Symptoms of anxiety and depression among Chinese women transitioning through menopause: findings from a prospective community-based cohort study
This prospective study of peri- and postmenopausal Chinese women found depressive symptoms more prevalent than anxiety symptoms and mood problems perhaps increased during the menopausal transition and early postmenopausal stage.
Volume 112, Issue 6, Pages 1160–1171
Authors:
Ruiyi Tang, M.Sc., Min Luo, M.Sc., Jiayi Li, M.D., Yajing Peng, M.B., Yuchen Wang, M.D., Bing Liu, M.D., Gaifen Liu, M.D., Yaping Wang, M.Sc., Shouqing Lin, M.D., Rong Chen, M.D.
Abstract:
Objective
To determine the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in Chinese women during and after menopause, and the associated risk factors.
Design
Prospective community-based cohort study.
Setting
An urban community in Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Patient(s)
Four hundred and thirty women who had transitioned through natural menopause.
Intervention(s)
None.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Result(s)
Symptoms of depression were more common than symptoms of anxiety. The prevalence of symptoms of depression rose from 14.5% during premenopause, to 18.2% during the menopausal transition, and 19.6% in the postmenopause period. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety rose from 3.1% premenopause, to 7.0% during the menopausal transition, and 7.4% in the postmenopause period. Compared with women in the premenopausal stage, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression, but these differences were not statistically significant. Multivariable analysis showed that poor health status, trouble falling asleep, and early awakening were independently associated with symptoms of anxiety, and that a higher body mass index, poor health, low education status, and night sweats were independently associated with symptoms of depression.
Conclusion(s)
Symptoms of depression were more prevalent than symptoms of anxiety. Our findings suggest that symptoms of anxiety and depression are more common during and after menopause than in premenopausal women. These findings highlight the importance of screening and evaluation of women undergoing the menopausal transition for symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially those with risk factors.
