Representations and Perceived Consequences of Menopause by Peri- and Post-Menopausal Portuguese Women: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Our aim in conducting this study is to describe the representations and perceived consequences of menopause, elicited through a semistructured interview with 36 Portuguese women, in peri- and post-menopause. The most prevalent response of the interviewed women was to see menopause as a normal/neutral phase of their life cycle (28.3%). Menses’ cessation (58.7%) was identified as the most prevalent positive consequence of menopause, and a range of psychological changes (18.3%) was the most mentioned negative consequence. Health care provider's awareness of women's attitudes will allow them to communicate more effectively and to reinforce women's positive attitudes.

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Portuguese Fundação Para a Ciência e Tecnologia (grant SFRH/BD/32359/2006). We thank Raquel Oliveira for proofreading the manuscript.