Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: September | Volume: 7 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 75-82
Psychological Distress and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women Who Have Attained Natural Menopause versus Women with Induced Menopause - A Comparative Study
Shraddha G. Rao1, Shubhangi S. Dere2, Shaunak A. Ajinkya3
1Undergraduate (MBBS) Student, MGM Medical College & Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
2 Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College & Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
3Consultant Psychiatrist, Dhirubhai Ambani Multi-Speciality Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr Shubhangi S. Dere
ABSTRACT
Background: This study aimed at comparing psychosocial distress and quality of life in women attaining natural menopause versus women with induced menopause.
Methods: This was a cross- sectional observational study done at tertiary care hospital in a rural area. Based upon the calculated sample size and selection criteria, 101 women were enrolled and studied. After obtaining informed consent, case report forms consisting of self designed proforma, DASS and MRS questionnaires were administered. Data was tabulated and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Age of menopause was significantly lower in induced menopause group compared to that in natural menopause group. Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were reported higher by women with induced menopause as compared to those with natural menopause. However, this difference was not statistically significant. On MRS, most common menopausal symptoms were exhaustion, depression, joint and muscle discomfort, sleep problems, hot flushes/ night sweats, vaginal dryness, bladder problems etc. the prevalence was high in both group especially in women with surgical menopause. Sexual symptoms were reported higher by women with induced menopause (94%) as compared to those with natural menopause (6%).
Conclusion: Studies have shown that menopause related symptoms may have a negative effect on quality of life of women. Hence this study can help in creating more awareness in educating women who are advised to undergo induced menopause about its impact and in early identification of the common menopausal symptoms so that it can help them take informed decisions.
Key words: Menopause, Psychological distress, Health related Quality of life.