Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequencies of mood alterations of mature male and female workers. Also we aimed to demonstrate the relationship of symptoms with some psychological aspects such as volunteer's self-esteem (SE), marital satisfaction (MS) and attitudes toward sexuality (ATS). Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional design, we determine the frequencies of depression, anxiety, non-specific symptoms of depression (NSSD), MS, and the feelings of empty nest syndrome (FENS) in 103 males and 129 females from 40 to 64 years of age. Depression, NSSD and anxiety were evaluated according to DSMIII-R criteria and scored with the Hamilton Bech-Rafaelsen test. SE was evaluated with the Coopersmith test, ATS and FENS with a previously validated questionnaire, and MS with the Pick De Weiss test. Women were divided according to their last menstrual period in pre- peri- and postmenopausal. Results: The results demonstrated that FENS were more frequent in females than in males (p=0.03). Perimenopausal women had higher frequencies of depression, anxiety, and NSSD than males and pre- and postmenopausal females did. SE was positively associated with mood alterations in both male and female labors. In males, MS was significant associated with FENS; and with depression and NSSD in perimenopausal females. Conclusions: We concluded that mood alterations are more frequent in mature females than in males. Also we demonstrated that in mature females poor SE could be a risk factor to development mood problems. In both mature male and postmenopausal females, MS plays an important role in the appearance of FENS.