LAUSR

Abstract Introduction Menopause is considered as a clinical marker of cessation of ovarian function. Some of menopausal symptoms, also known as climacteric symptoms experienced by these women can be severe enough to affect their normal daily activities. It is well documented that climacteric symptoms experienced by women affect their quality of life. Objective To find out the prevalence and factors associated with climacteric symptoms among women residing in a rural area of Kerala. Methodology This is a cross sectional study, which was conducted among 400 women residing in a rural area of South Kerala by house to house survey using a semi structured questionnaire. Results Among the women surveyed 79.9% (n = 318) had at least one symptom out of the 23 symptoms studied, the most frequent symptoms being joint pain (35.8%, n = 143) and lethargy (32.3%, n = 129). Conclusions The study findings do reveal that a large proportion of women in Kerala experience climacteric symptoms and women may be provided with balanced information regarding menopause.