Women’s Health At Mid-Life: Physical Considerations For Stress Regulation

PURPOSE: Women who report higher levels of stress dysregulation have a greater risk of adverse health outcomes including depression, obesity, physical inactivity, and chronic diseases. METHODS: We assessed differences in stress, via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), as they relate to health indicators for midlife women (N = 115, 52.86±6.19 yrs). Between-group analyses examined responses for low stress (LS range 0-13; PSS score = 10.58±1.95; N = 62) and moderate stress (MS range 14-26; PSS score = 17.92±3.64; N = 53). Three participants reported high stress (range 27-40) and were not included in analyses. Data included lean and fat mass via Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry, physical activity (actigraphy), physical function tasks, salivary cortisol, and Profile of Mood States (POMS) scores. RESULTS: Women with MS demonstrated higher fat mass (LS: 35.95±8.25, MS: 39.94±7.73%, p = .005) and lower lean mass (LS: 64.04±8.25, MS: 60.05±7.73%, p = .005) compared to LS. MS had lower cortisol awakening response (LS: 0.43±0.40, MS: 0.29±0.39 nmol/L, p = .047) and lower time spent in vigorous physical activity over 7-days (LS: 28.53±41.12, MS: 6.77±11.19 mins, p = .018) in comparison to LS. Physical function performance was poorer in MS vs. LS as shown by slower transfer task time (LS: 3.62±1.02, MS: 4.17±1.27 sec, p = .006), 8 ft get up and go time (LS: 4.97±0.89, MS: 5.36±0.89 sec, p = .01), and lift and carry task time (LS: 56.51±11.07, MS: 60.03±10.70 sec, p = .046). MS also had fewer 30-sec chair rise reps (LS: 21.661±5.25, MS: 19.06±5.11, p = .005), and less distance covered in the 6-min walk (LS: 593.84±62.07, MS: 560.32±67.69 m, p = .004) compared to LS. MS also had greater POMS total mood disturbance (LS: 11.79±6.01, MS: 23.73±10.11, p < .001) compared to LS. CONCLUSIONS: Women who reported lower stress had higher cortisol awakening responses, higher objectively measured physical activity levels and greater physical function ability, and lower body composition, accompanied by lower subjective mental health disruptions. Midlife is an important time whereby behavioral lifestyle changes can be made to better optimize the physical and mental health of women as they progress into older adulthood. Advancing our understanding of stress regulation to promote the physical and mental health of women is an imperative step in precision medicine.