Menopausal transition in Movima women, a Bolivian native-American

Background: Although it is well accepted that socio-cultural influences may affect the onset of menopause and the symptoms experienced, there are scant data related to native indigenous populations. Objective: Our purpose was to study in a native population of South America (The Movima, Bolivia) the menopausal transition. Subjects and methods: In this cross-sectional survey a total of 125 Movima women between 35 and 54 years old was included. All of them answered a questionnaire and a face-to-face interview focused on the menopausal experiences of middle-aged Movima women and additionally, history and physical examination, demographic and socio-economic information were obtained. Results: The onset of natural menopause in the Movima was at 42.3 +/- 6.17 years. Loss of libido was the main complaint of the menopause, occurring in a 51% of interviewed women, hot flushes in a 45%, genital itching in a 40.8% and dyspareunia in a 40% were also frequently reported. Conclusion: This is the first data recorded on menopausal transition of the Movima natives. The age of menopause and the symptoms experienced are different to those from women of developed countries. Data related to minority groups are important to adapt the health system to their particular requirements. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.