Socioenvironmental factors associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal Japanese women.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of socioenvironmental factors on the severity of menopausal symptoms among perimenopausal Japanese women from a life-course perspective.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted using an internet panel survey in August 2023 among 1,980 Japanese women aged 45-56 years. Women hospitalized for depression or gynecologic disorders at the time of the study were excluded. Data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and employment details were collected using Japanese-validated versions, including the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire and Kupperman Menopause Index. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with moderate or severe menopausal symptoms.

RESULTS

Over half of the participants reported mild (26.8%), moderate (16.1%), or severe menopausal symptoms (7.8%). The median absolute presenteeism, where lower scores reflect greater performance impairment and consequently poorer job performance, was 60% in severe cases, 70% in moderate cases, and 80% in mild cases. After adjusting for age and body mass index, caregiving for an elderly family member, and those experiencing absolute presenteeism were associated with increased odds of moderate or severe symptoms. Conversely, women who received social support from their surrounding community were less likely to experience severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioenvironmental factors significantly impact the severity of menopausal symptoms. Supportive workplace policies and community may help mitigate these symptoms.