11 de septiembre de 2026

Objective

Perimenopausal women often experience symptoms impairing quality of life, yet they receive limited clinical attention. This study aimed to assess symptom burden, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work-related outcomes across reproductive aging stages.
Method

Secondary analysis included 1478 women aged 40–54 years from 12 Latin American countries, classified by age and menstrual status into four groups: age 40–44 years with regular cycles (reference), age 45–49 years with regular cycles, age 45–49 years with irregular cycles (perimenopause) and age 50–54 years with absent menses (early postmenopause). Symptoms, HRQoL, work-related outcomes and job satisfaction were assessed using validated instruments Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results

Symptom severity increased progressively across stages, with severe symptoms rising from 18.3% (reference group) to 50.6% in postmenopausal women (p < 0.001). Compared with the reference group, women with irregular cycles and those with absent menses had higher odds of severe symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 2.97 and 3.71), lower HRQoL (OR 1.62 and 1.97) and lower job satisfaction (OR 2.01 and 3.07), respectively. Menopausal stage was not independently associated with work-related quality of life.
Conclusion

Symptom burden and its impact on health and job satisfaction emerge before menopause and may inform earlier, stage-specific clinical guidance.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Many women experience bothersome symptoms in the years before menopause, when menstrual cycles are still present. These symptoms, such as hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes, fatigue and joint pain, often occur while women are working and managing family and social responsibilities. However, most clinical attention focuses on the period after menopause, when menstruation has stopped. This study examined how symptoms during midlife are associated with women’s health and working life before and after menopause. We analyzed data from 1478 women aged 40–54 years from 12 Latin American countries, grouped by age and menstrual pattern (regular cycles, irregular cycles or no periods for at least 1 year). We assessed symptom severity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work-related outcomes, including job satisfaction. We found that symptoms increased across reproductive aging stages. Women aged 45–49 years commonly report severe menopausal symptoms irrespective of menstrual regularity, although the prevalence of these symptoms is higher among those experiencing menstrual irregularities. Job satisfaction also declined in women with irregular cycles and after menopause. These findings show that the health impact of menopause begins before periods stop. Earlier recognition may improve well-being and support women during this life stage.

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