Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Date of Award
Summer 8-2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Department
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Advisor(s)
Jennifer Beauchamp, PhD
Second Advisor
Deniz Dishman, PhD
Third Advisor
Christina Metcalf, PhD
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: Perimenopause has been associated with increased anxiety symptoms. However, data is lacking regarding the experiences of women with perimenopausal anxiety and the contributing factors to worsening anxiety symptoms. We explored the experiences of women with self-reported new onset or worsening of anxiety symptoms during perimenopause to better understand contributing factors.
Study design: Twenty women participated in one-on-one interviews to explore experiences of perimenopausal anxiety in the context of their daily lives and perimenopausal physical changes. Inductive thematic analysis was used to develop codes and themes from the transcribed interview data. Analysis was done using MAXQDA software.
Main outcome measures: Codes included verbatim repeating words, ideas, or concepts from the transcribed interview data. Themes were developed from the coded data.
Results: Themes of uncertainty with loss of control, anxiety related to health status, mid-life stressors, and past medical history contributed to anxiety symptoms during perimenopause. Perimenopausal hormonal and physical changes, particularly menstrual cycle changes, sleep difficulty, and vasomotor symptoms were reported by women to contribute to anxiety symptoms during perimenopause. Social support and lifestyle interventions were reported by women as protective against anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions: Women reported a general lack of awareness of perimenopause. This further exacerbated uncertainty, anxiety, and the loss of sense of control women felt as they experienced perimenopausal physical and hormonal changes. This research highlights the significant impact of perimenopausal anxiety on women’s quality of life and the complex interaction of physical, psychological, and social factors contributing to perceived worsening of anxiety during perimenopause. This data supports the development of multifaceted interventions for anxiety during perimenopause that target social support, incorporating lifestyle changes, and increasing the awareness of perimenopause and the medical interventions that may be helpful.
Recommended Citation
McElhany, Kayla, "Anxiety during Perimenopause: A Narrative Qualitative Study of the Women’s Lived Experiences" (2025). Dissertations & Theses (Open Access). 72.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthson_etd/72
Keywords
Perimenopause, Women's Lived Experiences