A new study in Menopause shows that women aged 35 to 55 often feel more anger as they age, but they also learn to regulate and hide it better. The long-term research adds nuance to midlife emotional health and offers practical lessons for Thai readers navigating perimenopause and menopause.
In Thailand, longer life expectancy and changing family dynamics make mental health in midlife more visible. Understanding how emotions are managed beyond depression and anxiety is increasingly relevant for Thai audiences seeking balanced well-being during life transitions.
The study tracked more than 500 participants aged 35 to 55. It found that “state anger” tends to rise in later reproductive years, while outward displays of anger diminish with age. Practically, older women show greater control over outbursts, though the impulse to suppress anger remains consistent across ages. The findings align with previous work on mood shifts related to life stages such as perimenopause and menopause, and data from respected institutions indicate similar patterns across diverse populations.
Experts emphasize that mood changes during menopause can affect daily life, including work and relationships. They advocate educating women about potential mood shifts and actively managing symptoms to protect overall quality of life. A Bangkok-based obstetrician-gynecologist notes that Thai women often report emotional lability during menopause, though cultural norms may discourage open discussions about anger.
For Thai readers, these insights carry practical weight. Thai culture values harmony and jai yen, or a “cool heart,” to maintain calm in public life. This can increase pressure to suppress negative emotions. Yet prolonged suppression carries health risks, including high blood pressure and depressive symptoms. Research from menopause-focused journals indicates that unmanaged anger can contribute to adverse health outcomes, especially for those using hormone therapy.
A long-running midlife study widely cited in global discussions underscores the relevance for Thailand. While many participants were in the United States, Thai women share hormonal changes and social shifts during midlife, suggesting common pathways for emotional health.
Traditional Thai approaches to midlife well-being include mindfulness practices and Buddhist-inspired reflection, along with supportive communities. Today, women balance traditional duties with rising participation in education, work, and public life. Mental health literacy and access to services vary, highlighting the need for local policies that translate global findings into Thai-friendly guidance.
Researchers call for a nuanced view of menopause’s emotional landscape, recognizing both challenges and opportunities for growth in self-regulation. They urge more studies focusing on Southeast Asian populations to clarify cultural factors in anger expression and health outcomes. Such work would support targeted Thai interventions, from mindfulness programs to primary-care counseling.
Looking ahead, Thai health professionals, educators, and policymakers are urged to broaden conversations about menopause and emotional health. While Western campaigns have popularized menopause education, similar efforts are still developing in Thailand. Integrating psychoeducation about midlife mood changes into public health materials, workplace wellness, and community outreach can help Thai families navigate this transition with less stigma and more support.
Practical steps for readers include recognizing mood-change signs, seeking support from trusted peers or healthcare providers, and trying evidence-based strategies such as meditation, yoga, or counseling. Workplaces and families can also foster empathetic communication, reduce stigma, and support women through midlife changes.
In summary, anger may rise with age, but experience often brings better emotional regulation. Thai voices can reframe menopause as a gateway to personal and communal resilience, not just a physical milestone. This perspective invites Thai society to integrate emotional health into everyday life and public health agendas.
For further information, readers can refer to research from the Menopause Society and major media coverage, and consult Thai health professionals for culturally appropriate guidance.