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Abstract
Fifty-six premenopausal women were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of 850 women
living in South-East England. They were recontacted 3 years later when 36 met the
criterion of being naturally peri- or postmenopausal. Somatic, vasomotor and emotional
symptoms, as well as general health, use of medical services and beliefs about the
menopause, were assessed on both occasions using the Women's Health Questionnaire
(a symptom scale standardized for use with this age group). In general, the cross-sectional
findings were confirmed — vasomotor symptoms, sleep problems and to a lesser extent
depressed mood increased during the peri- and postmenopause. However, ratings of general
health and use of medical services remained unchanged. A stepwise regression analysis
was used to predict depressed mood and hot flushes in peri- and postmenopausal women.
The results illustrate the importance of previously existing symptoms, stereotyped
beliefs and social factors in explanations of climacteric symptoms.
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© 1992 Published by Elsevier Inc.
