CAN VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS CAUSE PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPLAINTS?
Yes. The instability can lead to chronic sleep deprivation and fatigue, which may result in irritability, mood swings, indecisiveness and difficulties with concentration. This is the so-called ‘domino-theory’, i.e. psychological complaints are secondary manifestations of disabling symptoms. There is good evidence to show that relief of vasomotor symptoms with oestrogen therapy has beneficial effects on the psychological status too. WHAT OTHER FACTORS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPLAINTS? Most clinicians believe that endocrine changes, interacting with socio-cultural factors, psychological factors (such as attitudes, expectations and personality) and stressful life events play a role in the generation of psychological complaints during the climacteric. WHAT SOCIAL FACTORS ARE IMPORTANT? In India, the climacteric has been viewed as a time of psycho-social stress involving role changes and life events such as bereavement, divorce or the departure of children from home. There is some
