97% of women in Denmark experience symptoms during menopause

Menopause is a significant public health challenge for the majority of women in Denmark, according to new research from the University of Copenhagen. For the first time, researchers have conducted a nationwide survey on women’s health and experiences of menopause. The researchers are surprised by the results, which highlight the need for more knowledge in this area.

97% of women in Denmark experience symptoms during menopause. 83% report at least one symptom of moderate to severe intensity, and more than one in four women (28%) report six or more symptoms.

This is shown by the largest national survey on menopause in Denmark, conducted as part of the research project Women in Healthy Transition (KISO) at the University of Copenhagen.

“It’s an astonishing proportion of women in Denmark who are significantly affected during menopause—and we don’t know enough to support them,” says Associate Professor Maria Hybholt from the Department of Public Health, who conducted the study together with Ph.D. student Sigrid Normann Biener and Associate Professor Terese Sara Høj Jørgensen.

“These are very large and surprising numbers. Our knowledge of menopause has long been insufficient because the topic has flown under the radar in both research and health care. That can no longer be the case with these figures,” says Hybholt.

Comprehensive survey of women’s health

A total of 153,800 women in Denmark aged 45 to 59 responded to an extensive questionnaire about their menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, health-related lifestyle, and other factors.

This makes the survey the first of its kind nationally and the only one internationally on this scale, providing a solid foundation for understanding women’s health and symptoms during menopause.

“Menopause is not a disease, but our study strongly emphasizes that it is a significant public health challenge for women in Denmark, and we must take it seriously,” says Hybholt.

More knowledge about the stages of menopause

Hybholt wants Danish women to become familiar with the stages and symptoms of menopause.

“Menopause begins in the years leading up to the final menstrual period, and this phase is called perimenopause. It is often overlooked because women are still menstruating. But this phase is characterized by significant bodily changes and marked symptoms,” she explains.

Although the average age of the final menstrual period is 52 years, the survey shows that 41% of women report being in perimenopause at age 45.

“The results highlight the different stages of menopause and that it doesn’t only occur in the late 40s or early 50s—for many, it starts earlier,” says Hybholt.

The data also show that symptoms increase in number and intensity during menopause and peak approximately 1–2 years after the final menstrual period.

The study is published in the European Journal of Epidemiology.

KISO is anchored at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Public Health and Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports.