Aim. To investigate the level of severity of the common menopausal symptoms in a group of Polish women in the menopausal transition in comparison to women from different regions of the world. Material and methods. A group of respondents consisted of 210 women aged 45–65 who have participated in the rehabilitation treatment in three health care facilities in the Province of Silesia, Warmia – Mazury and Malopolska. This survey was conducted from November 2013 to March 2014 once approval of the Bioethics Committee at the Medical University of Lublin was received. A set of research tools consisted of a socio-demographic survey and Menopause Symptom Rating Scale (MRS). Results and conclusions. In the study group the highest level of symptoms severity was assessed for psychological symptoms. In this group the most frequently reported symptoms were: depressed mood, troublesome sleeping, irritability, exhaustion and anxiety. A detailed analysis showed that a single symptom characterized by the highest intensity in the study group was discomfort in joints and muscles. Bothersome menopausal symptoms are observed among women all over the world, but their level of severity depends on cultural, social, religious, ethnic and individual differences. There is an urgent need for health-related attitudes in a group of menopausal women and education in the field of available therapies.

Key words: menopause, hot flushes, depression, sexual dysfunctions.