ASSESSMENT OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG A SAMPLE OF IRAQI WOMEN IN BAGHDAD/ 2025

Background: Menopause represents a critical transitional period in women’s health, with symptoms that vary in prevalence and severity according to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Understanding these patterns is essential for improving healthcare strategies for midlife women. Aim: This study aimed to assess the commonly reported menopausal symptoms among a sample of women in Baghdad, to identify the associated risk factors, and to determine the mean age of menopause. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Baghdad teaching hospital and Al- Imammain Al-Kadhimain medical city from 1st of February to 31st of July 2025. This study include 250 women aged 45-55 years who have amenorrhea for at least 12 months. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and gynecological/obstetric history. The Menopausal Rating Scale was applied to assess somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed to examine associations between symptoms, menopausal age, and risk factors. Results: In this study, the mean age of menopause was 48.95 ± 3.6 years, with 86.8% of women experiencing menopause at ≥45 years. Joint and muscular discomfort were the most frequent somatic symptoms (97.6%), followed hot flushes and sweating (85.6%). Mood related symptoms, including physical and mental exhaustion (64.4%), and urogenital complain such as vaginal dryness(71.2%), were also common. According to the menopausal rating scale, 36% reported mild to moderate symptoms, while 64% were asymptomatic, and none had severe or very severe symptoms. Menopausal symptoms were significantly more prevalent among current smokers, non-working women, and those with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus (p<0.05). In contrast, moderate physical activity was strongly associated with an absence of symptoms (p<0.001). Menopause at ≥45 years was significantly associated with being married, non-smoker participants with ≥5 parities (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms are common among women in Baghdad, with mean age at menopause of 48.95 years. Joint and muscular discomfort, hot flushes, exhaustion, and vaginal dryness were the most frequent symptoms. The timing of menopause and the occurrence of symptoms were influenced by marital status, parity, occupation, chronic disease, and smoking. Routine screening, lifestyle modification, and awareness programs are recommended to improve quality of life and mitigate early menopause risk.