Prevalence and Severity of Menopausal Symptoms in Women of Different Ages - China, 2023-2024.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: During menopause, women frequently experience a spectrum of physical, mental, and psychological symptoms due to declining ovarian function and fluctuating estrogen levels. There has been a notable absence of systematic, large-scale cross-sectional studies examining menopausal symptoms among Chinese women in recent years.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study examines menopausal symptoms in Chinese women aged 40-60 years, documenting an overall prevalence of 46.3%. The three most commonly reported symptoms are insomnia (50.0%), fatigue (48.2%), and nervousness (46.9%). The prevalence of menopausal symptoms begins to increase in women over age 44, reaching its peak at age 52. Statistically significant differences in symptom severity exist between premenopausal and postmenopausal women within the 45-49 and 50-54 year age groups.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: This study represents the first comprehensive large-scale investigation of menopausal symptoms in Chinese women. The findings demonstrate that symptom prevalence varies with age, providing an evidence base for developing targeted health management strategies and interventions specific to different age groups, ultimately enhancing the physical and mental well-being of women experiencing menopause.