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There have been relatively few studies of the relationship between anxiety and menopause. Despite the paucity of clear evidence, some authors have suggested that the menopausal transition is a time of heightened risk for onset or exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. There is also controversy as to whether anxiety predates or is a consequence of hot flashes. The aim of this paper is to examine the evidence as to the relationship between menopause and anxiety, and between anxiety and hot flushes, one of the core symptoms of menopause.

A systematic review was undertaken based on literature published between 1960 and 2011, using the Medline, Web of Science and PsychINFO databases. The key terms ‘anxiety’, ‘anxiety symptoms’, ‘anxiety disorder’, ‘menopause’, ‘menopausal transition’, ‘midlife’, ‘hot flushes or flashes’ and ‘vasomotor symptoms’ were entered into the search. Studies …