A pioneering study published in July 2025 has found that women tend to experience a sharp decline in anger as they reach and move through midlife, challenging common assumptions about mood instability and emotional health during menopause. This research, featured in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, provides new insights that could reshape how Thai women understand their own emotional trajectories as they age, and how healthcare providers support them through the menopause transition.
For many Thai women, the menopause transition remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Menopause and its precursor, perimenopause, are typically framed around their physical symptoms—hot flashes, insomnia, and irregular periods. Yet, beneath the surface, these years are a period of profound emotional change. The new study, which analyzed data from over 500 women aged 35 to 55 years as part of the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study, directly addresses the question of how anger evolves through these critical stages of life. The study’s authors observed that nearly all forms of anger—spontaneous flare-ups, outbursts in reaction to stressful events, and even aggression towards others—substantially decline with advancing age, beginning in midlife. The only exception: “anger suppressed” (or bottled up) remained constant, regardless of age or menopausal status.
The background for this research emerges from a larger conversation about women’s cardiovascular and mental health. For decades, health experts have known that frequent and severe anger can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of coronary artery disease among women, especially in the midlife years. Previous studies, including landmark research from the 1980s, found that women with a stronger tendency towards anger exhibited rising blood pressure over three years (ScitechDaily). Still later, researchers linked higher “anger scores” to a measurable thickening of arterial walls—carotid atherosclerosis—a key predictor of cardiovascular disease, which often manifests later in life. The emotional impacts are no less dramatic: women who frequently report anger issues are at greater risk for depressive symptoms during menopause, particularly if they receive hormone therapy to manage other menopause-related complaints.
With this new research, Thai women and their families gain a nuanced perspective: as women age, their capacity for emotional self-regulation tends to improve. “Chronological age is significantly related to most anger measures, including anger temperament, anger reaction, anger expressed aggressively, and hostility,” the researchers concluded. “These forms of anger decreased significantly with age. Only anger suppressed was not related to age. Similarly, reproductive-aging stages significantly affected anger, resulting in a decrease after the late-reproductive stages. These results suggest that better emotion regulation may occur during midlife.” (Menopause Journal Reference)
Expert commentary highlights the clinical implications for women’s health throughout midlife and beyond. According to the associate medical director for The Menopause Society, “The mental health side of the menopause transition can have a significant effect on a woman’s personal and professional life. This aspect of perimenopause has not always been acknowledged and managed. Fluctuations in serum hormone concentrations during the postpartum period, as well as monthly fluctuations in reproductive-aged women corresponding with their menstrual cycles and during perimenopause, can result in severe mood swings associated with anger and hostility. Educating women about the possibility of mood changes during these vulnerable windows and actively managing symptoms can have a profound effect on overall quality of life and health.”
For Thai readers, these findings offer valuable reassurance amid enduring stereotypes about “menopausal mood swings.” The data suggest that rather than emotional chaos, midlife can bring a gradual calming for many Thai women. At the same time, the phenomenon of “suppressed anger” stands out. In Thai culture, where social harmony is highly valued and open expressions of anger—especially among women—are often discouraged, bottling up emotions can come at a significant cost. Suppressed anger, left unaddressed, has been linked by prior research to long-term risks for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental health difficulties (PubMed - Menopause Anger and Cardiovascular Risk).
This underscores the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to emotional well-being for midlife and older Thai women. Traditional Thai teachings emphasise emotional composure and self-control, which can be protective but may also discourage women from seeking help or openly discussing their feelings. Medical professionals and public health campaigns in Thailand should consider integrating emotional education and anger management resources, not only for women experiencing obvious outbursts, but also for those who may habitually suppress their emotions. Group therapy, mindfulness meditation—rooted in Buddhist practice—and structured support groups have all shown promise in enhancing emotional awareness and providing safe spaces for open expression (Bangkok Post - Wellness Resources).
The implications extend to family and work life. The findings could benefit not only women, but also their partners, children, and colleagues, who may struggle to understand changes in mood or behavior during the menopause transition. Employers, too, can play a role by recognizing menopause as more than a “women’s issue” and ensuring access to mental health supports in the workplace.
It is also crucial to note the study’s limitations and areas for future research. The analysis, based on women from the United States, opens the door for comparative research within Thai populations—where sociocultural factors like family support, religious practice, and public health education may influence age-related anger patterns differently. Furthermore, since the study did not find a relationship between age and suppressed anger, additional investigations are recommended to explore interventions that could assist women in expressing and processing bottled-up feelings safely and constructively.
Looking ahead, experts predict a steady rise in demand for holistic midlife health resources in Thailand, especially as longevity increases and attitudes toward mental health continue to modernize. Thai public health institutions could adapt campaign materials to reflect the new understanding that the “midlife mood shift” is not only expected but, for many women, positive. Encouraging open dialogue around menopause, emotional health, and cardiovascular risks—both at home and in clinical settings—will be critical.
For Thai women approaching or in midlife, there are actionable steps for safeguarding emotional and physical well-being. Establish regular check-ins with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about menopause and aging, not just for physical symptoms, but also for ongoing mood and emotional status. Embrace practices that promote emotional openness—whether through meditation, journaling, or trusted discussion circles—while watching for persistent signs of suppressed anger, such as chronic tension, headaches, or insomnia.
The research also highlights the value of self-education. Reliable resources are available online through The Menopause Society, the Department of Health’s women’s health pages, or local women’s health organizations. Families and communities can support their loved ones by encouraging honest, non-judgmental conversations about the changes and challenges of midlife. Such shared understanding can transform this life stage from one associated with turmoil and frustration into a period marked by growing peace, wisdom, and emotional strength.
In summary, the latest study drives home a hopeful message: for most women, anger tapers off with age, and greater calm may come as a natural part of the aging journey. But societal attitudes—in Thailand and beyond—will determine how many women can fully enjoy the emotional benefits of midlife, and how quickly this new, evidence-based narrative becomes the norm.
For further reading on the referenced study, see: “Anger, aging, and reproductive aging: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study” in Menopause (DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002587) (ScitechDaily Article).