Self-Care Strategies of Menopausal Women

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe the self-care strategies related to natural menopause used by menopausal women. The Self Care Responses Questionnaire (SCR) was completed by a convenience sample of 99 middle class, mostly Caucasian, married, employed women. The women used many self-care responses, on average, 32 of the 39 possible. The frequently used strategies, “accept changes in my body,” “have faith,” “keep busy,” “educate myself,” and “accept as legitimate,” suggest that these women are successful in their self care related to menopause. Consistent with a women's health perspective, they seemed to view menopause as a developmental phase which they have integrated into their lives.