Evaluation of association between psychological stress level during menopausal transition period and serum estrogen level among middle-aged women: A cross-sectional study

Background: Menopause is a gradual transition from reproductive to non-reproductive phase in women during which there is substantial fluctuation in estrogen or estrogen deficiency. Furthermore, women encounter various psychological, physical symptoms during this transition period. Timely diagnosis can result in appropriate interventions to reduce these symptoms and result in uneventful transition period. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the association between psychological symptoms during menopausal transition period and serum estrogen levels. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five women volunteers in the age group of 45-60 years (perimenopausal (PM) with symptoms, PM without symptoms, PM women - 25 in each group) were evaluated for symptoms of menopausal transition using Women Health Questionnaire. Serum estrogen level was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: The study showed that there was a significant difference in psychological stress levels quantified as stress scores among three groups, with symptomatic PM women having much higher stress levels compared to other groups. Correlation statistics showed that there was a significant correlation between serum estrogen levels and psychological stress level. There was a significant correlation between anxiety depression mood disturbances, vasomotor symptoms, and symptoms of well-being with serum estrogen level. Conclusions: The symptoms of menopausal transition are attributed to reduction in estrogen level. These symptoms lead to substantial psychological stress among women during PM transition period.