A Qualitative Study Exploring Post-menopausal Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Menopause

Pages: 253-257
Dolon Dawn (Department of Psychology, Victoria Institution (College), Kolkata, West Bengal)

Living through menopause is a complex experience. Menopause marks the beginning of an infertile phase from the fertile phase. The experience of menopause influences post-menopausal women’s quality of life. This study delves into the understanding of women’s menopausal experience and their perception of menopausal experience. Fifteen post-menopausal women were included in the study using purposive sampling through snowball sampling in Kolkata, West Bengal. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to delve into the understanding of a women’s menopausal experience and her perception of menopausal experience. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. To describe the women’s experiences and perception of menopause, the themes that emerged were health related changes, perception of menopause, change in relationships, and social support. The current study found that support from husband, and social support largely impacts this experience. According to this study, women turned to their families, and peers, for assistance with their issues. Health care professionals should therefore educate women about menopause in addition to being fully informed of its course. It is important to consider their peers’ and families’ contributions. It is advised that more research be done on how psychological therapies might be used to address these issues in postmenopausal women.