Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to follow a womans progression through menopause in order to examine the effects on health related quality of life and use of health care resources and to understand how women are using alternative therapies
Detailed Description: Menopause affects every woman as she ages yet every womans experience is different We are seeking to enroll 720 women from the University of Pittsburghs Division of General Internal Medicine Outpatient practice GIMO at all stages of menopause pre- peri- and post-menopausal between 40 and 65 years old They will be followed for 5 years as they progress through menopause
Women will complete yearly questionnaires during their usual doctors visit or by phone or online if necessary regarding general health menopause and menopausal symptoms health related quality of life traditional and alternative therapy use social support and attitudes towards menopause and aging
We will combine this information with information from womens medical charts to look at how menopause and health related quality of life impact the use of health care resources Additionally some women may be asked about the use of health care resources such as doctors visits hospitalizations and lab tests