The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among menopausal symptoms, serum estradiol (E2) levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations and gender-related identity as measured by the Communion-Agency Scale in Japanese perimenopausal women. Forty-eight women (mean age ± SD: 55.2 ± 5.1 years) voluntarily participated in the study. The results revealed that unmitigated communion was positively associated with menopausal symptoms and FSH, and negatively associated with E2. Among the items of unmitigated communion, 'I automatically rely on others' showed strong associations with the E2 and FSH levels and menopausal symptoms. The hormone data did not show any significant associations with depressive symptoms. Hormonal changes during the menopausal transition may legitimize the traditional constructions of negative femininity. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.