Coping with menopause – Measures that women can take

Abstract

During menopause, there is a hormonal imbalance that would lead to variety of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, changes in the body shape, hair loss, hair becomes grayer and coarse, decreased elasticity of the skin, thinning of lining and dryness in the vagina, breast discomfort and urinary incontinence. These menopausal symptoms cause concern and discomfort for these women. It also affects their quality of life. The study aimed to explore the women's sense of body during their midlife years. A phenomenological-heuristic research design used in the study. Eight informants willingly participated in the study under an informal, semi-structured interview with the main question, “What are your experiences during midlife?” and “How did those experiences happened?” The transcribed verbatim were analyzed through the use of Moustakas method. The study revealed 7 main themes: (1) “I’ve changed…” (2) “What is bothering me?” (3) Looking back into the windows of the past (4) my weapons for my battle (5) Metamorphosis: A new conquest (6) Dreams: The paramount of my life. The study reflected the entirety of the participant's experiences. This study has shown that living the experience of wellness at menopause can accommodate the experience of change or symptoms. In this way the experience of menopausal change is not disruptive to the woman's continuity of experience, she continues to feel well and to do all the things she wants to do. Further recommendations are needed to enhance the understanding of the lived experience of women regarding their sense of body at midlife.