SYMPTOMS AT PERIMENOPAUSAL PERIOD - ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ATTITUDES TOWARD SEXUALITY, LIFE-STYLE, FAMILY FUNCTION, AND FSH-LEVELS

We studied the association of symptoms with attitudes toward sexuality, life-style, family functioning, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in perimenopausal women. We collected data on depression, anxiety, nonspecific index of depression, and the empty nest syndrome in 222 women with a mean age of 47.7 (47.2-48.2, 95% CI) years (102 of them were at menopause). Family functioning was evaluated with the McMaster model, and attitudes toward sexuality with questions about women's opinions on sexuality. Scores of depression were higher in women with more than 1 year of menopause. Attitudes to sexuality was significantly associated with all four symptoms. For family function, affective involvement, control of behavior, the roles of the members in the family, and communication were associated with some symptoms. Serum FSH was associated with body mass index, abdomen/hip ratio, and depression. We concluded that: (1) Attitudes toward sexuality was the main regressor for symptoms; (2) the function of the family is also associated with some symptoms; and (3) FSH levels may be lower in obese menopausal women and higher in women with depression or anxiety.