PSYCHOSOMATICS OF THE MENOPAUSE - RESEARC H REVIEW 1988-1992

Based on an analysis of medical and psychological studies published in 1988-1992 a review about psychosomatic aspects of the menopause is pr esented. While more than 1000 studies on medical/gynecological aspects of the menopause and especially ''hormone replacement therapy'' were published in English or German, psychological aspects seemed to have b een neglected in about 90% of those articles. Only in the abstracts of 58 studies on menopause the keywords psychosom, psychology or qualit y of life were mentioned. The methods of those psychosomatic studies a re summarized, and central results concerning the description of menop ausal experiences, psychosocial influences, prevention and interventio ns are referred. Research deficits and implications for prevention and therapy are discussed critically.