An Exploration of the Mental Health Impact Among Menopausal Women: The MARIE Project Protocol (UK arm)

Menopause marks the end of the menstruation period which can incur naturally or due to surgery where the ovaries or the uterus is removed, or the use of other treatments like chemotherapy. Menopause elicits both physiological and psychological changes such as joint or pelvic pain, headaches or migraine, cognitive function and mental health problems such as anxiety. In order to assess the mental health impact of menopause, the physiological, psychological and sociological composites need to be evaluated. It is increasingly recognised that the associated symptoms experienced by women and trans-men are specific to menopause transition, making it challenging to diagnose and treat using conventional methods. We developed a menopause tool called Menopause mental health (MARIE) rating tool following a co-production workshop. The Menopause mental health (MARIE) project's overall aim is to explore the mental health impact of menopause through several work stream packages and assess the MARIE tool. The current work package (WP2a and 2b) that is represented within this study aim to further explore menopause symptoms and then validate and, determine the efficacy of the MARIE tool. We will conduct a prospective, mixed methods study in the United Kingdom (UK) among women and trans-men≥18 years old that are perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal. WP2a will use the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Index Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Greene Climacteric Scale, Health related quality of life, Quebec Pain Disability Scale, and Burnout Assessment Tool and a qualitative interview using a topics guide. WP2b will administer the MARIE tool.