The role of estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms in menopausal symptoms and estradiol levels in perimenopausal women - Findings from the Swiss Perimenopause Study.

Objectives: Fluctuating estradiol (E2) levels seem to be associated with menopausal symptoms, though not all women suffer from these symptoms to the same extent despite experiencing these hormonal changes. This suggests underlying, interindividual mechanisms, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing estrogen receptors α and β, and the g-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). As research is scarce, we aimed to address this research gap by assessing genetic traits, E2 levels, and menopausal symptoms longitudinally.

Steroid Hormone Secretion Over the Course of the Perimenopause: Findings From the Swiss Perimenopause Study.

Perimenopause is characterized by a decline in the steroid hormones, estradiol, and progesterone. By contrast, the steroid hormone cortisol, a marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increases. Recent longitudinal studies reported fluctuations in steroid hormone levels during perimenopause, and even increases in estradiol levels.

Estradiol and progesterone as resilience markers? - Findings from the Swiss Perimenopause Study.

While resilience seems to be associated with a variety of biological markers, studies assessing such correlates in women during the perimenopause are lacking. The perimenopause constitutes a phase of major biopsychosocial changes, during which the sex hormones estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) eventually decrease significantly. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which the declining levels of E2 and P4 serve as resilience markers in perimenopausal women.

Biopsychosocial predictors of depressive symptoms in the perimenopause-findings from the Swiss Perimenopause Study.

Objective: The perimenopause is associated with increased hormone fluctuations and an elevated risk of depression. A number of predictors of depressive symptoms in the menopausal transition have previously been suggested. The purpose of this study was to investigate a set of biopsychosocial predictors of depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women.

Symptoms assessed in studies on perimenopausal depression: A narrative review.

The menopausal transition constitutes a phase of major biopsychosocial changes associated with an elevated risk for the development of depression. Perimenopausal depression is highly prevalent and usually characterized by core symptoms of a major depressive disorder combined with menopausal complaints such as vasomotor symptoms or other physical complaints. However, a distinct definition of the condition is lacking.

Prior depression affects the experience of the perimenopause - findings from the Swiss Perimenopause Study.

Background: There is a prevalence peak of depression in the perimenopause, with this reproductive phase being considered a window of vulnerability due to major biopsychosocial changes. Depression has been associated with physical and psychosocial impairment. Prior depression has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of several somatic and mental diseases.

Psychosocial factors promoting resilience during the menopausal transition.

Despite significant biological, psychological, and social challenges in the perimenopause, most women report an overall positive well-being and appear to be resilient to potentially negative effects of this life phase. The objective of this study was to detect psychosocial variables which contribute to resilience in a sample of perimenopausal women. A total of 135 healthy perimenopausal women aged 40-56 years completed a battery of validated psychosocial questionnaires including variables related to resilience, well-being, and mental health.

The Swiss Perimenopause Study - study protocol of a longitudinal prospective study in perimenopausal women.

Background: The perimenopause is associated with considerable biopsychosocial changes. The majority of women manage to adjust to these changes and cope well with the shift from reproductive to non-reproductive life. However, some women develop burdensome physical and psychological symptoms during the perimenopause.

Differential Promoter Methylation in the Peripheral Blood-Findings from the Women 40+ Healthy Aging Study.

Background Estrogen receptor α (ERα) contributes to maintaining biological processes preserving health during aging. DNA methylation changes of ERα gene () were established as playing a direct role in the regulation of ERα levels. In this study, we hypothesized decreased DNA methylation of associated with postmenopause, lower estradiol (E2) levels, and increased age among healthy middle-aged and older women.

Assessment of perimenopausal depression: A review.

Background: Within the female life cycle, the perimenopause is considered as a critical period for the development of depression. Prevalence rates are particularly high during this phase. Perimenopausal depression is characterized by affective symptoms as well as menopause-specific somatic complaints.

Emotional Intelligence and Sexual Functioning in a Sample of Swiss Men and Women.

Introduction: Past research has emphasized the importance of psychologic factors in the multifactorial etiology of sexual problems.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine (i) how emotional intelligence (EI) associates with sexual functioning; and (ii) whether EI moderates the association between sexual functioning and sexual quality of life (SQoL).

Methods: A total of 211 participants completed questionnaires relating to EI, sexual functioning, and SQoL.