ABSTRACT
On average, women live longer than men yet experience greater emergent psychopathology in adolescence and a greater disease burden in older adulthood. This chapter considers the contribution of sex-specific, reproductive-related experiences of menarche, pregnancy, and menopause to women's mental and physical health throughout the lifespan. Within each section is a summary of the most promising lifestyle interventions to affect the timing or consequences of the identified reproductive factors. Early identification and intervention for those at high-risk of substance use is emphasized. Despite the promising recent developments in many of these topics, more basic observational research is desperately needed to inform successful interventions, particularly related to the menopausal transition. Many of the risk factors described in this chapter are compounded by systemic barriers to accessing adequate nutrition and mental health services for those with the most significant need. There is ample opportunity for researchers and clinicians to use this knowledge to help girls and women live with less distress and disease burden.
