Life stresses and depression in the menopause

Research on the climacteric has largely concentrated on relationships between ovarian insufficiency, oestrogen deficiency, and climacteric symptoms. Little attention has been paid to those who have no symptoms. It is proposed, in addition to these relationships, that the life events of this period are significantly involved; and that resultant stress may contribute to oestrogen deficiency as opposed to physiologically normal postmenopausal oestrogen levels. In this preliminary study, two groups of women under conditions of relatively low stress and high stress were tested over a period of 15 mth. They were rated on the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression and anxiety and results were compared with the corresponding total urinary oestrogen output. The results, which suggest a significant relationship between stress related to depression and oestrogen levels in the menopause, are discussed and compared with differing life circumstances of the subjects.