page 1 | page 2 | page 3 | page 4 | page 5 | page 6 page 7 | page 8 | page 9 | page 10 | page 11 | page 12 page 13 | page 14 | page 15 | page 16 page 17 | page 18 | page 19 | page 20 references | nursing assessment | patient handout table of contents | test Psychological Function Menopausal symptoms can include mood changes, irritability and, possibly, depression. Such changes may be secondary to poor sleep quality produced by frequent hot flushes. But there may also be a hormonal component involved in these changes. A number of investigators have attempted to link menopause to various psychologic diseases, particularly depression. Although epidemiologic studies have generally failed to document an increase in depressive symptoms at the time of menopause, data from studies in menopause clinics a decade later suggest a positive link.(56,57) More recent data link menopause and changes in mood, memory, and sexual function.(57) Estrogen appears to be beneficial in ameliorating these effects. The data on estrogen and cognitive function are intriguing as well, suggesting a positive effect for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Mood alterations, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and other central nervous system changes will be discussed in another monograph.

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