Menopause in Morocco: symptomatology and medical management

Objectives: To assess the frequency of menopausal symptoms and patterns of recourse to medical care in Rabat. Morocco. Methods: Face to face interviews with a representative sample of 300 women aged 45-55 years; information was collected on socio-demographic variables, reproductive history, use of health care, symptom checklist, and medical management of menopause. Results: The most frequent complaints are fatigue and hot flashes, each reported by 61% of wornen, headaches (57%), joint pain (54%). anxiety (44%) and irritability (42%). Hot flashes. but not cardiovascular symptoms, are statistically associated with menopausal status. Only 5% of women in the sample take hormones, and 4% calcium 13% continue to take contraceptives. The frequency of some symptoms and the use of health care for menopause are influenced by socio-economic factors. Conclusions: Reports of hot flashes and joint pains are relatively high, but the frequency of use of medical services for menopause is low. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.