruited)

What they did

Survey of 1497 women aged 40 to 54 on Kinmen island. After removing those on hormone therapy, with surgical menopause, or with serious mental illness, 1360 were analyzed. Researchers used a 36-question standard quality of life measure.

What they found

Quality of life scores were poorer for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. A strong association was found between menopausal symptoms and PMS. Women with both menopausal symptoms and PMS had significantly lower quality of life scores on all dimensions.

What it means for you

If you have both PMS and menopausal symptoms, your quality of life during menopause may be significantly affected. The study was limited to one island population, is cross-sectional, and excluded certain groups, so cause and effect cannot be proven.

1360

women analyzed

About the study

Original title
Quality of life and menopausal transition for middle-aged women on Kinmen island
Authors
Fuh JL, Wang SJ, Lee SJ et al.
Journal
Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation
Year
2003
Study design
Survey study
Participants
1,497
What was tested
None (observation only)
Open access
Yes

Topics