Past reproductive events as predictors of physical symptom severity during the menopausal transition.

Objective: This study aims to determine whether the severity of physical symptoms experienced during perimenopause can be predicted by physical symptoms experienced during past reproductive events (ie, symptoms experienced during pregnancy, the postpartum period, the premenstrual phase, and hormonal contraceptive use).

Methods: Two hundred ninety perimenopausal and postmenopausal women completed a series of questionnaires pertaining to their menopausal symptoms and the severity of both physical and emotional symptoms experienced during past reproductive events.

Results: The severity of some physical symptoms experienced during past reproductive events predicted the severity of menopausal physical symptoms.