Mood and the menopausal transition

This study determined which variables affect women's mood state during the menopausal transition by using six prospective annual assessments of a comm unity-based sample of 354 Australian mid-aged women. Repeated measures mult ivariate analysis of covariance found that negative mood scores decreased s ignificantly over time and were not related to natural menopausal transitio n, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, inhibin, age, or education. The magnitude of negative mood was significantly predicted by baseline reporti ng of premenstrual complaints, negative attitudes to ageing and menopause, and parity of one. During follow-up, the magnitude of negative mood was sig nificantly adversely affected by: prior experience of negative mood, experi ence of bothersome symptoms, poor self-rated health, negative feelings for partner, no partner, current smoking, low exercise, daily hassles, and high stress. Negative mood was reduced by decreasing symptoms, improving health , positive feelings for partner, gaining a partner, and reducing stress. Th e menopausal transition had an indirect effect in amplifying the effect of reducing paid work, poor health, and daily hassles.