Symptomatic profile of the climacteric female. Clinical experience Perfil sintomatico de la mujer climaterica. Experiencia clinica.

Abstract

To describe the symptoms of the climacteric female, 287 climacteric patients had their symptoms evaluated according to the criteria of Blatt-Kupperman for menopause. The median age was 50 years (P10 = 43 and P90 = 58). The main complaint was flushing in 46%, psychiatric symptoms in 17.8% a health examination in 14.6%, osteoporosis in 11.1%, menstrual problems in 6.3%, and other symptoms in 4.5%. Asthenia was a prominent symptom in 82% of patients, followed closely by headache, irritability and depression. Flushing was present in 77% of patients. Symptoms not usually associated to menopause, such as vertigo, palpitations and bone pain were quite prevalent. Only 69% of females were sexually active. Among them, 45% complained of dyspareunia and 58% of decreased or absent libido. The median Blatt index was 27. Working capacity was affected in 87% of patients. Conclusion: The menopausal period is associated to many symptoms which may motivate females to consult an internist.