A: Family History and Depression Risk
Study Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Summary:
The study examined the link between family history of depression and the risk of developing major depressive disorder in midlife women.
It found that women with a family history of depression had a significantly higher risk of experiencing major depressive episodes during perimenopause and menopause.
This risk was independent of menopausal status, hormonal changes, and other psychosocial factors, suggesting a strong genetic or familial predisposition.
Implications: Women with a family history of depression may benefit from early screening and preventive mental health interventions during the menopausal transition.
Reference: Read the study: Published in final edited form as: Depress Anxiety. 2017 May 10;
Alicia Colvin et al
B: Symptom Interference with Work and Relationships
Study Source: PMC Journal on Women’s
Health
Summary:
The research explored how menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and cognitive changes, interfere with women’s daily activities, work performance, and personal relationships.
80% of women reported that symptoms affected their work productivity, while 60% noted strain in personal relationships, including those with partners and children.
The study found that emotional symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, and depression) had the most significant impact on relationship quality and communication within families.
Implications: There is a need for workplace policies supporting menopausal women and family education to foster understanding and reduce conflicts at home.
Family education days offered by big employers, if small can collaborate (talk to your HR).
Reference: Read the study
Symptom Interference with Work and Relationships during the Menopausal Transition and Early Postmenopause: Observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study
Nancy Fugate Woods 1, Ellen Sullivan Mitchell 2
Menopause. 2011 Jun;18
C: Interpersonal Relationships During Perimenopause
71 mainly British women participated. The analysis, discussed the Menopause Sisterhood and how these women described social support as grounded in embodied experiences shared with other women.
Study Source: Feminism & Psychology Journal
Summary:
This qualitative study explored women’s experiences of perimenopause and its impact on friendships, family interactions, and intimate relationships.
Common Themes Identified:
Emotional withdrawal and isolation: Due to mood swings and anxiety, women felt misunderstood and withdrew from social interactions.
Conflict with partners and teenagers: Hormonal fluctuations led to irritability, contributing to misunderstandings and conflicts, particularly in households with teenagers testing boundaries.
Supportive friendships as a buffer: Women who had supportive friends experienced better emotional adjustment, highlighting the importance of social support.
Implications: Building social support networks and communication strategies can help women manage emotional changes during perimenopause.
Reference: Read the study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09593535241242563 April 23, 2024, Nikki Hatfield et al
Summary of Study: Women’s Experiences of Friendships, Family, and Relationships During Perimenopause
1. Validating Perimenopausal Experiences:
The study highlights the importance of recognizing the physical, psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape perimenopausal experiences.
Women found connections with others going through similar experiences to be especially valuable. These connections often formed supportive networks or “sisterhoods” that helped them cope with perimenopause.
Talking about perimenopause helped to normalize experiences and made women feel more understood and empowered, countering past experiences of feeling isolated or unsupported.
2. Importance of Support Networks:
These support networks were often informal and found in workplaces, similar to social groups like postnatal coffee groups.
Membership was based on shared experiences, which helped women understand and accept their symptoms, even when they were not outwardly visible.
However, these groups could be exclusive, leaving out women whose experiences were different or those entering early perimenopause. This shows the need for inclusive support systems.
3. Impact on Partner Relationships:
The study found complex emotions in partner relationships, particularly with men:
Some women blamed themselves for relationship issues, while others let men off the hook or praised them as heroes for being supportive.
This reflects traditional views of masculinity, where men are seen as protectors or saviors.
The study suggests the need for better education for men about menopause to help reduce stigma and improve support.
4. Changing Dynamics in Friendships:
Friendships changed during perimenopause:
Some friendships became stronger and offered emotional support.
Others weakened due to misunderstandings or lack of empathy.
New friendships formed based on shared experiences of perimenopause, showing the importance of social connections during this life stage.
5. Social and Cultural Contexts:
The study mainly focused on the experiences of White and heterosexual women, highlighting the need for more research on women of color and those with different sexual identities.
It showed that perimenopause is not just about physical changes; it also involves social and cultural experiences that shape how women understand and cope with it.
6. Implications for Workplaces and Support Systems:
Workplaces could help by encouraging informal support networks for perimenopausal women, which could improve employee well-being.
There is a need for more inclusive support systems to cater to the varied experiences of women going through perimenopause.
7. Overall Findings and Conclusion:
The study shows that perimenopause is a time when women seek understanding and support.
Women found connection and comfort through shared experiences, forming a sense of sisterhood that helped them cope better.
Conversely, lack of understanding from partners, friends, or family members sometimes strained relationships, highlighting the need for better communication and awareness.
The study concludes that social support networks play a key role in helping women make sense of their experiences during perimenopause.
D: Mental Health Aspects of Menopause
Study Source: Harvard Medicine
Summary:
This article reviews the impact of menopause on mental health, particularly how hormonal changes affect mood, cognition, and overall quality of life.
It highlights that the decline in estrogen influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
These mental health challenges significantly affect women’s work productivity, social interactions, and family relationships.
Social media pressure was identified as an emerging factor contributing to feelings of inadequacy and social comparison during menopause.
Implications: The findings highlight the need for holistic mental health support, including counseling, HRT, and lifestyle interventions.
Reference: Read the article
E: Impact of Family Care on Sleep Quality
Study Source: BMC Women’s Health, Published: 15 January 2025, Nana Liang et al
Summary:
The study investigated the relationship between family care responsibilities, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in perimenopausal women.
Women balancing parenting teenagers and supporting aging parents (the sandwich generation) reported higher levels of sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Key Findings:
Sleep quality was significantly reduced in women providing emotional and logistical support to aging parents, leading to fatigue and irritability.
Managing teenagers needing constant entertainment and testing boundaries compounded stress, leading to emotional exhaustion.
Implications: Developing coping strategies for caregiving stress and sleep management techniques is crucial for mental well-being during perimenopause.
Reference: Read the study
Summary and Implications:
These studies highlight the complex interplay between hormonal changes, mental health, and family dynamics during perimenopause and menopause. Emotional fluctuations, cognitive changes, and physical symptoms not only impact women’s well-being but also strain family relationships.
Effective management strategies include:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for mood stabilization.
1) Mental health support through counselling or support groups.
2) Open communication and boundary setting within families to reduce conflicts.
3)Social support networks and workplace policies to foster better understanding and support for menopausal women.
These findings highlight the importance of holistic approaches in managing menopausal transitions to enhance both mental health and family relationships.
GP & Menopause Doctor
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