The MARIE Project

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Menopause is a natural biological phase characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles and the inability to conceive naturally. It occurs as a result of aging ovaries that produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. Surgical menopause, triggered by a hysterectomy and the removal of ovaries, leads to an immediate onset of menopause and can affect individuals of any gender identity. The official onset of menopause is recognized when a person has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. While the average age for menopause is typically around 51, it can occur earlier or later. Approximately one in 100 women experience menopause before the age of 40. This transition can be a significant life event, influencing various aspects such as social and work life. Common symptoms of menopause encompass mood changes, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, cognitive challenges (often referred to as "brain fog"), vaginal dryness, reduced interest in sex, headaches, as well as joint and muscle discomfort. Fluctuating hormone levels during menopause may contribute to mood swings, low mood, and anxiety in many individuals. For some, these symptoms serve as initial indicators of approaching menopause. While self-help measures like maintaining proper sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and engaging in activities like yoga or meditation may provide relief, the comprehensive impact on the overall quality of life for menopausal individuals is not fully understood. 

While menopause itself is not a mental health condition, its physiological changes can impact mental health, and hormonal shifts during this phase may exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Individuals with a history of depression are more susceptible to experiencing depression during menopause, and those with bipolar disorder may encounter increased depressive episodes, potentially linked to a decrease in oestrogen levels. For individuals with schizophrenia, symptoms may worsen, necessitating adjustments in medication dosage. Although not every woman is affected, it is crucial to manage mental health conditions during menopause. Tailoring treatment to individual circumstances and preferences is key, as responses vary. Low-dose antidepressants may assist in managing symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes. Employing a patient-acceptable and clinically relevant mental health assessment specifically designed for menopause can aid healthcare professionals in delivering personalized care, potentially enhancing the overall well-being of menopausal women. 

This is a data-linkage project with multiple work packages focusing on ageing, menopause and dementia. The paucity of the mental health impact due to menopause was the primary reason for developing the multifaceted MARIE project which encompasses 4 work-packages that explores each component separately, but still connecting the outcomes using an hierarchical data-linkage methodology. The MARIE project (Figure 1) aims to address this research gap by exploring the relationship between menopause and psychological symptoms with a view to report the mental health impact. As part of the project, we will propose the MARiE tool and assess its’ feasibility and if proven successful, conduct further research at a later stage, including the reporting of real-world evidence using epidemiology methods by way of existing electronic healthcare records and, genomics data. The alignment of this information proposes a comprehensive approach to managing the physiological and psychological aspects of menopause.

Work-package 2 (WP2) is actively recruiting participants in the UK with a number of countries commencing their recruitment from 2024’. To find out more, please contact us.