The effects of the menopausal transition and biopsychosocial factors on well-being

Summary

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether women's well-being changed with the menopausal transition, and the effect on well-being of other biological, psychosocial and lifestyle factors.

Method: A longitudinal observational study was carried out utilising a population-based sample of 438 mid-aged, Australian- born women. A total of 9 assessments were made at annual intervals. Mood was measured using the Affectometer 2. Mood, menopausal status, psychosocial and lifestyle variables and hormone levels were determined annually. 226 subjects who transited the natural menopausal transition were included in the analysis.

Results: As women pass from early in the menopausal transition to later in the transition, reporting at least 3 months of amenorrhoea, negative mood declines significantly, positive mood does not change and well-being significantly improves. Well-being scores are highly correlated over time, with early scores having a major effect on later scores. Well-being is also significantly affected by changes in marital status, work satisfaction, daily hassles and life events.

Conclusions: Well-being improves as women enter the later stages of the menopausal transition and is also influenced significantly by psychosocial factors.