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With its hormonal fluctuations, the menopausal transition is characterized by vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), poor sleep, decreased libido, and increased risk for developing depression even among women with no prior depressive episodes (Arch Gen Psychiatry 2006; 63:375 and 385). Despite all that is known about menopause, the steps of the menopausal transition have not been clearly defined.
Investigators analyzed data from the Penn Ovarian Aging Study, a 9-year, prospective follow-up of 404 women (mean age at baseline, 42; none taking hormone therapy), to delineate the association between six common symptoms — hot flashes, poor sleep, aches (e.g., joint pain and stiffness), decreased libido, depression, and vaginal dryness …