Perceptions, Attitudes, and Self-Management of Natural Menopausal Symptoms in Ghanaian Women

Abstract

The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopausal symptoms is associated with risks of cardiovascular and thromboembolic diseases and breast cancer. In this qualitative study, we investigated how women in low-resource settings manage menopausal symptoms without HRT. We interviewed 34 menopausal Ghanaian women about their sources of information, perceptions, attitudes, and self-management methods for alleviating menopausal symptoms. The majority of the women used a combination of nonhormonal medications and complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM), including dietary modifications, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to effectively manage menopausal symptoms. Sources of information about menopause influenced participants’ perceptions, attitudes, and self-management choices.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Elijah Paintsil, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Attending Physician, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Yale-New Haven Hospital, for his support and guidance; and Dr. Henrietta Asare, Head of Clinical Service at Ridge Regional Hospital, for assistance with the research at Ridge Regional Hospital, Accra, Ghana. This research was supported by a fellowship grant from The Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

Notes

1. Dried leaves from a tree called morenga tree, which is used in different forms. Some drink it like tea while others use it as spice for food. It is believed to be a nutritious supplement.

2. Dough made of a mixture of cassava and corn flour.