As women navigate the transition through menopause, many experience not just physical changes but also shifts in mental and emotional well-being. Stress, depression, and anxiety are common complaints, but they don’t impact all women equally. A recent study sheds light on these psychological issues and highlights the importance of resilience and self-efficacy in improving mental health during this life stage.

What Happens During Menopause?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. This transition is divided into stages:

• Premenopause: Regular menstrual cycles.
• Early Perimenopause: Irregular cycles but menstruation still occurs within three months.
• Late Perimenopause: Menstruation stops for over three months but less than a year.
• Postmenopause: Menstruation has ceased for at least 12 months.

The body undergoes significant hormonal shifts during this time, particularly with declining estrogen levels. These changes can lead to hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes like anxiety and depression.

What Did the Study Find?

The research involved 272 women aged 40–60 and explored how psychological complaints like depression, anxiety, and stress varied across menopausal stages. Participants also completed assessments measuring resilience (ability to bounce back from stress) and self-efficacy (belief in their ability to manage challenges). Key findings include:

1. Early Perimenopause is the Most Challenging: Women in early perimenopause reported the highest levels of stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression. Their psychosocial quality of life was significantly worse compared to premenopausal or postmenopausal women.
2. Age Plays a Role: When age was taken into account, menopausal stage no longer predicted stress and anxiety levels. Older women generally reported less stress, possibly due to better emotional regulation and coping mechanisms developed over time.
3. Resilience and Self-Efficacy Matter: Regardless of menopausal stage or age, women with higher resilience and self-efficacy reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stress was the only factor linked to self-reported memory issues.

What Does This Mean for Women?

While hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to psychological complaints, age and individual coping skills also play a role. The findings emphasize the importance of mental health support during early perimenopause, a stage often unrecognized by women themselves.

Practical Tips for Women in Transition

1. Build Resilience: Practices like mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in hobbies can help you manage stress.
2. Enhance Self-Efficacy: Set small, achievable goals to boost your confidence in managing life changes.
3. Seek Support: Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help address mood issues and build coping skills.
4. Connect with Others: Social support from friends, family, or menopause groups can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

Early perimenopause can be a particularly vulnerable stage for mental health, but factors like resilience and self-efficacy can act as protective buffers. Women should be aware of these challenges and seek support early to improve their quality of life during this natural transition.

Source:

Kuck, M.J., & Hogervorst, E. (2023). Stress, depression, and anxiety: psychological complaints across menopausal stages. School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, UK.