Objective:

To evaluate menopause symptomatology, lifestyle habits and sociodemographic conditions of women between 45 and 60 years old in the province of Almeria (Spain), and to analyse which variables are related with the manifestation of climacteric symptoms.

Methods:

Data was obtained by carrying out surveys with 130 participating women. The severity of menopausal symptoms was evaluated with the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire.

Results:

On average, postmenopausal women were older, had higher Body Mass Index values, and higher frequency of not having a partner, compared with premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women had higher total symptoms, associated with higher somatic-vegetative and urogenital symptoms. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical exercise reduced somatic-vegetative and psychological symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions:

Maintaining specific healthy lifestyle habits such as Mediterranean diet and physical exercise can reduce menopause symptoms and increase the quality of life of menopausal women.