CLIMACTERIC FILIPINO WOMEN - A PRELIMINARY SURVEY IN THE PHILIPPINES

In a survey of 500 Filipino women aged 40-50 years, of various professions and residing mostly in Metropolitan Manila, the average age of menopause was estimated at 48 years. The climacteric symptoms were seen to affect 83% of the respondents. Sixty-three percent reported menopause-related circulatory or vasomotor disorders and 79% mentioned psychological disorders. The incidence and frequency of climacteric symptoms were highest among the perimenopausals. Headache was the most common climacteric symptom, while the hot flush was the least prevalent. Only 31% consulted a physician for menopause-related ailments. Eighty-six percent of those who consulted were prescribed medication, however, only 52% of these followed the prescription. Eleven percent reported dyspareunia and only 36% consulted a doctor. Thirty-one percent suffered from urinary stress incontinence and only 16% consulted a doctor. The findings of this study suggest that the average Filipino woman has an attitude of forbearance towards the climacteric syndrome. This attitude is shaped by her Asian culture and Third World circumstances.