Most women know correct definition, symptoms of menopause

NAMS 19th Annual Scientific Meeting

A national survey that yielded responses from more than 2,000 women revealed that most women could correctly define menopause and could differentiate symptoms of menopause from those of aging. The results were released at the North American Menopause Society 19th Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.

Most respondents (91.3%) correctly defined menopause, although only 62.4% had reached that stage. Most women also correctly responded that menopause is the cause of night sweats (99.4%) and mood swings (96.5%). They also identified age as a greater risk factor for breast cancer than menopause (52.5%).

Although many women believe menopause causes vaginal dryness (84.3%), unusual hair loss or growth (76.9%), urinary stress incontinence (72.6%), weight gain (59.9%) and weak bones (44.9%), these conditions are associated with both menopause and aging — and for some, aging is more likely the cause.

Women incorrectly identified aging as the cause of urinary urge incontinence (74.2%) and menopause as the cause of forgetfulness (51.3%). More than three-fourths identified hormone therapy as a greater risk factor for breast cancer, when it is more a result of aging.

“It’s difficult to tease apart the effects of aging from the effects of menopause, meaning that there is an urgent need to fund and support research to find more conclusive answers. In addition women need more education about menopause so they can make informed health decisions at menopause and beyond,” Wulf H. Utian, PhD, DSc, NAMS executive director, said in a press release. – by Katie Kalvaitis

The survey is interesting and I am most interested in the level of sophistication of the women taking it. They are pretty scientifically accurate. I agree with Utian that the survey has identified areas worthy of further exploration. The attribution of weight gain to menopause is very common, and the overwhelming contribution is from aging. Menopause may play a role, but that role is small and disputed in many studies. The breast cancer risk attribution due to aging is also a pertinent inaccuracy.

– Nanette Santoro, MD

Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility,
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine