Factors Affecting Women's Mood

Researchers at Belgorod National Research University have developed a new assessment system that can help detect hidden health problems in women by analyzing indirect indicators such as mood changes and fatigue levels.

According to Lent.az, citing foreign media, the researchers say the system focuses on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as asthenia—a condition characterized by persistent tiredness, low energy, and a general decline in well-being. The condition is particularly common among older women.

The scientists note that current diagnostic methods primarily identify fatigue only after it has become clinically apparent. However, they are less effective at detecting the early physiological changes that may eventually lead to conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, obesity, and prediabetes.

The newly developed asthenia assessment scale enables healthcare professionals to identify women who may be at risk before serious symptoms emerge. The researchers describe the tool as a "health barometer," explaining that, much like a drop in atmospheric pressure signals an approaching storm, the system can detect subtle negative changes in the body before they develop into more serious health problems. According to the developers, the method has an accuracy rate of 85–90 percent.

The study involved women aged 55 and older. In the next phase of the research, the scientists plan to validate the assessment system in a larger group of participants and make it available for practical use, including as a digital mobile application.