Abstract
BackgroundMenopause before the age of 40 years is known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Besides physical effects, being diagnosed with this disorder adversely affects the psychological health and quality of life (QOL). The present study aimed at shedding light on the factors affecting the QOL of women with POI.MethodsThe present study is a qualitative one. The data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 women having POI, selected purposively. Data rigor was ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. The recorded data were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed constantly at the same time as gathering the data using conventional content analysis.ResultsThree themes emerged regarding the QOL of women with POI, i.e. disease effect (physical and psychological effects), distorted self-concept (threatened identity and disease stigma), and hormone replacement therapy effect (positive and negative physical/psychological effects).ConclusionsDue to the profound effects of the disease on different aspects of the biopsychosocial health of women with POI, a multifaceted health care approach is recommended to improve their QOL.
Highlights
Menopause before the age of 40 years is known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Symptoms associated with deficiency of estrogen, irregular menstruations, and infertility impairment are among POI presentations [8]
Disease effect Consisting of two main categories i.e. physical and psychological, the theme is defined here as the direct negative influences POI exerts on the various aspects of a woman’s health, taking a toll on her quality of life (QOL)
Summary
Menopause before the age of 40 years is known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The present study aimed at shedding light on the factors affecting the QOL of women with POI. In a meta-analysis, the global prevalence of POI wad reported as 3.7% [3]. Another meta-analysis of 9 cohort studies reported a prevalence of 2% in women in natural menopause [4]. In a study on the women in natural menopause in the city of Zabol, Iran, a POI prevalence of 5.9% was reported [5]. A national population-based survey of 4898 Iranian women reported 3.2% of the participants as experiencing POI [6]. Symptoms associated with deficiency of estrogen, irregular menstruations, and infertility impairment are among POI presentations [8]
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