Objectives: The aim of our research was to assess changes in the quality of life of menopausal women and the severity and experience of their symptoms, with a focus on hot flushes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood swings, urinary and sexual dysfunction and depression.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. The target population for non-random, purposive sampling was pre,peri,or postmenopausal women aged 40-65 years. The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of self-reported questions and used validated questionnaires (UQoL, MRS). We excluded those who filled in the questionnaire incorrectly or incompletely, or who were not living in Hungary at the time of the research. In addition to descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square test, two-sample T-test, ANOVA and linear regression were performed using SPSS software. (p<0.05)

Results: The categories of the Utian Quality of Life Scale and the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire were significantly related. (p<0.001) Women who do not exercise, score significantly lower than their frequently exercising counterparts. (p<0.001) Women with physical work do not have milder somatic-vegetative symptoms than their counterparts with intellectual work. (F=0.626; p=0.536) Women with higher body mass index have stronger menopausal symptoms. (F=2.892; p=0.024) Women who regularly visit a gynaecology clinic have a better menopausal quality of life. (F=7.579; p<0.001) Women who receive some menopausal treatment have lower Menopause Rating Scale scores. (p=0.020)

Conclusions: our research has highlighted that the quality of life and severity of symptoms of menopausal women can be influenced by a number of factors that are worth paying attention to. It is important to closely monitor the condition of these women and to encourage health promotion programmes.