Symptom Experiences and Quality of Life in Early Surgical Menopause Women

Abstract

This prospective descriptive study focused on the symptoms experienced and quality of life in early surgical menopause women. The Symptom Management Model (Dodd et al., 2001) was used as a research framework. The sample consisted of 52 women who had surgical menopause and were receiving outpatient services at Siriraj Hospital. Data were collected during August 2023 to April 2024 through 3-time follow-ups, 10-14 days, 4-8 weeks, and 12-16 weeks after surgery. Research instruments included a personal and health data recording form, a symptom experience questionnaire, and quality of life of menopausal women (Thai MENQOL). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

          The research results found that the 5 common symptoms for all 3-time follow-ups were hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, dry skin, and irritability. During 10-14 days after surgery, the severity of almost all symptoms was low. The severity of most symptoms was gradually increase during 4-8 weeks after surgery and were in moderate levels during 12-16 weeks after surgery. As for the quality of life of women with surgical menopause, it was found that autonomic nervous system symptoms had the highest impact on quality of life in all 3 periods. Symptoms that had the greatest impact on quality of life in the period 10-14 days 4-8 weeks and 12-16 weeks after surgery were bloating, insomnia and hot flashes, respectively. The results provide data for improving health care for women undergoing surgical menopause.