Associated Factors of the Natural Late-menopause among Korean Women

Abstract

Up to now, the studies about menopausal age were focused on the relationships with reproduction factors and the results weren't consistent or the subjects were limited in small groups. This study aimed to identify the relationship between the natural late-menopause and related factors including socioeconomic factors, in Korean women. Methods: This paper used the secondary data for analyses which was derived from the national representative samples of 1,236 women; National Health and Nutrition Surveys by Korea Institute for Health and Social affairs in 2005. For data analyses, Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were adopted for the samples of women who were in natural menopausal status. The related factors with the age at menopause were included socioeconomic variables and health related variables (physical or clinical variables & health behavior variables). Results: Present age and household income were related with late age at natural menopause. In addition to this, alcohol drinking, quality of life, age at first birth, and period of breast feeding were found to be related with the age at natural menopause. Conclusions: This study suggests that there are some possibilities for modifying age at natural menopause, that would reduce the risk for chronic diseases by lifestyle changes and socioeconomic support. Especially, women who were in low household income, or had alcohol drunk, early first birth, or long-term breast feeding (over 20 month) could be managed with respect to delay one's menopause onset and to improve health status.