Menopause Severity, Anxiety and Cognitive Difficulties in Middle Aged Indian Women

Menopause is a multifaceted experience in the reproductive life of women, extending beyond biological symptoms and into the realm of emotional and cognitive health among middle aged women. This study explored the associations among menopause severity, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties in 207 middle-aged Indian women using the Menopause Rating Scale (Heinemann et al., 2004), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7; Spitzer et al., 2006), and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (Broadbent et al., 1982). Significant positive correlations emerged between menopause severity and anxiety (r = 0.734, p < .001), as well as between menopause severity and cognitive difficulties (r = 0.602, p < .001). Partial correlations showed these relationships remained even when controlling for anxiety and cognitive difficulties. Regression analysis further revealed menopause severity to be a significant predictor of cognitive difficulties, while anxiety did not independently predict cognitive outcomes. These findings demonstrate the interrelatedness of physical symptoms, mental health, and cognitive complaints during menopause, shedding light on the need to address psychological components in menopause management.