Facing the Unknown

Abstract

Many midlife women are uncertain about the indicators of menopause and how to negotiate the menopausal transition. They need accurate information regarding perimenopause and menopause. They need to learn to cope with their changing bodies, appearance, and sexuality, as well as issues related to aging in a youth-oriented society. To do this, they need to learn how to access and mobilize the informational, emotional, and instrumental support that they need from their existing social networks. They may also have to develop new social networks, as well as develop effective strategies for interacting with supportive professional helpers. In this article, we review the literature on the role of social support in women's health and emphasize the key concerns of women during their menopausal transition. Specific recommendations are made regarding helpful social support strategies and resources for women facing menopause.

Key Words:

• Social support
• menopause
• perimenopause
• midlife