Women in Healthy Transition (KISO) Survey Cohort: Exploring menopausal symptoms in Denmark

Abstract Background Menopause eventually affects all women, with menopausal symptoms varying significantly across the globe. In Denmark, there is an important data gap in understanding women's symptoms and how they affect women. To address this, we developed the nationwide Women in Healthy Transition (KISO) Survey Cohort to explore symptoms through different stages of menopause. Methods The KISO Survey targeted 575,863 women aged 45-59 living in Denmark. Data was collected via digital questionnaires from June to December 2024, covering stages of menopause based on STRAW + 10, menopausal symptoms using MRS, quality of life using UQOL, physical activity measured with IPAQ, work productivity loss based on WPAI, and various health, social and lifestyle factors. Statistical analyses were performed to assess symptom prevalence and severity across stages of menopause. Results A total of 153,800 women participated in the study (27% response rate), with 8% in premenopause, 24% in perimenopause, and 45% in postmenopause. Additionally, 13% had induced menopause and 10% were on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Symptom prevalence and severity increased notably from premenopause to perimenopause and continued to be present through postmenopausal phases. Women in early postmenopause (1-2 years) reported the highest total symptom burden with 24% experiencing severe symptoms, compared with women in other menopausal phases. While women with induced menopause and on MHT reported an even higher prevalence of severe symptoms (31% and 38%, respectively). Urogenital symptoms were the most severe symptom domain across all stages, peaking among women in late early postmenopause (>2-8 years), with 38% reporting these symptoms as severe. Implications This is the first study to provide large-scale data on menopausal symptoms among women in Denmark. The KISO Survey Cohort offers unique and extensive data, enabling future studies to advance our understanding of menopause and its impact on women. Key messages • Women in early postmenopause report the highest menopausal symptom burden, with 24% experiencing severe symptoms. • The KISO Survey Cohort offers unique data to advance our understanding of menopause.