A new study provides fresh insights into how women’s experiences of anger change as they transition through menopause. It reveals that multiple measures of anger significantly decline with age. These measures also decline with reproductive aging.
Published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, the study is among the first to track the progression of anger traits across the menopause transition. This period is often associated primarily with depression and anxiety. But, it is less frequently examined for changes in anger and emotional arousal.
“The mental health side of the menopause transition can significantly affect a woman’s personal life. It can also impact her professional life,” said Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society. “Educating women about the possibility of mood changes during these vulnerable windows is important. Actively managing symptoms can have a profound effect on overall quality of life. It also enhances overall health.”
WHAT THE STUDY FOUND
The analysis involved more than 500 women aged 35–55 participating in the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study. Researchers examined how both chronologic age and reproductive-aging stages influenced women’s self-reported anger, including:
- Anger temperament (general proneness to anger)
- Anger reaction (anger triggered by frustration or criticism)
- Aggressive expression of anger
- Hostility
- Suppressed anger
Key findings:
- All forms of anger except suppressed anger significantly decreased with age during menopause.
- Reproductive-aging stage (late-reproductive through perimenopausal phases) also significantly influenced anger measures, with declines observed after the late-reproductive stages.
- These results suggest that better emotion regulation emerges as women progress through midlife.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Historically, studies of anger in midlife women have focused mainly on cardiovascular health risks, like hypertension and atherosclerosis. Earlier research showed that high trait anger predicted increased blood pressure and artery wall thickness over time.
More recently, anger has also been linked to depression in perimenopausal women, particularly those using hormone therapy. Yet, until now, no studies had fully accounted for how anger traits change over the menopause transition itself.
The researchers recommend further study on how anger and emotion regulation unfold in women’s daily lives.Studies indicate that, during menopause, further research on how anger and emotion regulation unfold in women’s daily lives This could improve anger management strategies and support mental health.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Fluctuations in reproductive hormones—such as those seen postpartum, monthly during menstrual cycles, and throughout perimenopause—can trigger mood swings, irritability, and hostility, often linked to menopause. Recognizing these patterns can help women and healthcare providers take proactive steps to manage symptoms.
“This aspect of perimenopause has not always been acknowledged and managed,” Dr. Christmas added.