Examining the Prevalence of Disordered Eating among Menopausal and Post-Menopausal Women

Abstract

Adolescence is a major life change for young women and generally occurs during the ages of 10-18, or from puberty to adulthood [1]. This transitional period in life is characterized by hormonal fluctuations, which lead to physical growth and changes in body weight and shape. It is also during adolescence that a young girl experiences many social, emotional and psychological changes, all of which can lead to a drive for control over these changes. Disordered eating patterns, such as restrictive eating, may manifest during this period in life as a means to limit weight gain or as a means to lose weight in an attempt to return to a pre-adolescent weight [2]. Other unhealthy compensatory behaviors, such as compulsive exercising, use and abuse of weight loss pills and/or laxatives, and smoking can also increase during this time.Another major life change for women is that of menopause. According to the National Institute of Aging [3], menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman's last period. The transition to menopause is a natural process of aging for women and generally begins in their 40's or 50's. This transition period is called "perimenopause. " It is during this transition time, hormone levels fluctuate once again, and as a result, women in perimenopause can experience various negative symptoms. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, disturbed sleep patterns, low energy levels, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, changes in body composition (especially increased abdominal fat and loss of muscle), and mood disturbances. Mood disturbances can manifest into depression and