Health Anxiety in Menopausal / perimenopausal women: Prevalence, Risk & Key Differences

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE; menopausal samples show measurable HA but no standardized prevalence
Is it more common among menopausal / perimenopausal women? New bodily sensations and perceived disease risk can become triggers
Are menopausal / perimenopausal women at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? 2026 menopausal sample mean SHAI-18 21.1 ± 6.6; not prevalence
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among menopausal / perimenopausal women? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Palpitations, bleeding changes, pain, dizziness and other real menopausal symptoms may be catastrophically interpreted as serious disease
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Actual menopausal/medical symptoms; panic; GAD; IAD
Common screening tool SHAI — Short Health Anxiety Inventory
Separate screening tool for menopausal / perimenopausal women None
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