Life satisfaction, symptoms, and the menopausal transition

Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the relation between life satisfaction and the menopausal transition, identify factors predictive or associated with life satisfaction, and determine the relation between life satisfaction and other health outcomes. Research design and methods: This is a prospective population-based study o f 438 middle-aged Australian-born women followed for 6 years after baseline measures. Retention rate at 6 years was 90% (n = 395). Two self-reported m easures of life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction Index-Z scale [LSI-Z] and S atisfaction with Life Scale [SWLS]) were used in year 6. Positive and negat ive affect scales and questions about satisfaction with work and daily livi ng were also used. Sociodemographic variables were measured at baseline, an d attitudes toward menopause and aging were documented at years 2 and 5, re spectively. Other explanatory variables, including symptoms, health, stress , life events, sexual functioning, and lifestyle were measured in year 6. Results: Women overwhelmingly endorsed positive responses to life satisfact ion questions. The LSI-Z and the SWLS were highly correlated with each othe r (r = 0.70), with the mood scales, and with responses to questions about s atisfaction with work and daily living. The LSI-Z and SWLS were not related to menopausal status, hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, estrad iol), age, body mass index, hot flushes, hormone replacement therapy, sexua l interest, employment status, type of profession, children at home, alcoho l, chronic conditions, surgery, premenstrual complaints, life events (major or secondary), and social support. Stepwise multiple regression found that life satisfaction was predicted by earlier attitudes and was positively as sociated with feelings for partner and exercise and negatively associated w ith daily hassles, interpersonal stress, dysphoric symptoms, and current sm oking. Conclusions: Life satisfaction was closely related to mood, predicted by ea rlier attitudes, and affected by relationship to partner, stress, and lifes tyle. Life satisfaction was unrelated to menopause status, hormone levels, or hormone replacement therapy.