Perception of menopause in a group of women living in Aydin and Mugla, Turkey

Objective: Life expectancy has increased and women are expected to live approximately one third of their total lifetime in the menopausal period. The aim of this study was to determine perceptions and beliefs on menopause, the sources of knowledge and attitudes and behaviors for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in a group of women living in Aydin and Mugla, Turkey. Material and Methods: A total of 142 women in the reproductive or menopausal period in Aydin and Mugla were included in the study. All women completed a questionnaire on perception, beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes for menopause. Results: The mean age was 43.16 +/- 13.0 (19-74). Fifty-five (37.3%) women were in the menopausal period. Almost all participants (n = 135, 95.1%) had heard of menopause, but only about half of them (n = 77, 54.2%) knew the correct definition. The most common symptoms that women could relate to menopause were hot flushes, night sweats and irritability. Vasomotor symptoms were the most common symptoms experienced by menopausal women during the last three months. Every three out of four women in the menopausal period visited a doctor for her symptoms. However, only 14.8% of women ever used HRT. Osteoporosis was believed to be the disease that benefited most from HRT. Improvement in vasomotor symptoms, fatigue and the quality of life were other benefits. Mass media was the main source of knowledge for menopause followed by doctors and friends. Conclusion: Women in the menopausal period should be referred to easily accessible primary care facilities providing care for the community thus meeting their needs for preventive and management care. Mass media has an important role in referring women to primary care.