Goonaratna, CFonseka, PWijeywardene, K2009-05-282009-05-281999-06-24Goonaratna C, Fonseka P, Wijeywardene K. Perimenopausal symptoms in Sri Lankan women. The Ceylon Medical Journal. 1999 Jun; 44(2): 63-9http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/49033The Ceylon Medical Journal.OBJECTIVE: To determine the types of perimenopausal symptoms (PMS) associated with the natural menopause and to make a preliminary assessment of the influence of PMS on household work, employment duties and social life, since no published data are available regarding these aspects in Sri Lankan women. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 403 women after natural menopause chosen randomly from four selected groups. METHOD: A pre-tested coded questionnaire administered by trained women medical students to consenting menopausal women. RESULTS: An overwhelming majority of menopausal women (87.1%) had one or more PMS. The principal PMS reported were insomnia (57.8%), joint pains (55.8%), night sweats (55.6%), hot flushes (40.2%), irritability (35.3%) and headaches (33.3%). Of the 171 women employed outside the home, 38% noted some interference with employment duties. PMS causes much morbidity in Sri Lankan perimenopausal women.engAdultAge DistributionArthralgia --epidemiologyContraceptives, Oral, Hormonal --administration & dosageCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHeadache --epidemiologyHot Flashes --epidemiologyHumansIrritable MoodMarital StatusMenopause --physiologyMiddle AgedPopulation SurveillanceQuestionnairesSampling StudiesSeverity of Illness IndexSleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders --epidemiologySri Lanka --epidemiologySweatingJournal Article