Sarcopenia in the Shadows: Feasibility of Screening Postmenopausal Women Using the SARC-F Questionnaire and Gait Speed Test in a Menopause Clinic

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive, age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function that contributes to frailty, falls, and loss of independence. Postmenopausal women represent a vulnerable group, yet sarcopenia remains under-recognised in gynecology and menopause clinics, where routine screening is seldom performed. Objectives: To assess the feasibility of screening for sarcopenia among postmenopausal women attending a menopause clinic using the SARC-F questionnaire and gait speed testing, and to estimate the proportion of women screening positive. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years attending a menopause clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital between August 2024 and January 2025. Screening was performed using the SARC-F questionnaire (score ≥4 indicating probable sarcopenia) and a 6-meter gait speed test, with the middle 4 meters timed. A gait speed of ≤0.8 m/s was considered indicative of poor physical performance, in accordance with the EWGSOP2 framework. Feasibility outcomes included time required for screening and acceptance by participants and clinic staff. Results: A total of 50 postmenopausal women were screened. Twelve women (24%) had a SARC-F score ≥4, while eight women (16%) demonstrated a gait speed ≤0.8 m/s. Overall, 20 women (40%) screened positive on either SARC-F or gait speed testing, indicating a substantial hidden burden of probable sarcopenia. Screening was highly feasible, requiring less than five minutes per participant, with a 100% acceptance rate among both patients and clinic staff. Increasing age and lower physical activity levels were more frequently observed among women who screened positive. Conclusion Screening for sarcopenia using the SARC-F questionnaire and gait speed test is quick, feasible, and well accepted in a menopause clinic setting. Incorporating simple functional screening tools into routine menopause care may facilitate early identification of sarcopenia and enable timely preventive interventions in postmenopausal women.