EXPERIENCES OF MENOPAUSE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF MENOPAUSAL WOMEN LIVING IN ENUGU STATE

Abstract

Menopause is a natural biological phase that signifies the end of menstruation and represents a major transition in a woman's life. Each woman's experience with menopause is distinct, influenced by her biological makeup, personal experiences, cultural influences, and social context. Thus, delving into the experiences of women undergoing menopause is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this intricate life phase. The primary objective of this research was to examine the experiences of women aged 50 to 65 in Enugu State during menopause. A descriptive phenomenology approach was utilized to gather insights from 12 menopausal women. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and an open-ended, in-depth interview guide was employed to collect their responses. Data was recorded using an audio recorder and analyzed through the psychological phenomenological method established by Smith & Osborn. Three major themes and ten subthemes were derived from the content thematic analysis: The major themes and subthemes are as follows: Making sense of menopause (cessation of menses, ageing and end in reproductive ability); feelings on menopause (relief, distress, interferences); experiencing symptoms (Initial symptoms observed, physical changes, emotional and cognitive manifestations and feelings on symptoms). Women shared their menopause experiences with great openness. The study's findings indicate the necessity for educational and health promotion initiatives to better inform women about menopausal signs, symptoms, and coping strategies to facilitate a smoother transition through this stage of life