| This study examines the prevalence of symptoms and self-designated attributions of symptoms associated with menopause and opiate withdrawal/methadone among midlife women enrolled in methadone treatment. Additionally, this study determined other factors associated with the symptoms. A Symptom and Attribution Checklist (SAAC) was administered to 135 women, aged 40 to 55 enrolled in two ongoing studies “Office-based Methadone Treatment” and “Natural History of Menopause”. The prevalence of each symptom and attribution reported was compared across racial groups, marital status groups, age-groups, methadone dose, self-reported HIV serostatus, education, employment, smoking and menopausal status. Significantly, the two most prevalent symptoms were irritability (69%) and depression (64%), although a wide range of potential symptoms indicative of menopause were reported. Almost half attributed hot flashes, cold flashes, night sweats, and irregular menses to menopause. Regression results revealed that age, ethnicity, menopausal status, and methadone dosage were significant predictors of both the Menopausal and Withdrawal Syndromes. |
