Early menopause presenting with mood symptoms in a student aviator

Aviat Space Environ Med. 2000 Mar;71(3):251-4.

Abstract

The clinical presentation of menopause can resemble the symptoms of a mood disorder. We describe the case of a 31-yr-old student helicopter pilot who presented to the Aviation Psychiatry Department with a several-month history of inconsistent training performance, mood lability, tearfulness, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and decreased concentration. Symptoms persisted despite stress management training and resolution of family stressors, and further evaluation revealed other symptoms consistent with early menopause. Symptoms responded to estrogen/progesterone therapy, and patient returned to flight training. The clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, treatment, and aeromedical disposition of perimenopause and menopause are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Anxiety Disorders / etiology
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatigue
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Menopause, Premature / psychology*
  • Military Personnel*
  • Mood Disorders / etiology*
  • Stress, Psychological