Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Rage Recedes After 50 In Women But Suppressed Anger Could Be Harming Your Health, Here's How

For decades, menopause research has zeroed in on hot flashes, sleep disruption, and depression. But anger? Not so much. A new study is now filling that gap, offering one of the most comprehensive looks yet into how women experience anger across the menopause transition—and what researchers found is both unexpected and revealing. Turns out, anger actually begins to fade in midlife, particularly after age 50. The only catch? While outward expression of anger declines, many women still carry unspoken frustration below the surface.

Here's decoding the science of why this happens, what it means for women’s health, and how the emotional shifts during menopause could actually offer some psychological relief—if not resolution.

While menopause is typically framed through the lens of estrogen drops, sleep loss, and brain fog, its emotional dimensions—especially anger and irritability—remain underexplored.

This latest research, published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, set out to change that. Drawing on data from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study, the study tracked over 500 women aged 35 to 55 through various stages of reproductive aging. The focus wasn’t just on mood, but on the texture of anger—how it surfaces, how it’s controlled, and how it evolves over time.

What researchers discovered was a dramatic shift- all types of anger, such as angry outbursts, reactive anger, and even passive hostility, decreased significantly with age but the type of anger that is kept inside called suppressed anger remained constant.

This is important because although less external anger may appear to be emotional maturity, holding in anger without ventilating it has consequences.

<h2>Link Between <span rel="noindex">Aging and Emotion</span> Regulation</h2>

What causes the decline in visible anger at midlife? A combination of hormonal shifts and emotional realignment. With changes in estrogen levels and eventual decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women experience mood swings and irritability. These shifts are well-documented. But what happens after the turbulence subsides?

The researchers found that women in their late reproductive and postmenopausal stages showed a stronger ability to regulate anger. One possible reason is the rewiring of emotional circuits in the brain as women age. With time and life experience, the prefrontal cortex responsible for executive function and emotional control may become more adept at managing reactive emotions like anger.

There's more to it than biology, social and psychological maturity also play a role. Women in midlife often report a greater sense of self-assuredness and less concern with others' opinions.

<h2>How Do Bottled-Up Emotions Affect Health?</h2>

Though anger outbursts and aggression will decrease, more of a worry is the chronic suppression of anger. Suppressed anger has been associated with all manner of physical and mental illness, including heart disease and depression.

Anger that simmers internally, without a release valve, keeps the body in a low-grade state of stress. It activates the sympathetic nervous system, raises cortisol levels, and contributes to systemic inflammation—an established risk factor for chronic disease.

Studies dating back to the 1980s have shown that women with high “trait anger” (the tendency to become angry easily) are more likely to experience elevated blood pressure and heart disease over time. More recent research found that higher anger scores were associated with thicker arterial walls—a sign of early atherosclerosis.

Emotionally, suppressed anger is a known contributor to depressive symptoms, especially during the menopause transition. Women undergoing hormone therapy may be particularly vulnerable, as hormone shifts can amplify emotional responses.

The mental health side of the menopause transition can have a significant effect on a woman’s personal and professional life. Fluctuations in hormone levels during this stage can result in severe mood swings associated with anger and hostility. Educating women about this reality is essential to improving quality of life.

Hostility—a persistent emotional readiness for conflict—differs from anger in that it’s more closely associated with anxiety and hypervigilance. Though it’s less outwardly visible, it takes a psychological toll and can affect relationships, work dynamics, and self-esteem.

Even if a woman isn’t visibly angry, she might still be carrying an emotional load that affects her health.

This study offers a rare glimpse into how anger matures—and softens—as women age. It not only validates what many women report anecdotally (feeling less reactive or combative as they enter their 50s and beyond) but also pushes the medical community to consider anger as a vital sign in midlife health.

Crucially, the study shows that age and reproductive stage are both significant. Anger doesn’t just fade because women get older. It seems to decline most notably after the late reproductive stage, suggesting that hormonal changes during menopause may directly influence emotional regulation.

<h2>What Does This Directly Affect <span rel="noindex">Women Health</span>?</h2>

Understanding that anger evolves during midlife can be empowering. It helps normalize a broad range of emotional experiences and encourages proactive approaches to mental well-being.

Here are some strategies experts recommend:

<ul><li>Track your emotional patterns. If you're noticing less anger but more inner frustration, it might be time to explore outlets like therapy, journaling, or movement-based practices.</li><li>Don’t ignore suppressed anger. Repression isn’t resolution. Bottled emotions can surface in other ways—anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain.</li><li>Ask your doctor about emotional symptoms. Mental health during menopause is often sidelined in medical discussions. Bring it to the forefront.</li></ul>

We’re at a turning point in how menopause is discussed—not just as a medical event but as a profound emotional transition. Studies like this broaden the conversation and deepen our understanding of midlife psychology.

As women age, their emotional range doesn’t shrink. It evolves. Anger becomes quieter, more internalized, and perhaps more complex—but with the right awareness and support, it can also become more manageable.

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women over 50 emotions

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For decades, menopause research has zeroed in on hot flashes, sleep disruption, and depression. But anger? Not so much. A new study is now filling that gap, offering one of the most comprehensive looks yet into how women experience anger across the menopause transition—and what researchers found is both unexpected and revealing. Turns out, anger actually begins to fade in midlife, particularly after age 50. The only catch? While outward expression of anger declines, many women still carry unspoken frustration below the surface.Here's decoding the science of why this happens, what it means for women’s health, and how the emotional shifts during menopause could actually offer some psychological relief—if not resolution.While menopause is typically framed through the lens of estrogen drops, sleep loss, and brain fog, its emotional dimensions—especially anger and irritability—remain underexplored.This latest research, published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, set out to change that. Drawing on data from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study, the study tracked over 500 women aged 35 to 55 through various stages of reproductive aging. The focus wasn’t just on mood, but on the texture of anger—how it surfaces, how it’s controlled, and how it evolves over time.What researchers discovered was a dramatic shift- all types of anger, such as angry outbursts, reactive anger, and even passive hostility, decreased significantly with age but the type of anger that is kept inside called suppressed anger remained constant.This is important because although less external anger may appear to be emotional maturity, holding in anger without ventilating it has consequences.Link Between Aging and Emotion RegulationWhat causes the decline in visible anger at midlife? A combination of hormonal shifts and emotional realignment. With changes in estrogen levels and eventual decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women experience mood swings and irritability. These shifts are well-documented. But what happens after the turbulence subsides?The researchers found that women in their late reproductive and postmenopausal stages showed a stronger ability to regulate anger. One possible reason is the rewiring of emotional circuits in the brain as women age. With time and life experience, the prefrontal cortex responsible for executive function and emotional control may become more adept at managing reactive emotions like anger.There's more to it than biology, social and psychological maturity also play a role. Women in midlife often report a greater sense of self-assuredness and less concern with others' opinions.How Do Bottled-Up Emotions Affect Health?Though anger outbursts and aggression will decrease, more of a worry is the chronic suppression of anger. Suppressed anger has been associated with all manner of physical and mental illness, including heart disease and depression.Anger that simmers internally, without a release valve, keeps the body in a low-grade state of stress. It activates the sympathetic nervous system, raises cortisol levels, and contributes to systemic inflammation—an established risk factor for chronic disease.Studies dating back to the 1980s have shown that women with high “trait anger” (the tendency to become angry easily) are more likely to experience elevated blood pressure and heart disease over time. More recent research found that higher anger scores were associated with thicker arterial walls—a sign of early atherosclerosis.Emotionally, suppressed anger is a known contributor to depressive symptoms, especially during the menopause transition. Women undergoing hormone therapy may be particularly vulnerable, as hormone shifts can amplify emotional responses.The mental health side of the menopause transition can have a significant effect on a woman’s personal and professional life. Fluctuations in hormone levels during this stage can result in severe mood swings associated with anger and hostility. Educating women about this reality is essential to improving quality of life.Hostility—a persistent emotional readiness for conflict—differs from anger in that it’s more closely associated with anxiety and hypervigilance. Though it’s less outwardly visible, it takes a psychological toll and can affect relationships, work dynamics, and self-esteem.Even if a woman isn’t visibly angry, she might still be carrying an emotional load that affects her health.This study offers a rare glimpse into how anger matures—and softens—as women age. It not only validates what many women report anecdotally (feeling less reactive or combative as they enter their 50s and beyond) but also pushes the medical community to consider anger as a vital sign in midlife health.Crucially, the study shows that age and reproductive stage are both significant. Anger doesn’t just fade because women get older. It seems to decline most notably after the late reproductive stage, suggesting that hormonal changes during menopause may directly influence emotional regulation.What Does This Directly Affect Women Health?Understanding that anger evolves during midlife can be empowering. It helps normalize a broad range of emotional experiences and encourages proactive approaches to mental well-being.Here are some strategies experts recommend:Track your emotional patterns. If you're noticing less anger but more inner frustration, it might be time to explore outlets like therapy, journaling, or movement-based practices.Don’t ignore suppressed anger. Repression isn’t resolution. Bottled emotions can surface in other ways—anxiety, fatigue, chronic pain.Ask your doctor about emotional symptoms. Mental health during menopause is often sidelined in medical discussions. Bring it to the forefront.We’re at a turning point in how menopause is discussed—not just as a medical event but as a profound emotional transition. Studies like this broaden the conversation and deepen our understanding of midlife psychology.As women age, their emotional range doesn’t shrink. It evolves. Anger becomes quieter, more internalized, and perhaps more complex—but with the right awareness and support, it can also become more manageable.

rage recedes after 50 in women but suppressed anger could be harming your health, here's how

Supriya Ramesh

The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

Credits: Canva

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For something that’s supposed to be a monthly saviour, your sanitary pad could actually be a trouble in disguise. If you’ve ever spent your period feeling itchy, sore, or just...off, you’re not imagining it. According to gynaecologist Dr Vaidehi Marathe, many conventional pads and tampons contain elements that don’t quite agree with your body.

Itchiness is a common complaint during menstruation, but most people blame sweat, heat, or hormones. The real problem, says Dr Marathe, might be your pad itself. Many commercial pads are loaded with synthetic materials, added fragrances, and chemical adhesives that can irritate the delicate skin in your intimate area. That persistent itch could be your body’s way of saying, please get this thing off me.

It doesn’t end with itching. If you’ve ever developed a rash down there during your period, Dr Marathe says your pad’s texture or material could be behind it. "Poor-quality materials or excessive friction can cause chafing, redness, and irritation," she says in an Instagram video. 

Even tampons, which many prefer for comfort and convenience, aren’t totally innocent. High-absorbency varieties are known to dry out the vaginal lining, leading to discomfort and even micro-tears. Dr Marathe warns that such dryness disturbs the natural balance of the vaginal mucosa, and that’s when things can start to get really unpleasant.

While menstruation has a natural odour, a strange or strong scent often comes from bacterial buildup, not your body. Pads, especially the non-breathable kind, can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr Marathe points out that the odour is often caused by bacteria thriving in that warm, moist environment. 

You don’t have to suffer for the sake of convenience. Look beyond the supermarket aisle. <span>Cloth pads</span>, menstrual cups, and period underwear are all gentler options that are free of harmful chemicals and better for your skin and the environment. They allow the area to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.

Menstrual cups in particular have gained popularity for being economical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly comfortable once you get the hang of them.

Periods are already uncomfortable enough without adding allergic reactions, rashes, or infections to the mix. If you’re constantly battling irritation or feeling ‘off’ during your cycle, it’s worth examining what’s coming into contact with your skin for hours at a stretch. 

period rash

tampon dryness

menstrual cup

cloth pads

period panties

pad irritation

eco friendly period products

intimate itching

period odour

For something that’s supposed to be a monthly saviour, your sanitary pad could actually be a trouble in disguise. If you’ve ever spent your period feeling itchy, sore, or just...off, you’re not imagining it. According to gynaecologist Dr Vaidehi Marathe, many conventional pads and tampons contain elements that don’t quite agree with your body.Itchiness is a common complaint during menstruation, but most people blame sweat, heat, or hormones. The real problem, says Dr Marathe, might be your pad itself. Many commercial pads are loaded with synthetic materials, added fragrances, and chemical adhesives that can irritate the delicate skin in your intimate area. That persistent itch could be your body’s way of saying, please get this thing off me.Rashes, roughness, and frictionIt doesn’t end with itching. If you’ve ever developed a rash down there during your period, Dr Marathe says your pad’s texture or material could be behind it. "Poor-quality materials or excessive friction can cause chafing, redness, and irritation," she says in an Instagram video. Even tampons, which many prefer for comfort and convenience, aren’t totally innocent. High-absorbency varieties are known to dry out the vaginal lining, leading to discomfort and even micro-tears. Dr Marathe warns that such dryness disturbs the natural balance of the vaginal mucosa, and that’s when things can start to get really unpleasant.That smell isn’t just your periodWhile menstruation has a natural odour, a strange or strong scent often comes from bacterial buildup, not your body. Pads, especially the non-breathable kind, can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr Marathe points out that the odour is often caused by bacteria thriving in that warm, moist environment. Healthier swapsYou don’t have to suffer for the sake of convenience. Look beyond the supermarket aisle. Cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are all gentler options that are free of harmful chemicals and better for your skin and the environment. They allow the area to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.Menstrual cups in particular have gained popularity for being economical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly comfortable once you get the hang of them.Your period deserves betterPeriods are already uncomfortable enough without adding allergic reactions, rashes, or infections to the mix. If you’re constantly battling irritation or feeling ‘off’ during your cycle, it’s worth examining what’s coming into contact with your skin for hours at a stretch. 

the itchy truth about pads and tampons: what your period products are not telling you

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Many people start their day with a glass of <span>lemon water</span>, hoping for a range of health benefits—from better skin to improved <span>digestion</span>. But what actually happens when you stick to this habit every day for a month? According to gastroenterologist <span>Dr Saurabh Sethi</span>, lemon water can offer some real advantages, as long as you are aware of a few important points.

Lemons are packed with more than 30 beneficial plant compounds, says Dr Sethi. These include <span>antioxidants</span> and anti-inflammatory agents that support your body's daily housekeeping on a cellular level.

But freshly squeezed is important. “Pasteurised lemon juice often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value,” Dr Sethi explains. 

While you are sipping away, thinking you are just hydrating enough, something pretty important is happening in the background. The natural acidity of lemons can help your body absorb minerals more effectively, particularly iron, according to Dr Sethi. That means your morning lemon ritual might be giving your iron supplements or spinach salads a bit of extra firepower.

And lemon water does not magically "alkalise" your body. But what it does do is help your digestive system set the stage for better nutrient uptake.

<strong>Skin Goals and <span rel="noindex">Collagen</span> Dreams</strong>

If you are secretly hoping for that elusive “glow-up” by day 30, you might be in luck. Lemons are a great source of <span>vitamin C</span>, a key player in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues in top shape.

Dr Sethi says that daily lemon water may support healthier skin from the inside out. Think of it as your internal skincare serum. 

As Dr Sethi points out, lemon water might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with <span>acid reflux</span> or sensitive stomachs. The very same acidity that helps with mineral absorption can irritate the oesophagus lining or worsen heartburn in susceptible folks. If you have ever felt that familiar burn after a glass of lemony water, your body is throwing a sign. 

lemon water

vitamin c

collagen

skin health

digestion

acid reflux

hydration

antioxidants

iron absorption

dr saurabh sethi

Many people start their day with a glass of lemon water, hoping for a range of health benefits—from better skin to improved digestion. But what actually happens when you stick to this habit every day for a month? According to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, lemon water can offer some real advantages, as long as you are aware of a few important points.Lemons Pack a Big PunchLemons are packed with more than 30 beneficial plant compounds, says Dr Sethi. These include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that support your body's daily housekeeping on a cellular level.But freshly squeezed is important. “Pasteurised lemon juice often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value,” Dr Sethi explains. Absorption Gets a BoostWhile you are sipping away, thinking you are just hydrating enough, something pretty important is happening in the background. The natural acidity of lemons can help your body absorb minerals more effectively, particularly iron, according to Dr Sethi. That means your morning lemon ritual might be giving your iron supplements or spinach salads a bit of extra firepower.And lemon water does not magically "alkalise" your body. But what it does do is help your digestive system set the stage for better nutrient uptake.Skin Goals and Collagen DreamsIf you are secretly hoping for that elusive “glow-up” by day 30, you might be in luck. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, a key player in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues in top shape.Dr Sethi says that daily lemon water may support healthier skin from the inside out. Think of it as your internal skincare serum. The Bitter TruthAs Dr Sethi points out, lemon water might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. The very same acidity that helps with mineral absorption can irritate the oesophagus lining or worsen heartburn in susceptible folks. If you have ever felt that familiar burn after a glass of lemony water, your body is throwing a sign. 

Aarushi Bhadury

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<span>Menopause</span> marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Although many people believe that stopping mensuration is the only aspect of menopause, women experience hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, difficulty sleeping and much more. 

A new study suggests that some women who experience <span>premature menopause</span> face a higher risk of <span>depression</span>. Premature menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she turns 40. 

Past research have already shown that premature menopause can more than triple a woman's risk of depression and nearly quintuple her risk of anxiety. However, these new findings, published recently in the journal Menopause, reveal that there are certain factors make some women with this condition even more vulnerable to depression than others. 

<h2>Who is at Higher Risk for Depression? </h2>

The study identified several factors that increase a woman's risk for depression if she goes through premature menopause: 

Women who began premature menopause at a younger age showed a higher likelihood of experiencing depression. The earlier the body entered this change, the greater the emotional challenge appeared to be for them. 

If premature menopause happened due to inherited genes, a woman's risk of depression increased significantly. This underlying biological factor seems to contribute to greater vulnerability for mental health struggles. 

Women who suffered from more intense and bothersome overall menopause symptoms were more susceptible to developing depression. The severity of physical discomfort often mirrored increased emotional distress. 

Women coping with the profound sadness of losing their ability to have children, or those without strong emotional backing from others, faced a greater chance of experiencing depression. Support systems are vital here. 

Interestingly, the study found that using hormone therapy did not affect a woman's depression risk, even if it helped ease some other menopause symptoms. This suggests that psychological and social factors are very important in this context. Experts believe that mental health support for these women should focus on these aspects to address their unique needs. 

While severe menopause symptoms generally increased depression risk, hot flashes, a commonly bothersome symptom, were not specifically linked to depression in this study. 

Around 3 out of every 100 women experience premature menopause. In this study, researchers looked at data from nearly 350 women with premature menopause, and about 30% of them showed symptoms of depression. 

Because of the high number of women with depressive symptoms in this group, it's important to regularly screen these vulnerable women for depression. 

It's also worth noting that while hormone therapy is standard care for managing some menopause symptoms and for preventive health in premature menopause, it's not the primary treatment for mood disorders. This study's results, showing no difference in depressive symptoms between those using hormones and those who weren't, support this point. 

The researchers emphasized that future studies are needed to further explore these connections, as this study wasn't designed to prove a direct cause-and-effect link between premature menopause and depression. These future studies could also help determine the most effective ways to help women avoid depression when they go through premature menopause. 

menopause

Premature Menopause

Risk Of Developing Depression

Depression In Women

Depression

woman risk of depression

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Although many people believe that stopping mensuration is the only aspect of menopause, women experience hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, difficulty sleeping and much more. A new study suggests that some women who experience premature menopause face a higher risk of depression. Premature menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she turns 40. Past research have already shown that premature menopause can more than triple a woman's risk of depression and nearly quintuple her risk of anxiety. However, these new findings, published recently in the journal Menopause, reveal that there are certain factors make some women with this condition even more vulnerable to depression than others. Who is at Higher Risk for Depression? The study identified several factors that increase a woman's risk for depression if she goes through premature menopause:  Earlier Onset Women who began premature menopause at a younger age showed a higher likelihood of experiencing depression. The earlier the body entered this change, the greater the emotional challenge appeared to be for them. Genetic Cause If premature menopause happened due to inherited genes, a woman's risk of depression increased significantly. This underlying biological factor seems to contribute to greater vulnerability for mental health struggles. Worse Menopause Symptoms Women who suffered from more intense and bothersome overall menopause symptoms were more susceptible to developing depression. The severity of physical discomfort often mirrored increased emotional distress. Grief and Lack of Support Women coping with the profound sadness of losing their ability to have children, or those without strong emotional backing from others, faced a greater chance of experiencing depression. Support systems are vital here. Interestingly, the study found that using hormone therapy did not affect a woman's depression risk, even if it helped ease some other menopause symptoms. This suggests that psychological and social factors are very important in this context. Experts believe that mental health support for these women should focus on these aspects to address their unique needs. While severe menopause symptoms generally increased depression risk, hot flashes, a commonly bothersome symptom, were not specifically linked to depression in this study. The Importance of Screening Around 3 out of every 100 women experience premature menopause. In this study, researchers looked at data from nearly 350 women with premature menopause, and about 30% of them showed symptoms of depression. Because of the high number of women with depressive symptoms in this group, it's important to regularly screen these vulnerable women for depression. It's also worth noting that while hormone therapy is standard care for managing some menopause symptoms and for preventive health in premature menopause, it's not the primary treatment for mood disorders. This study's results, showing no difference in depressive symptoms between those using hormones and those who weren't, support this point. Looking Ahead: Future Research The researchers emphasized that future studies are needed to further explore these connections, as this study wasn't designed to prove a direct cause-and-effect link between premature menopause and depression. These future studies could also help determine the most effective ways to help women avoid depression when they go through premature menopause. 

premature menopause could increase the risk of developing depression in women

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Rage Recedes After 50 In Women But Suppressed Anger Could Be Harming Your Health, Here's How

Quick Stories

Premature Menopause Could Increase The Risk Of Developing Depression In Women

Poor Dental Health Could Be Linked To Chronic Health Condition

The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

Health Conditions A-Z

Could Eggs Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s? Here is What the Study Reveals

Why You Crave Comfort Food When You’re Stressed? Simple Tips To Stop Stress Eating

Premature Menopause Could Increase The Risk Of Developing Depression In Women