Health-Seeking Behaviors and Treatments Received for Menopause Symptoms: A Questionnaire Survey among Midlife Women Attending Primary Healthcare Clinics in Malaysia

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess menopause symptoms, treatment-seeking behaviors, treatments received, and factors associated with seeking consultation from healthcare providers (HCPs).

METHODS: Using a self-administered Menopause Quick-6 in the Malay language (MQ6[M]) questionnaire, we surveyed 349 women aged 40-60 years attending primary healthcare clinics in four states in Malaysia for their menopause symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors for menopause symptoms were assessed using questions regarding HCPs consulted and treatments prescribed. Binary logistic regression was employed on factors associated with seeking consultation for menopause symptoms.

RESULTS: Using MQ6(M), we observed that 125 (31.3%) women reported at least one menopause symptom, with joint pains (42.8%), menstrual changes (39.5%), and hot flashes (29.3%) being the most frequent symptoms. Furthermore, 60% of the women were prescribed vitamins, and only 13% were administered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Medical comorbidities, the presence of at least one gynecological condition, menopause status, and MQ6(M) score were associated with seeking consultation with an HCP. For women with medical conditions, the odds of seeking consultation increased by a factor of 1.34 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.76) for every additional comorbidity. The odds of seeking consultation from an HCP increased by a factor of 1.26 (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47) with a unit increase in MQ6(M) score.

CONCLUSIONS: Most women had menopause symptoms but favored the use of complementary and alternative medicine over HRT. Screening and awareness of menopause treatments need to be improved at primary healthcare clinics.