Estimating Longitudinal Emotional and Self Rated Health Trajectories in Women Undergoing Menopause: A Bayesian Latent Factor Approach

Irena Chen , Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
D. Susie Lee, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research

Menopause is a significant life transition with implications for population pattern in fertility and health. To better understand the large heterogeneity in the timing and symptoms of menopausal transition, the present study proposes and tests a novel hypothesis that poor premenopausal health underpins faster ovarian aging, manifested through earlier menopause and severe symptoms. Using longitudinal data from the German Family Panel, we model latent health trajectories preceding menopause, and connect these to later menopausal outcomes self-reported by women. We find substantial individual variations in the evolution of premenopausal health. We also find that women who have a higher starting negative affect compared to the population tend to experience menopause earlier. We plan to further analyze the link between premenopausal health and symptoms, to be presented at EPC. The present study contributes both theory and methods that are relevant for population research on menopause in particular and reproductive aging in general.

See extended abstract

 Presented in Session 22. Gender, Sex and Health