[Consciousness about climacteric and menopausal symptoms affects the mental health of middle-aged women].

Consciousness about climacteric and menopausal symptoms in relationship to menopausal stage and mental health was investigated. Midlife women (N = 407, 40-60 years old) were asked about their menstrual status, consciousness of climacteric and menopausal symptoms, self-esteem and depression. Based on their menstrual status, 222 participants were divided into three groups (pre-menopause, peri-menopause, and post-menopause). The main results are as follows. Women who were pre-menopausal had a negative consciousness about menopause, which contributed negatively to their self-esteem. Women who were perimenopausal or post-menopausal had more symptoms, which contributed negatively to their mental health. These results indicate that middle-aged women should be provided with interventions focusing on their menopausal status.