The relationship between adverse childhood experiences, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and menopausal symptoms and quality of life. METHODS: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was completed with 221 women aged 40-65 years who actively used the internet and social media platforms (eg, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook). Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the ACE Scale, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and the Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) Scale. RESULTS: ACEs were reported by 58.4% of participants. Women with ACEs had significantly higher total MRS scores (16.90 ± 8.14 vs. 12.86 ± 7.20, P = 0.001) and MENQOL scores (2.60 ± 1.43 vs. 1.93 ± 1.20, P = 0.009) than those without ACEs. Significant differences were observed in somatic, psychological, and urogenital MRS domains and in psychosocial, physical, and sexual MENQOL domains (P < 0.05). In adjusted regression models controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables, ACEs independently predicted greater menopausal symptom severity (B = 3.21, β = 0.20, P = 0.001) and poorer MENQOL (B = 0.81, β = 0.30, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ACEs were associated with greater menopausal symptom severity and poorer MENQOL. Although causality cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional design, the findings suggest the potential long-term relationship between early life stress and midlife women's health. Screening for ACEs may help health care professionals identify women at higher risk of severe menopausal symptoms and develop more holistic, trauma-informed management strategies.