Authors: S Betti M R Orsini R Sciaky C Cristini G CesaBianchi G F Zandonini
Publish Date: 2014/06/29
Volume: 13, Issue: 4, Pages: 331-338
Abstract
The study was conducted during the period January–May 1998 at the Menopausal Service of the Magenta Hospital Milano in 88 women representing almost one half of the patients followed during that period 43 women were treated with HRT Some traits characterizing women’s life during menopause were examined such as presence of disturbing physical symptoms changes in interests and discovery of new interests and feelings of loss and uselessness We used different psychological tests in order to evaluate anxiety and depression in particular the STAI StateTrait Anxiety Inventory the SDS Selfrating Depression Scale and 16 cartoonlike images representing stereotypes of menopauseThe answers of our subjects showed high individual variation with negative symptoms eg hot flashes memory loss frequently associated with positive experiences eg new hobbies new lifestyles However even the most frequent negative symptom memory loss was reported only by 70 The experience of a change represented by menopause was described both in terms of objective change eg weight increase hot flashes memory loss and of subjective change eg character feeling of not being attractive new lifestyles Treatment with HRT seems to reduce the onset of hot flashes considerably The occurrence of anxiousdepressive states was comparable to that observed in other studies it was not associated with HRT but rather to losses loss of desire memory loss insomniaIn conclusion menopause represents a transitional moment in which physical and psychological changes are generally integrated by the persons experiencing them In order to preserve a good quality of life in menopause it seems relevant to check memory loss and stabilize the mood in persons who are most “at risk” of psychological disease
Keywords: