Abstract

LEGORRETA PEYTON, Deborah. Treating psychological symptoms during menopause. Av. Psicol. Latinoam. [online]. 2007, vol.25, n.1, pp.44-51. ISSN 1794-4724.

The climacteric period is characterized by an intense variability in the amount of estrogen during perimenopause, and a decrease of sexual steroids, both estrogen and androgens, during menopause. These alterations generally result in the appearance of neuropsychological symptoms, such as: mood changes, decreased concentration and memory skills, language changes, altered sleeping patterns, sexual desire and pleasure, etcetera. Moreover, the climacteric period, which generally appears between the ages forty and sixty, is also known for the drastic changes in women’s social roles like motherhood and attractiveness; these changes are side by side with the worries regarding menopause symptoms. The psychological treatment based on orientation or psychotherapy that is supported by multidisciplinary work with women’s health specialists, is considered to be a crucial factor in assuring an adequate quality of life for climacteric women.

Keywords : climacteric period; perimenopause; sexual steroids; quality of life; psychological symptoms.

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