Effects of parity on the age at menopause and menopausal syndrome: a cross-sectional study in Northwest China

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluated the relationship between the number of births and the age at menopause and menopausal syndrome among Chinese women in Gansu.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted by a local university from March to November in 2016. A total of 7236 women aged 40–55 years met study eligibility criteria. The modified KMI was used to assess the menopausal syndrome. Cox regression was applied to estimate HR and 95% CI of the relationship between parity and age at menopause. Logistic regression was performed to calculate OR and CI of the effects of birth times on the menopausal syndrome.Outcome measureThe relationship between the parity and the age at menopause and menopausal syndrome in mid-life northwest Chinese women was analyzed.ResultsThe mean age at menopause was 47.91 ± 3.31 years. The relationships between parity and age at menopause were not significant by applying Cox regression (P = 0.488). Women with nulliparity and more births (3 and ≥4) seemed to have higher risks of moderate and severe menopausal syndrome. In addition, the potential beneficial effects of 1 or 2 births on menopausal syndrome were still observed by applying the multivariable logistic regression analysis, particularly in urogenital symptoms.ConclusionsNo obvious relationship was found between parity and age at menopause among Chinese women in Gansu. Women with nulliparity and more births appeared to be at the increased risk of menopause syndrome compared with women with 1 and 2 births. The underlying mechanisms were not assessed and deserved further investigation.Highlight. The mean age at menopause was lower among Chinese women in Gansu than developed countries and regions.. There is no obvious relationship between parity and age at menopause.. Women with nulliparity and more births (3 and ≥4) appeared to be at the increased risk of menopause syndrome, particularly in urogenital symptoms.