Research Reveals Women Improve in Anger Management as They Age
New research shows women tend to manage their anger more effectively as they age, with significant improvements observed during midlife, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation during menopause.
Recent research indicates that women tend to become better at managing their anger as they grow older, particularly starting in midlife. While much attention has been given to women’s emotional experiences related to depression during menopause and early menopause, little focus has been placed on how emotional regulation, such as anger, evolves during perimenopause.
A comprehensive study involving over 500 women aged 35 to 55 analyzed the progression of anger traits throughout the menopausal transition. Findings show that most measures of anger—such as anger temperament, reaction, and hostility—decline significantly with age. Interestingly, the tendency to suppress anger did not correlate with age, suggesting different underlying mechanisms.
The study also revealed that reproductive aging stages influence anger levels, with a notable decrease observed after late-reproductive phases. These results imply that women might develop better emotional regulation skills as they approach and pass through midlife.
Historically, research on anger in midlife women has focused on its links to cardiovascular health, highlighting that higher trait anger is associated with increased blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and greater risk for heart disease. Additionally, anger has been linked with depression, especially during menopause, and appears to be amplified in women using hormone therapy.
Despite these insights, few studies have tracked how anger traits evolve during menopause. This recent analysis aimed to fill that gap, offering evidence that aging itself, alongside reproductive stage changes, contributes to improved anger regulation. Such findings underscore the importance of understanding emotional health during midlife.
Dr. Monica Christmas from The Menopause Society emphasizes that mental health during menopause significantly impacts women’s personal and professional lives. She stresses the importance of acknowledging mood fluctuations and emotional challenges during this period, which are often associated with hormonal changes during menstrual and reproductive transitions. Educating women about potential mood shifts and managing symptoms proactively can enhance overall quality of life.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-women-anger-age.html
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