Social and Psychological Correlates of Menopausal Symptoms

The present study explored the effects of various demographic and personality variables on the nature and intensity of subjectively menopausal symptoms. Data were collected by means of a mailed questionnaire from 135 menopausal and postmenopausal women from a general urban population. It was found that women who reported a higher number of menopausal symptoms tended to be less well-educated, were less likely to be working, and viewed themselves in poorer health than women with fewer or no symptoms. Psychosomatic and psychologic symptoms such as nervousness, depression, headaches, and irritability were found to be signififantly related to such personality attributes as self-confidence, personal adjustment, nurturance, and aggression.