AbstractObjective: 1. to study prevalence of menopausal symptoms. 2. To understand the treatment seeking behaviour of postmenopausal women. Materials and Method: A Descriptive study conducted at Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka between November 2011 to August 2014. 200 post-menopausal women with natural onset menopause attending menopause clinic at Out-patient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology were included in the study. .A semi structured interview followed by examination and relevant investigations were done. Patients with vasomotor and genital urinary complaints were counselled about treatment option of HRT and non HRT. Data was analysed by mean, standard deviation, percentage and Pearson correlation test. Result: Out of the 200 women analysed in this study, 80%, (n=160) had menopausal symptoms. 19.46% (n-58) women reported vasomotor complaints, 12.75% (n= 38) reported genitourinary complaints and sexual complaints by 4.36 % ( n=13) .Musculoskeletal complaints were reported by 20.13% (n=60) and psychological complaints by 43.28% (n- 129) women. For vasomotor complaints 23 women received Conjugated equine oestrogen 0.625 mg with medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets 5 mg , 9 received Tibolone 2.5 mg , 18 received isoflavones and 3 got Selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), 18 were prescribed Oestrogen vaginal cream 0.5 gram for genitourinary complaints. 7 were advised Kegels’ exercise. Conclusion: 48.75% (n=78) of women sought treatment for menopausal complaints .50 women with hormonal replacement therapy and 28 with non hormonal methods.
Keywords: Menopause; Treatment Seeking Behaviour; Hormone Replacement Therapy