Abstract: (329 Views)
Aims: Menopause age is an important indicator that not only indicates the end of a woman's reproductive period but also increases the risk of various middle-aged diseases and complications that can be prevented with timely interventions. This study examined the age of menopause and factors affecting it among Iranian women in southeastern Iran.
Instrument & Methods: This population-based study was conducted among 2,649 postmenopausal women aged 35-70 years who participated in the Zahedan Cohort Study, a component of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran, in Zahedan from October 2015 to January 2019. Data were analyzed using t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression.
Findings: The average age at menopause was 49.01±5.39 years. Among the women, 8.5% experienced premature menopause, 7.5% early menopause, and 84% normal menopause. Premature menopause was associated with marital status (single: OR=2.48, 95%CI:1.23–5.1), body mass index (p=0.036), physical activity, depression, diabetes, and history of stillbirth. Early menopause was linked to marital status (p=0.027), infertility (OR=1.51, 95%CI:1.09–2.1), body mass index, physical activity, depression, and diabetes. Normal menopause was associated with educational status, marital status, physical activity, body mass index, hypertension, and age at menarche (all p<0.05).
Conclusion: Genetic and social factors, including marital status and reproductive history, influence menopausal age, with distinct predictors characterizing premature and early menopause.