[A new rating scale for the climacteric syndrome (Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)].

Since 1952 the Kupperman index has served as an indicator for climacteric symptoms. This index, original at that time, has been widely criticized in recent years. After worldwide criticism it was finally reduced to two true symptoms, namely hot flushes and genital atrophy. The so-called psychosomatic symptoms which are essential for the quality of life, insomnia, nervousness and depression, were largely disregarded. In 1994, an expert group of German, Austrian and Swiss members published a new score (Menopause Rating Scale [MRS]) selectively adopting most of the symptoms of the Kupperman index and adding the missing symptoms such as alteration of libido, urological complaints and vaginal dryness. In contrast to the Kupperman index, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) presented here registers every single symptom individually in a numerical and graphic way without any multiplication factor. Thus, an individual profile of each patient can be established. This new score may be completed by the physician or by the patient. An improvement in therapy can be rapidly recognized by means of the score as well as by the graphic presentation.