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Introduction: Menopause is a natural period of life. It means the permanent cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive period which occurs between 45-52 years old. It also serves as an indicator of population health as the occurrence of menopause indicates the increased risk for the onset of several chronic diseases. In this study, the mean age of natural menopause among women in Arak (Central Iran) was investigated, considering their reproductive and socio-economic-demographic factors and their health behaviors. Materials and Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional study on a population base, carried out in 2007 year. Interviews and questionnaires were used for gathering data from 458 women resident in Arak city, who had undergone a natural menopause. Sampling was multistaged using postal zones and selecting samples in each zone. Data was analyzed using variance analysis, multiple regression, T and correlation coefficient tests. Results: Findings showed that the mean age of menopause in our sample was 48.2±2.34 years (95% CI: 47.98- 48.41) and its median was 49 years. The mean age of menopause in women who were never married was less than married women (P= 0.015). Low income level (P= 0.003), having physical activity (P= 0.004), number of pregnancies (P<0.001), age of last pregnancy (P=0.026) and place of birth (P=0.003) were meaningfull factors in age of menopause. Conclusion: This phenomenon must be documented in Iran because of its strong link with mortality and morbidity of the growing number of women who are reaching advanced ages whose one forth of life is after menopause. Therefore health education as the best way for changing their lifestyle is suggested.

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Background: Noticing the significant role of fertility in Iranian families, the incidence of infertility and its social and cultural dimensions, this study was carried out to compare general health status of infertile women with fertile women. Materials and Methods: This observational case-control study was done on 147 women as the control group and 147 infertile patients as the case group who were matched in terms of influential variables. Data collection was done through demographic questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ) which were completed by both groups. The results were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, t test, and chi-square using STATA 10 software. Results: Means of general health score in fertile and infertile women were 19.249.72 and 28.06 10, respectively. Here the mean score of the infertile women was significantly higher in comparison with the fertile women (p<0.001). Physical symptoms, anxiety, social interaction, and depression scores of infertile women were significantly higher in comparison with the fertile women (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the means of age and duration of marriage between the two groups and the distribution of educational level, occupation, and income levels were the same in the two groups. Conclusion: Average scores of general health and physical complaints, anxiety, impaired social interaction, and depression in infertile women were higher than those in fertile women. This indicates their involvement with some degrees of public health diseases.