[Positive experiences in connection with menopause]

As a part of a larger study, "Menopause described from the woman's perspective," it was the aim to explore whether women have any positive experiences in relation to the menopause and, if so, the nature of these experiences.

In a questionnaire, sent to a random sample of 51-year-old Danish women, an open-ended question concerning the course of menopause was included. A qualitative approach was used in the analyses.

Of 393 women who answered the open-ended question 194 women described positive aspects of the menopause. The total number of replies with a positive content was 268. These varied from unspecific statements describing a period of well-being or simply of having no problems at all, and concrete descriptions which primarily dealt with the relief that menstruation had ceased with its associated problems, such as PMS and fear of pregnancy. Lastly, they dealt with the possibility of personal growth and freedom to concentrate on the women's own requirements.

The positive aspects of the menopause are a relevant field to investigate further, quantitatively as well as qualitatively. It is recommended that, in counselling, doctors include positive aspects and women's own resources to avoid the use of medication and unintentionally inducing a feeling of illness at this time of life.