Experience Of Menopause Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and experience of menopause of female prisoners

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: All women experience menopause in their late forties, sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude about menopause is essential for women to overcome the changes associated with menopause. Female prisoners have significant unmet needs related to transitional menopause experience because a majority of them are illiterate and from an underprivileged class and limited access to health services. Our objective is to explore the menopause experiences of women incarcerated in jail.
 METHODOLOGY: A semi-structured questionnaire was used, 48 women were interviewed using face-to-face interview technique. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. The study was conducted in Kot Lakh Pat jail Lahore among female prisoners, age ranging from 40 to 60 years.
 RESULTS: Mean age of women was 45.4 +4.6 years, about 44(91.6%) were aware of menopause, while only 4(8.3%) were aware of its health effects. 44(91.6%) of female prisoners viewed it as a natural process, and 4(8.3%) viewed it as a disease. 41(85.4%) of women are happy with the transition to menopause, while 7(14.5%) are anxious and want to menstruate again. There were statistically significant differences in the Somatic symptoms and psychological symptoms (p<0.05).
 CONCLUSION: The majority of female prisoners were concerned about symptoms even though they did not go for consultation due to a lack of information and health services in prison. To increase public health awareness and reduce the magnitude of menopause-related symptoms, there is a need to develop health care services in the context of treatment and prevention for women prisoners in their present locality.

KARAKTERISTIK MENOPAUSE PADA PERAWAT DI RSUP SANGLAH DENPASAR TAHUN 2021

The age of menopause varies in each woman, due to differences in the characteristics of certain factors that are thought to have an effect. This study aims to determine the age of menopause and the characteristics of education level, marital status, parity, age of menarche, age of first birth, history of hormonal contraceptive use, and Body Mass Index in postmenopausal nurses at Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar in 2021. This study is an observational descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 60 respondents who were collected by total sampling method. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. The results showed that 88,3% experienced menopause at the age of >45 years with the most distribution at the age of 50 years (30%). The characteristics of respondents were as follows, namely 100% in married, 88,3% completed D3/S1/S2/S3, 73,3% had given birth to 1-2 children, 88,3% gave birth to their first child at the age of 20-29 years, 58,3% menarche at age > 14 years, 61,7% never used hormonal contraception, 51,7% are obese I. The results of this study are expected to be used as a basis for further research to determine the association between the characteristics of a woman and menopausal age.
 Keywords : menopause, menopausal age, characteristics.

Women’s understanding and experiences of menopause in low-income and middle-income countries in the Asia Pacific region: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionMenopause denotes the end of a woman’s reproductive life. A woman’s experiences of menopause are shaped by her individual circumstances and may vary between social and cultural contexts. Evidence is...

Evaluation of Women’s Experience and Perception of Menopause

Evaluation of Women’s Experience and Perception of Menopause

Evaluation of multiple linear regression function and generalized linear model types in estimating natural menopausal age: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundSince women spend about one-third of their lifespan in menopause, accurate prediction of the age of natural menopause and its effective parameters are crucial to increase women's life expectancy.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the performance of generalized linear models (GLM) and the ordinary least squares (OLS) method in predicting the age of natural menopause in a large population of Iranian women.Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the recruitment phase of the Shahedieh Cohort Study, Yazd, Iran. In total, 1251 women who had the experience of natural menopause were included. For modeling natural menopause, the multiple linear regression model was employed using the ordinary least squares method and GLMs. With the help of the Akaike information criterion, root-mean-square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error, the performance of regression models was measured.ResultsThe mean age of menopausal women was 49.1 4.7 yr (95% CI: 48.8-49.3) with a median of 50 yr. The analysis showed similar Akaike criterion values for the multiple linear models with the OLS technique and the GLM with the Gaussian family. However, the RMSE and mean absolute error values were much lower in GLM. In all the models, education, history of salpingectomy, diabetes, cardiac ischemic, and depression were significantly associated with menopausal age.Conclusion To predict the age of natural menopause in this study, the GLM with the Gaussian family and the log link function with reduced RMSE and mean absolute error can be a good alternative for modeling menopausal age.

Menopausal rage, erotic power and gaga feminist possibilities

This study focusses on discourses on menopause through a critical reading of a selection of nine self-help books on the topic in the context of Dutch-speaking Belgium and the Netherlands. The aim is to explore whether self-help books constrain or facilitate the development of emancipatory discourses on menopause. We combine feminist critiques that identify the experience of menopause as a site of potential for revolt with insights from queer and critical new-materialist theorisation to probe the books’ emancipatory capacity. Our analysis identifies three prominent discursive repertoires: a medical, psycho-therapeutic and spiritual repertoire. Anger and erotic power emerge as important themes, albeit differently framed dependent on the discursive repertoires that the books employ. We conclude that none of the books succeed in disrupting prevailing oppressive discourses that devalue ageing women. There are two important constraints, notably (1) the books’ individualistic and depoliticised stance and (2) their reductionist view on the biological body. As a way out, we propose a gaga feminist reading of menopause that looks at anger and erotic power as sites of ‘biopossibilities’ that may open space for overthrowing oppressive models of gender, sexuality and desire.

A comparison of stress, symptoms, physical activity, and adiposity among women at midlife before and during the pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges that disproportionately impacted women. Household roles typically performed by women (such as resource acquisition and caretaking) became more difficult due to financial strain, fear of infection, and limited childcare options among other concerns. This research draws from an on-going study of hot flashes and brown adipose tissue to examine the health-related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among 162 women aged 45–55 living in western Massachusetts.MethodsWe compared women who participated in the study pre- and early pandemic with women who participated mid-pandemic and later-pandemic (when vaccines became widely available). We collected self-reported symptom frequencies (e.g., aches/stiffness in joints, irritability), and assessments of stress, depression, and physical activity through questionnaires as well as measures of adiposity (BMI and percent body fat). Additionally, we asked open-ended questions about how the pandemic influenced women’s health and experience of menopause. Comparisons across pre-/early, mid-, and later pandemic categories were carried out using ANOVA and Chi-square analyses as appropriate. The Levene test for homogeneity of variances was examined prior to each ANOVA. Open-ended questions were analyzed for yes/no responses and general themes.ResultsContrary to our hypothesis that women would suffer negative health-related consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic, we found no significant differences in women’s health-related measures or physical activity across the pandemic. However, our analysis of open-ended responses revealed a bi-modal distribution of answers that sheds light on our unexpected findings. While some women reported higher levels of stress and anxiety and lower levels of physical activity, other women reported benefitting from the remote life that the pandemic imposed and described having more time to spend on physical activity or in quality time with their families.ConclusionsIn this cross-sectional comparison of women during the pre-/early, mid-, and later-pandemic, we found no significant differences across means in multiple health-related variables. However, open-ended questions revealed that while some women suffered health-related effects during the pandemic, others experienced conditions that improved their health and well-being. The differential results of this study highlight a need for more nuanced and intersectional research on risk, vulnerabilities, and coping among mid-life women.

279 “It just seems like people are talking about menopause, but nobody has a solution”: A qualitative exploration of menopause experiences and preferences for weight management among Black women

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: A qualitative study was performed to characterize experiences of Black and White women going through menopause, as well as identify barriers and facilitators for participating in a lifestyle program targeting weight management during menopause. This abstract includes data from Black women. Results from White women will be available by ACTS 2022. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Perimenopausal and postmenopausal Black women with a self-reported desire to lose or maintain weight during menopause participated in a total of six focus groups. Women were asked about their past experiences with diet, exercise, and weight management; their menopause experiences; as well as specific components and considerations for developing a lifestyle program for weight management. Thematic analysis was conducted on coded transcripts and four main themes emerged, each containing three to seven subthemes. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Twenty-seven Black women (age 54±4 years, BMI 35.1±9.0 kg/m2) were enrolled. Overall, women felt unprepared for the changes they experienced during menopause and had difficulty maintaining or losing weight. While women were receptive to trying different diets and exercises, they wanted a diet that was flexible with their lifestyle and exercises that considered their existing health status. Women were also interested in learning about menopause alongside other women, stating that medical professionals did not provide them with adequate information or help. Social support, accountability, and seeing results were perceived critical to achieve long-lasting behavioral change. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Women were interested in receiving menopause information and improving their overall health as part of a lifestyle program during menopause. Associating with other women affected by menopause will allow for the creation of more sustainable lifestyle programs during menopause.

Nutritional potential of Semele sp. shellfish on estrogen levels and follicle stimulating hormone receptor genes in perimenopausal women

Abstract. Sjafaraenan, Umar MR, Herwin, Islamiyati A, Tuwo M, Zulkifli A. 2022. Nutritional potential of Semelesp. shellfish on estrogen levels and follicle stimulating hormone receptor genes in perimenopausal women. Biodiversitas 23: 1196-1203. The Bonea villagecommunity that often consume shellfish usually have a high libido and experience menopause abovethe age of 50 years.Therefore, this study aims to determinethe nutritional potential of Semele sp.on the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSH-R) gene in perimenopausal womenas well asthe levels of estrogen and polymorphisms.The experimental method with a one-group preandpost-test design was used by measuring 10 perimenopausal women respondents aged 40-45 before and after consuming Semele sp. 2 times a week for 2 months. Furthermore, blood samples were collected through the median cubital vein 2-3 mL before and after the treatment, The nutritional measurement of Semele sp. including protein was carried out using the Kjeldhal method, carbohydrates using the Anthrone method, and fat using the gravimetry. Also, the mineral content was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry(AAS), while the estrogen levels were assessed with the ELISA technique. The FSH gene was examined using DNA extraction and amplification, electrophoresis, as well as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) with the Bsrl enzyme, while thet-test was conducted to examinethe effect of shellfish consumption. The results showed that the consumption of Semele sp.increased estrogen levels significantly, as the Asn680Ser, Asn680Asn, and Ser680Se genotypes were found in each respondent with the FSH-R gene. Based on the results,it was concluded that the regular consumption of Semele sp. increases estrogen levels and is applicable as analternative treatment to delay the incidence of menopause.

Menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women: a scoping review.

South Asians make up a significant portion of global immigration. Immigrants often face challenges when navigating the healthcare system, which can influence their experience during the menopausal transition. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the existing literature on South Asian immigrant women's menopausal experience. Various electronic databases were systematically searched to identify research articles. The menopausal experiences of South Asian immigrant women were examined. A total of 11 studies were included in this scoping review. A variety of physical symptoms were reported, including vasomotor symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms, somatic symptoms, and early onset of menopause. Psychosocial symptoms included anxiety, depression, and decreased memory/concentration. Cultural experiences were both positive and negative, depending on the connotations surrounding menopause. Individual facilitators for a healthy transition included education and employment. Familial barriers included a lack of knowledge and support. Community and societal factors were both positive and negative, depending on the level of acculturation. Self-management was the most widely used intervention. Findings of this scoping review can help guide the development and evaluation of menopause interventions for South Asian immigrant women. Culturally sensitive care, increased discussion on sexual health, support networks, and reduction of socioeconomic barriers are needed to address the health needs of South Asian immigrant women. Further research is needed to better understand South Asian immigrant women's menopausal needs and help guide intervention design.

Experience of Menopause for Women in the Niamey Region, Republic of Niger

Introduction: Menopause is poorly documented in Africa. For most of the women living there, the experience of this period does not seem to be very problematic. For women living in rural areas, other concerns are more prominent. Methods: The study was prospective, quantitative and qualitative about 500 cases collected over a period of 6 months. The study involved postmenopausal women in the Niamey region of public services, in certain residential areas, or accompanying people in health structures. Parameters taken into account were sociocultural, antecedents, experience, knowledge, and management of menopause. The data was entered and analyzed using Microsoft Office Word 2010 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. Results: The average age was 56.4 years with extremes of 40 and 80 years; 57% were still living with their husbands and 39% widows; 60.2% housewives; 53% uneducated, 17% have higher education; 60.2% had had at least 6 children and 39.6% had used contraception. The comorbidities observed were arterial hypertension (24.4%) and diabetes (7%). As for the representation that women made of menopause, for all of them, this stage is the beginning of old age. The most frequent signs were asthenia (86.2%) and mood disorders (70.6%). Almost all of the patients (99.8%) had not used hormonal treatment for the menopause and among them 27% the management of the menopause was with traditional means. Conclusion: Menopausal disorders are certainly a reality in our socio-cultural context. They are not a primary concern either through ignorance or resignation of the women concerned.

Should menopause management differ between ethnic groups?

Awareness of menopause has increased in recent years, but there remains a lack of knowledge and education about the differences in attitudes and experiences of menopause in different ethnic groups. This article collates the available evidence to support education and care for women who are going through the menopause, focuses on the challenges that […]

Menopausal Experiences Relating to Psychological Wellbeing in British Women: A Thematic Analysis

Menopausal Experiences Relating to Psychological Wellbeing in British Women: A Thematic Analysis

Menopause as a well-being strategy: Organizational effectiveness, gendered ageism and racism.

This study considers the example of one council who deliberately implemented menopause considerations into their well-being strategy instead of instituting a menopause policy. This example is used to explore whether such a strategy is a more viable and effective alternative. An online survey was distributed amongst council workers and completed by 189 individuals. The questions covered respondents' own experiences of menopause transition at work (where applicable) and the availability of information and support for menopause at work, as well as a range of contextual factors. Experiences of workplace environments and relationships by those experiencing menopause. Results on menopause experiences in this council are comparable to those in organizations who have implemented menopause policies or guidelines. Contextual factors, including gendered vertical segregation and racism, are highlighted as important factors influencing the experience of menopause transition in the workplace. Early indications suggest that integrating menopause support into a health and well-being strategy helps mainstream menopause issues amongst staff. Long-term assessment is required to consider whether it is more effective than introducing a menopause policy or guidelines.

‘As the reader witnesses the character’s learning, they are learning as well’: talking comics, graphic medicine, and menopause with M.K. Czerwiec

ABSTRACT M.K. Czerwiec, a.k.a. comic nurse, is one of the founding members of the graphic medicine movement which meshes the concerns of comics and healthcare. Czerwiec combines her experience as a healthcare practitioner and her fascination for the visual aesthetics of comics in exploring the representations of health and illness in graphic medicine. In this interview, Czerwiec elaborates on the significance of her Eisner award-winning comics anthology, Menopause: A Comic Treatment (2020), in foregrounding the complexities of women’s lived experience of menopause and its attendant physical/psychic challenges. Czerwiec’s observations illustrate the cultural power of graphic medicine to offer visibility and intelligibility to women’s lived perspectives on menopause. Additionally, the conversation addresses Czerwiec’s creative involvement with the field of graphic medicine, her perspectives on comic art and creativity, and graphic medicine’s future as an interdisciplinary enterprise.

'Menopause affects us all . . .': menopause transition experiences of female ambulance staff from a UK ambulance service.

There is limited research regarding the menopause transition in the emergency services; however, all women will experience this life phase, which can have a significant impact on personal well-being, workplace attendance and performance. The aim of this survey was to explore personal and work impacts of the menopause for all female staff in the ambulance setting. A purpose-designed, 20-question survey, based on the Menopause Rating Scale and British Menopause Survey, was developed to understand menopausal symptoms and their impact on female staff in one UK ambulance service. Disseminated during 1-31 July 2019, it resulted in a convenience sample of 522 responses, which were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic approaches. Typically, respondents were either pre-menopausal or peri-menopausal, with approximately a third being menopausal or post-menopausal. Over half worked in emergency operational delivery, and typically worked shifts or unsocial hours. For those who had experienced menopause symptoms, the most commonly reported were tiredness or low energy levels, difficulty sleeping (including insomnia) and mood changes (including anxiety or depression). Symptoms impacted respondents' well-being, work and home life. Most had not expected the symptoms they experienced. The majority of respondents did not feel supported at work, with lack of menopausal symptom awareness and personal impact, working times and patterns, and sense of embarrassment of most concern. Other issues included lack of managerial and peer support, inadequate working environment and uniform, lack of dignity and choice, and no dedicated menopause policy. It is understood that this is the first survey to explore female ambulance staff menopause experiences. The impact of menopausal symptoms can be significant. Menopause awareness in this ambulance service is lacking and there is clear scope for initiatives for improved staff support and well-being. Further research is warranted to explore how best to support ambulance staff with the menopause transition.

Menopausal symptoms among Chinese and Japanese women: differences and similarities.

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of menopausal symptoms among Japanese and Chinese women and to determine the correlation between menopausal symptoms and self-efficacy. We surveyed 40- to 59-year-old women, 329 of whom were from an urban area in Northwest China (Xi'an) and 310 were from an urban area in Western Japan (Ehime), using a menopausal symptoms inventory and a self-efficacy scale. Comparison analysis was conducted among pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal status, within and between the two cultural groups. Following a two-way ANOVA, multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey-Kramer test. The correlation between severity of menopause symptoms and self-efficacy scores was evaluated using canonical correlation analysis. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (93.6%) among Japanese women and memory loss (76.6%) among Chinese women. Japanese women showed significantly higher severity scores across all factors than Chinese, sexual function: 19.58 (SE = 0.73) versus 15.04 (SE = 0.67); mental health condition: 35.44 (SE = 1.15) versus 27.12 (SE = 0.95); interpersonal anxiety: 27.45 (SE = 0.95) versus 21.92 (SE = 0.86); autonomic balance: 42.76 (SE = 1.27) versus 35.75 (SE = 1.17); other subjective symptoms: 39.68 (SE = 1.20) versus 33.07 (SE = 1.12) in the premenopausal group (P < 0.01); and mental health conditions 35.14 (SE = 1.41) versus 29.60 (SE = 1.25), interpersonal anxiety: 27.34 (SE = 1.18) versus 20.79 (SE = 1.02), autonomic balance factors: 45.81 (SE = 1.79) versus 38.05 (SE = 1.67) in the postmenopausal group (P < 0.01). No significant differences of the factors among menopausal stages within Japanese women were found. Among Chinese women, peri- and postmenopausal women showed significantly higher severity scores on sexual function, while perimenopausal women scored higher on mental health conditions and autonomic balance factors (P < 0.01). A negative correlation was found between menopausal symptoms and self-efficacy among both Japanese and Chinese women (P < 0.01). Japanese women reported more severe symptoms compared with their Chinese counterparts, and for Chinese women, symptoms might be specifically associated with menopausal status. Menopausal experience is associated with self-efficacy and vice versa.

"I am not the person I used to be": Perceptions and experiences of menopausal women living in Karachi, Pakistan.

The study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of menopausal women living in Karachi, Pakistan. Using qualitative exploratory design, in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven women, aged 35-55years. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using semi structured interview guide. Creswell frame work for content analysis was used to analyze the data. Perceptions and experiences of menopause women living in Karachi, Pakistan. Women described positive and negative experiences of menopause, though predominantly negative intensified by mental distress, lack of support from intimate partner, and misperceptions about menopause. A majority of the women emphasized the need for educating their husbands regarding menopausal changes. In clinical practices, health care professionals should screen the women for menopause challenges when they visit health care facilities and offer education regarding self-care and management to achieve better quality of life and positive coping. We conducted a preliminary study on women's perceptions and experiences of menopause in the context of Pakistan. Our study offers significant findings from an Asian cultural perspective, in which norms are predominantly patriarchal and male dominated. The study provides useful guidelines for health care providers to better address health care needs of menopausal women.

Age at natural menopause in women with a history of chronic diseases–A population-based cohort study

ObjectiveThis study was carried out to determine whether chronic diseases can influence age at natural menopause (ANM). Study design and main outcome measuresThis population-based prospective study recruited all eligible women from participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The Cox proportional-hazards model (unadjusted and adjusted) was used to assess associations of ANM with chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and thyroid disorders, which were not included simultaneously in the model because there were correlations between chronic diseases. ResultsA total of 4662 women, aged 15–50 years, who had not reached menopause at initiation of the TLGS were included. Of these women, 1220 (26.2%) experienced menopause during the study follow-up. In the multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for potential confounders, women with DM [HR:1.75; 95%CI: (1.32, 2.32)], HTN [HR: 2.11; 95%CI: (1.64, 2.72)], MetS [HR: 2.01; 95%CI: (1.57, 2.58)], CVD [HR: 3.02; 95%CI: (1.93, 4.73)], CKD [HR: 2.64; 95%CI: (2.16, 3.22)], and thyroid disorders [HR: 1.41; 95%CI: (1.06, 1.88)] reached menopause earlier, while dyslipidemia was not associated with ANM. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that women with a history of chronic diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular events, and CKD, experience menopause earlier than their counterparts without such a history.

The menopause after cancer study (MACS) - A multimodal technology assisted intervention for the management of menopausal symptoms after cancer – Trial protocol of a phase II study

AimsThis study will aim to assess if a composite intervention which involves a specific evidence-based intervention for management of insomnia and non-hormonal pharmacotherapy to manage vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause can improve quality of life for patients experiencing troublesome VMS after cancer who are not eligible for standard systemic menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Participants will be asked to nominate a partner or companion to support them during this process as an additional form of support. BackgroundThe menopause transition and its symptoms represent a significant challenge for many patients after cancer treatment, particularly those for whom conventional MHT is contraindicated. These symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, urogenital symptoms as well as mood and sleep disturbance. These symptoms can exacerbate the consequences of cancer and its treatment. MethodsWe will recruit 205 women who meet inclusion criteria and enrol them on a composite intervention which consists of four parts: (1) use of non-hormonal pharmacotherapy for the management of troublesome vasomotor symptoms of menopause tailored to the timing of predominant symptoms, (2) digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia through the web based Sleepio service, (3) access to information regarding self-management strategies for the common symptoms of menopause and their consequences and (4) identification of a partner or other support person who commits to providing support during the study period. OutcomesThe primary outcome will be cancer specific quality of life measured by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ C30). Secondary outcomes will include sleep quality, bother/interference of vasomotor symptoms and communication between couples about their cancer diagnosis and their menopause experience. Sleep will be measured using the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) tool, bother/interference of vasomotor symptoms will be measured by the Hot Flush Rating Scale (HFRS) and communication will be measured using the Couples’ Illness Communication Scale (CICS). These validated scales will be administered at baseline, four weeks, three months and six months. RegistrationThis study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with number NCT 04766229.