Abstract

Natural menopause is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the #x201C;permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity,#x201D;1. The word is derived from the Greek men (month) and pausis (cessation). This cross sectional study was carried out on the women attending Out Patient Clinic of Gynaecology Department of a teaching medical institute. For this study, sample size of 373 patients was decided as per use of appropriate statistical calculations. An Osteoporosis specific score sheet was designed. A complete physical examination was conducted along with local examination for all patients which included per speculum and per vaginal examination. Special investigations were conducted for all patients to evaluate symptoms such as pap smear, breast examination and Bone Mineral Density. Bone mineral density was measured using DXA scan for the calcaneum bone. We concluded that most common symptom associated with menopausal transition was night sweats followed by muscle and joint pain, psychosexual symptoms and irritability. Bone mineral density test concluded 34.3% of the population were suffering from osteoporosis while 34% were suffering from osteopenia. There is a statistical correlation between BMD and lifestyle pattern. BMD is significantly reduced in the population suffering from symptoms muscle and joint pain. BMD is inversely proportional to the age since menopause. There is an increased risk for fractures among patients who underwent oopherectomy. There is an inverse correlation between BMD and since menopause.