THERMOREGULATORY SYMPTOMS AND THEIR IMPACT AMONG MENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN KARACHI: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Thermoregulatory symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are common during menopause and can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. There is limited localized data regarding these symptoms among menopausal women in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan.

Objective: To examine the prevalence, severity, and socio-demographic correlates especially education level of thermoregulatory symptoms among menopausal women in Karachi, and to assess their impact on sleep quality, work productivity, and emotional well-being.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 menopausal women aged 40 years and above residing in Karachi. Data on thermoregulatory symptoms, education level, and impacts on daily functioning were collected via a structured questionnaire. Severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Associations between education and symptom severity were analyzed using the chi-square test.

Results: Overall, 69.6% (n=229) of women reported experiencing thermoregulatory symptoms. Among those, 40.2% reported mild, 39.7% moderate, and 20.1% severe symptoms. Education level was significantly associated with severity (χ² = 12.5, p = 0.05), with less educated women more likely to report moderate to severe symptoms. Severe symptoms were strongly linked to sleep disruption (78.3%), reduced work productivity (69.6%), and impaired emotional well-being (71.3%).

Conclusions: Thermoregulatory symptoms are highly prevalent and significantly impact daily functioning in menopausal women in Karachi, with lower education level associated with greater symptom severity. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions addressing educational disparities and promoting menopause-related health awareness in urban Pakistan.