To highlight the psychological and emotional dimensions of menopause and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address mental health concerns.
Approach:
Epidemiological Evidence: Kandasamy et al. report substantial levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms among menopausal women in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for better awareness and culturally sensitive support.
Depressive Symptoms and Somatic Pain: Gao et al. identify factors associated with depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women with somatic pain, advocating for integrated assessment of emotional and physical symptoms.
Hormone Therapy and Exercise: Platt et al. explore the combined effects of menopause hormone therapy and exercise on bone mineral density and mental wellbeing, promoting integrated care.
Experiences of Autistic Women: Badgett et al. examine the unique experiences of autistic women during menopause, highlighting the need for autism-informed care.
Women's Experiences and Needs: Sánchez-Ortega et al. emphasize the importance of clear information and holistic approaches to enhance women's mental health during the climacteric.
Health Equity and Awareness: Etsey et al. discuss the need for systemic changes to improve menopause-related mental health and address gaps in clinician education and access to care.
Key Findings:
Mental health assessment should be routine in menopause care.
Symptoms like sleep disturbance, pain, and mood changes should be considered together.
Interdisciplinary care is essential, involving various healthcare professionals.
Menopause research and services must be more inclusive, especially for marginalized groups.
Interpretation:
Menopause is recognized as a significant life transition affecting mental health.
Limitations:
The editorial does not present menopause as a disorder, which may limit the perception of its impact on mental health.
Conclusion:
The collection calls for better-informed clinicians and equitable systems of care to support women's mental health during menopause.
A large Epic Cosmos analysis linked vaginal estrogen prescribing with lower rates of sepsis, hospital admission, and death following recurrent urinary tract infection, but researchers cautioned that prescribing may also mark broader differences in care.
