A comparative study of effects of surgical and natural menopause on menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints in menopausal women

ABSTRACT

Background: To decrease morbidity in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign lesions, oophorectomy should not be done. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of surgical and natural menopause on menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in gynecology outpatient department from June 2019 to June 2020. A total of 200 postmenopausal women were selected between the age group of 40 and 55 years and then divided into two main groups – Group A (100), that is, natural menopause and Group B (100), that is, surgical menopause. Interviews were conducted about menopausal symptoms, using a standard questionnaire and were modified for yes or no response. The women were asked about symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, dryness of skin, decreased libido, poor memory, depression, and musculoskeletal pain. Results: The study showed that menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal pain were more common in women with surgical menopause as compared to women with natural menopause. The rate of hot flashes and sweating was more in surgical menopause group, that is, 81% and 82%, respectively, as compared to 52% and 50%, respectively, in natural menopause group. The musculoskeletal pain was more significant in Group B as compared to Group A, especially low back and upper back which were present in 55% and 42%, respectively, in Group B as compared to 43% and 41%, respectively, in Group A. Conclusion: As the menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal pain are more common in patients with surgical menopause thereby increasing the morbidity, so oophorectomy should not be done in patients who are undergoing hysterectomy for benign lesions. Therefore, treatment of osteoporosis and hormone replacement therapy is recommended after surgery to decrease the menopausal and musculoskeletal symptoms within the 1st year of menopause.