Experiences of the menopause: A comparison between Portugal and the UK

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to compare experiences of the menopause in Portuguese and British women. Two groups of Portuguese and British women (n = 100 and n = 42 respectively), completed and returned a questionnaire which assessed the appraisal of symptoms and beliefs about the menopause. Portuguese and British women differed significantly in symptom reporting and perceptions of the menopause. British women were more likely to associate the menopause with loss of perceived femaleness, while Portuguese women were more likely to associate the menopause with physical and psychological changes. This study raises questions about social representations of the menopause, in relation to the status and role of women in different European societies.