Menopause, mood and management

Although the short-term and long-term clinical benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are well documented, there is a growing revival of interest in psychosocial and holistic approaches to the menopause and its treatment. The menopause occurs at a time of life when women are facing many threats and challenges, and it is important not to identify the menopause erroneously as the sole reason for reductions in the quality of life of such individuals. Most women attending a menopause clinic complain of psychological symptoms such as mood swings, rather than purely physical symptoms, and it is likely that the physiological correlates of such psychological symptoms have been underestimated. Much of the distress experienced by menopausal women is also linked to their beliefs and perceptions relating to the processes that they are experiencing, and to misinformation and myths with which they may be burdened. An awareness of this complex scenario by clinicians helps them to treat their patients more effectively and to prescribe appropriate HRT on an individual patient basis.