Menopause research highlights anxiety and body composition changes

Recent research and surveys indicate that women undergoing menopause face significant physiological and psychological challenges. A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from over 24,000 women found that anxiety symptoms are significantly higher during perimenopause and postmenopause compared to the premenopausal stage, with the highest risk observed during perimenopause.

Additionally, many women report that changes in body composition and silhouette are their primary concern, often surpassing fatigue or sleep disturbances. While weight gain may not occur abruptly at the onset of menopause, shifts in body composition can intensify existing concerns regarding physical appearance. Experts note that relying solely on scale weight can be misleading, as it may mask underlying structural transformations.