SOMATIC EXPERIENCE OF THE MENOPAUSE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

This study investigates the nature of psychological and somatic symptoms experienced during the menopause and attempts to predict individual differences using a prospective design. Thirty-six women, who were premenopausal during an initial investigation, became peri- or postmenopausal three years later. The Women's Health Questionnaire, developed specifically for this population, was used to assess general health, beliefs, psychosocial factors, and current symptoms. As expected, vasomotor symptoms were more prevalent in peri- and postmenopausal women. However, significant but small increases in depressed mood were also evident. The results of a stepwise regression analysis indicated that past depression together with cognitive and social factors accounted for 51 per cent of the variance in depressed mood reported by menopausal women. The clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.