The present study sought to examine variations in menopausal characteristics between rural and urban women and the ways in which these characteristics could be predicted from differential sociodemographic variables related to the residential status. Data on sociodemographic variables, reproductive history, and menopausal symptoms were collected from 180 postmenopausal women (rural 110; urban 70) belonging to the Bengali-speaking Hindu ethnic group of eastern India. Bivariate analyses confirmed rural-urban differences in menopausal age and in the reporting of menopausal problems (e.g., vasomotor, psychosomatic, psychological, and urinary problems). Multivariate analyses revealed that rural-urban residential status and duration of breastfeeding of child were significant predictors of age at menopause. Residential and literacy status, duration of breast feeding of child, and husband’s awareness about the menopausal status of spouse were significant predictors of some of the menopausal symptoms.

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Key words: Menopause, Eastern India, rural-urban