Menopause Symptoms' Predictors: The Influence of Lifestyle, Health- and Menopause-Related, and Sociodemographic Characteristics

This research explores a causal model of menopausal symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. A community sample of 710 women was assessed regarding menopausal symptoms, and sociodemographic, health- and menopause-related, and lifestyle characteristics. Structural equation modelling was used. Menopausal status predicted skin/facial hair changes (β =.156; p <.001), vasomotor (β =.122; p <.001) and sexual symptoms (β =.158; p <.001). Age was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (β =.087; p =.003), aches/pain (β =.072; p =.006), urinary (β =.115; p =.004) and also sexual symptoms (β =.107; p =.021). Several menopausal symptoms are predicted, not only by menopausal status, but also by age progression, among other variables; this should be considered in the context of a well-adapted menopausal transition.