Everyday affect, symptoms and well-being in postmenopause: preliminary findings

Abstract

Background: Postmenopause is characterised by permanent cessation of menstruation following loss of ovarian activity, leading to increased symptoms and psychological distress in some women. Soya isoflavones are dietary compounds that may have beneficial effects on well-being and provide an alternative to hormone therapy. Objectives: This study will investigate the effects of dietary soy products on psychological well-being and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Baseline data only will be presented here. Methods: This is a randomised control trial of community dwelling postmenopausal women, being asked to consume different amounts of soy isoflavones, via soy milk products. To date 43 women, with a mean age of 54 years (SD=4) have completed baseline measures of everyday positive and negative affect and its variability (assessed over four days, at four time points per day), menopausal symptoms and psychological well-being. Findings: Bivariate correlations were conducted to determine the relationships between the baseline variables. Better psychological well-being is associated with fewer menopausal symptoms and higher reported levels of everyday positive affect in this sample.Discussion: Menopausal symptoms may impact on well-being in the postmenopause, there is a need to find appropriate interventions to help women manage this time more effectively. Dietary soy may provide a good way to alleviate menopausal symptoms and promote well-being, the ALPRO study will investigate this further.