A STUDY ON DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AMONG MENOPAUSAL WOMEN: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Menopause is an essential part of aging , which indicates the final phase of the female reproductive cycle. Postmenopausal depression and anxiety are driven by a sharp decline in estrogen hormone, which impacts mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This hormonal shift Causes sleep disturbances, hot flash, mood swings, cognitive fog. So, the objective of this research is to assess Depression and Anxiety symptoms among menopausal women in Gujarat. Materials & Methods: An observational study was carried out with menopausal women aged b/w 45-60 years, including married, single, separated/widowed women. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy, taking menopause-inducing medicines, Hormonal therapy, having a h/o mental illness were excluded & symptoms of depression and anxiety were collected using MENO - D (Menopause Depression rating scale). Descriptive analysis was done. Results: Total Of 287 menopausal women, majority 115 (40%) women were aged between 50-55 years.while 106(36%) women were aged b/w 55-60 years. Remaining 66(23%) women were b/w 45-50 years. Among all 167 (56.6%)women had Minimal anxiety and depression symptoms. Where 52 (17.6%)women experienced mild perimenopausal symptoms whereas 57 women (19.3%) had moderate and 11(6.4%) women had severe depression & anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The study found significant percentage of women had depression and anxiety symptoms at some level.These results emphasize significance of screening women throughout the menopausal transition phase. Keywords: Menopause, Depression, Anxiety, MENO - D