An Exploration of the Mental Health impact among Menopausal Women: The MARIE Project Protocol

IntroductionMenopause marks the end of the menstruation period which can incur naturally or due to surgery where the ovaries or the uterus is removed, or the use of other treatments like chemotherapy. Menopause elicits both physiological and psychological changes such as joint or pelvic pain, headaches or migraine, cognitive function and mental health problems such as anxiety. In order to assess the mental health impact of menopause, the physiological, psychological and sociological composites need to be evaluated. It is increasingly recognised that the associated symptoms experienced by women and trans-men are specific to menopause transition, making it challenging to diagnose and treat using conventional methods. We developed a menopause tool called MenopAuse mental hEalth (MARiE) rating tool following a co-production workshop. The MenopAuse mental hEalth (MARIE) projects overall aim is to explore the mental health impact of menopause through several work stream packages and assess the MARiE tool. The current work package (WP 2a and 2b) that is represented within this study aim to further explore menopause symptoms and then validate and, determine the efficacy of the MARiE tool. MethodsWe will conduct a prospective mixed methods study in the United Kingdom (UK) among women and trans-men [≥]18 years old that are perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal. The quantitative portion will use the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Index Scale, Menopause Rating Scale, Greene Climacteric Scale, Health related quality of life, Quebec Pain Disability Scale, and Burnout Assessment Tool in addition to the MARiE tool within the scope of WP2a and WP2b, respectively. The qualitative component will use a topics guide. Research Ethics and Health Research Authority approval has been obtained with a reference of 22/EE/0159. DisseminationThe findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at womens health, primary care, and mental health themed conferences.