Background and objectives: Menopausal and perimenopausal period brings a host of physical and psychological symptoms in life of women. Due to lack of information to females and clinicians, majority of these females do not receive any timely intervention and suffer quietly. Despite lots of research, no study has focused on global health status of perimenopausal women.  The present study was designed to evaluate physical health of perimenopausal and menopausal women in a community setting in a city in central India.

Methods: 431 women in age group 40–55years were assessed with respect to Socio demographic profile, Perimenopausal symptom checklist, Clinical profile Performa and General Health Questionnaire.

Results: 17% had high blood pressure. 19% reported hot flushes with flushes being experienced most often once a day and face being most common site. About one fourth of patients experienced sweating. 80% reported experiencing joint pains with knee and back reported to be most common. About half had urgency of micturation with high percentage reporting pain during intercourse, disinterest towards sex and skin changes. High number reported irritability, feeling sad and feeling like crying. Majority felt that they get fatigued easily and slept poorly. About one third reported being forgetful and scored poorly on General Health Questionnaire. Interpretations and conclusions: Majority of the findings were in keeping with earlier studies in this area. The study highlights the importance of identification of these symptoms and the treatment in this population.