Womenʼs experience of menopause: a systematic review of qualitative evidence

Abstract

The systematic review shows that menopause is a stage of life experienced in different ways. The experience of menopause is characterized by personal challenges and changes in personal roles within the family and society. Hot flushes and night sweats are the strongest symptoms of those reported by women affected by the changes experienced during menopause. The positive or negative ways in which each woman approaches the changes during menopause are influenced by their personal, family and sociocultural background. Health care providers pay little attention to women´s perceptions regarding menopause. Considering menopause is a time when women feel vulnerable, personal and tailored healthcare according to individual needs, preferences and expectations should be provided. Coping strategies regarding the effects of menopause should be determined in creative and dynamic ways through the identification and consideration of the complex issues involved. These measures are essential to ensuring effective support for menopausal women.

“Is it menopause or bipolar?”: a qualitative study of the experience of menopause for women with bipolar disorder

“…Increased prevalence of physical menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes is also a risk factor [ 29 , 31 ], with estradoil variability potentially enhancing emotional reactivity to psychosocial stress [ 32 ]. However, negative mood change is often attributed to menopause because of broader cultural discourse [ 33 ]. Women who have a negative view of menopause, and expect negative symptomatology, have been reported to be more likely to experience negative psychological symptoms [ 34 , 35 ].…”

Young women’s opinions on the use of a blood test to predict the possibility of premature ovarian failure: a qualitative study

“…However, studies on menopause emphasise the importance of early detection. A qualitative systematic review showed that women should be prepared for menopause, and that the AMH test could help (Hoga, Rodolpho, Goncalves, & Quirino, 2015). A narrative review described several consequences of premature menopause, such as effects on cognition, mood, the cardiovascular system, bones and sexual health (Faubion, Kuhle, Shuster, & Rocca, 2015).…”

Health Concerns of Perimenopausal Women

“…Perimenopausal status increases the risk of depression (Lin, Hsiao, Liu, & Chang, 2013). An increasing body of evidence has defined perimenopause as a complex phenomenon, and each woman's experience in this stage of life is determined by her decisions regarding experiencing perimenopause as well as her cultural concepts, values, and attitude toward it (Hoga, Rodolpho, Goncalves, & Quirino, 2015).…”