Prevalence, impact and management of postmenopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women in Rwanda

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence and management of postmenopausal symptoms among Rwandan women. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the four largest Rwandan referral hospitals from August 2017 to March 2018 among postmenopausal women. Data on postmenopausal symptoms were collected using the Modified Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index and score ranges of 0–6, 7–15, 16–30 and >30 were used to rate the degree of severity as none, mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. Results: Six hundred participants were recruited. The mean age at natural menopause was 51.7 ± 5.6 years. Common symptoms were hot flushes (82%), sexual complaints (66%) and headache (61%). The mean Blatt–Kupperman index score was 21.2 (1–58). Participants’ symptoms were classified as severe (35.8%), moderate (49.0%), mild (11.3%) and none (3.8%). Among 41.2% who had sought medical care, 1.7% were given hormonal replacement and 36% were given only pain medications. Age >50 years and lack of a male partner were significantly associated with higher scores. Conclusions: Postmenopausal symptoms remain a burden among Rwandan women and little consideration is given for optimal management. There is a need for health managers to consider this inevitable phase of life on the health policy agenda for equitable healthy aging.