Self-control? Psychological training during the perimenopause period? Or suppressed emotions…

According to a recent study, published in the scientific journal Menopause, women experience significantly more anger as they age, but express it less and less. The analysis is based on data from over 500 participants aged between 35 and 55, included in the long-term Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study.

Researchers tracked different dimensions of anger such as irritability, reactions to provocation, and aggressive attitude. The results show that although some internal feelings of anger may increase with age, its outward expressions – outbursts, aggressive reactions, and hostility – decrease significantly.

According to specialists, the increased emotional regulation and ability to control anger as women approach menopause is likely due not to wisdom or restraint, but to the “training” women undergo during perimenopause. In other words, it seems that women begin getting angry and practicing self-control from their late 30s, gradually learning to conceal or manage the emotion. This experience makes them more resilient during menopause itself.

But is that really the case?

At Womeno, we emphasize that anger is an emotion like any other and should not be suppressed, but experienced, processed, and understood.

Suppressed anger does not disappear. It simply transforms into other, sometimes even more harmful and unpleasant states—anxiety, depression, insomnia. In other words, the more you “swallow” your emotions, the more tension you accumulate, and your body pays the price. Because anger is not just a feeling – it is also physiology. Chronic suppression leads to elevated cortisol levels, heart problems, and high blood pressure.

What is the healthy solution? Effort is needed to discover individual, effective strategies for regulating anger:

• Self-awareness – What external factors and triggers provoke irritation in you? 
• Recognition and acceptance of the emotion before it escalates to an unhealthy level 
• Expression of anger early, while it is still mild irritation, and setting personal boundaries to prevent buildup 
• Physical activity – last but not least. Anger is, above all, energy that the body needs to release. Exercise is the number one anti-stress factor, especially when it comes to suppressed emotions. 

A better understanding of the changes in the female body with age can help develop strategies to support women’s mental health in midlife and beyond. That’s why we created the Womeno app – to help you understand what is happening in your body, why it’s happening, and how to regain control.

We, the Womeno team, strongly believe that anger – when recognized and expressed within reasonable limits- does not make you “difficult.” But silence will certainly make you invisible. True strength is not pretending or suppressing emotion, but learning to manage it instead of letting it manage you.

Learn more about our app HERE.

Sources

This article is based on findings from: Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study
https://menopause.org/press-releases/women-get-better-at-managing-their-anger-as-they-age; The Neuropsychological Consequences of Anger Suppression: A Review of Sex Differences and Clinical Implications
https://ajmcrr.com/index.php/pub/article/view/255