Aim of the present investigation was the assessment of magnitude and distribution of subjective menopausal complaints in the German population. Study participants included 1 350 women aged 14-92 years, completing the menopause rating scale (MRS II). A total of 22% of the women exhibited considerable/severe menopausal complaints. Symptoms as sleep problems, joint and muscular discomfort, heart discomfort and physical and mental exhaustion increased drastically with advancing age. Hot flushes/sweating were the only symptoms specifically assigned to the menopausal period. Significant predictors for the intensity of menopausal complaints were: region of living, age, level of psychic burden, somatic complaints, depression, stress and fatigue. It is concluded that menopausal symptoms referred to in the literature must be questioned to be phase specific. Further research on aetiological factors is needed.