A groundbreaking study, recently reported by prominent health news outlets and published in the journal Menopause, unveils that women between the ages of 35 and 55 tend to experience stronger feelings of anger as they age, but simultaneously become more skilled at managing and concealing these emotions. The research, which tracked participants over several decades, adds nuance to commonly held beliefs about midlife emotional well-being, and holds important lessons for Thai women navigating the physiological and psychological shifts of perimenopause and menopause.
Understanding how mood and emotional regulation evolve through a woman’s reproductive lifespan matters now more than ever in Thailand, where increased longevity, changing family structures, and shifting gender roles have brought renewed attention to mental health during middle age. The results provide a new perspective on emotional health beyond the widely publicized challenges of depression and anxiety.
According to the study, which followed over 500 women aged 35 to 55, feelings of anger—defined as “state anger”—tended to increase as women entered their late reproductive years, but actual expressions of anger, such as outward displays or aggressive behavior, decreased with age. This suggests that as women grew older, their ability to control anger and regulate emotional outbursts improved. Notably, only the tendency to suppress anger (rather than openly communicate or act on it) seemed unaffected by age. The study supports previous findings that highlight how mood changes correspond not only with chronological age, but also with specific life stages, such as perimenopause and menopause (The Menopause Society, Washington Post).
One expert from the Menopause Society stated, “The mental health side of the menopause transition can have a significant effect on a woman’s personal and professional life. 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.” This echoes comments from a leading Thai obstetrician-gynecologist, who notes that Thai women, too, often report emotional lability during menopause stages, but that cultural expectations may discourage open expression of anger.
The implications for Thai women are significant. In a culture that traditionally values calmness, deference, and harmony—embodied in the Thai concept of “jai yen” (cool heart)—women may feel even more pressure to suppress negative emotions or avoid conflict. Suppressing anger over long periods, however, has been linked with increased risks of high blood pressure, cardiac issues, and, according to parallel studies, more severe depressive symptoms (Menopause Journal). “Women with anger issues are more likely to develop more severe depressive symptoms during the menopause transition. This effect is strongest among women using hormone therapy for menopause symptoms,” notes the study.
The Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study, cited as a source of these findings, is recognized internationally for its long-term tracking of emotional and physical health in women through midlife. Although most participants in this particular cohort were White and based in the United States, parallels can be drawn to Thai women, who likewise experience hormonal, metabolic, and social transformations during this stage of life.
Historical Thai approaches to midlife emotional management include mindfulness meditation, Buddhist practices, and community support among female peers. Modern Thai society, however, is witnessing shifts as women balance traditional roles with increasing involvement in the workforce and public life. Mental health literacy and access to psychological support remain inconsistent across regions, making it crucial for Thai health authorities to integrate findings from global studies into local policies and patient education.
The researchers urge a more nuanced understanding of the menopausal transition—one that acknowledges not only the challenges but also the capacity for growth in emotional self-regulation. They call for further research tailored to diverse populations, including Southeast Asian women, to clarify the cultural dimensions of emotional arousal, anger expression, and health outcomes. Such research would be invaluable for developing targeted interventions in Thailand, from mindfulness-based stress reduction programs to counseling services in primary healthcare settings.
Looking to the future, these findings challenge Thai medical professionals, educators, and policymakers to open up conversations about menopause and emotional health. While awareness campaigns in Western countries have already demystified many aspects of menopause, similar efforts remain limited in Thailand. Incorporating psychoeducation about midlife mood changes into public health materials, workplace wellness programs, and even religious community outreach could help Thai women and their families navigate this pivotal life transition more smoothly.
For Thai readers, practical steps begin with self-care: recognizing early signs of mood swings, seeking support from peers or healthcare providers, and exploring evidence-based strategies such as meditation, yoga, or counseling. It is equally important for workplaces and families to foster empathetic communication and reduce the stigma around women’s midlife emotional experiences.
In summary, while Thai women may experience an upsurge in anger as they age, the gift of experience means most will also master the art of emotional regulation, turning what could be a source of conflict into an opportunity for wisdom and resilience. This research invites all members of Thai society to reframe menopause as not just a physical milestone, but as an opportunity for personal and communal growth.
For further information, readers can consult the Menopause Society, the original Washington Post coverage, as well as reach out to Thai health professionals for culturally-appropriate advice.