Well-being, symptoms and the menopausal transition

This paper reviews the knowledge accumulated from published population studies of health and ill-health experiences during the menopausal transition.

Well-being: mid-aged women are more likely to report positive moods than negative moods. Well-being is not associated with menopausal status but is associated with current health status, psychosocial and lifestyle variables.

SYMPTOMS vary greatly across cultures, with North American and European samples reporting higher rates of symptoms than Asian women. The most symptomatic women in the North American samples and Australian studies are those whose menstrual cycles have changed. Vasomotor symptoms increase through the menopausal transition. Other variables such as socio-demographic, health status, stress, premenstrual complaints, attitudes to ageing and menopause, and health behaviors are associated with the occurrence of symptoms. Psychological complaints: There is no increase in the incidence of major depression with the menopause. Negative moods are not associated with the natural menopausal transition. Factors associated with negative moods include surgical menopause, prior depression, health status, menstrual problems, social and family stressors and negative attitudes to menopause. Sexuality: Several studies suggest a decline in sexual functioning associated with menopausal status rather than ageing. Social factors and health status factors are also associated with sexual outcomes.

Future research should bring together biomedical and sociological aspects. Positive aspects of health should be assessed as well as troubling symptoms. Longitudinal studies are needed with measures of hormonal change. Promoting positive attitudes to ageing and menopause, health lifestyles and stress reduction can be used as community interventions and as part of individual care.