Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
Published on: April 7, 2014
What do women think about menopause? A qualitative study of women's expectations, apprehensions and knowledge about
1Department of Nursing Science, School of Health Sciences, Box 1026, University of Jönköping, SE 551 11 Jönköping, Sweden. carina.bertero@hhj.hj.se
Aim:
To identify and describe expectations, apprehensions and knowledge about the menopausal period and climacteric symptoms.
Method:
Data were collected by semi-structured interviews/discussions with a convenience sample of 39 women, all 47 years of age. Data interpretation and analysis were based on content analysis, but influenced by a qualitative approach.
Findings:
These included women's expectations and feelings of freedom. Apprehensions were described as different climacteric symptoms, which were well known to the women through their own or other's experiences. The women were, to some extent, aware of the physical and psychological changes that follow the menopause. However, the women lacked knowledge about these changes or self-care activities that could prevent problems or mitigate symptoms.
Key Conclusions And Implications For Practice:
Discussions on health with premenopausal women can increase their knowledge about a natural phase of life, the climacteric period. The study showed that nurses/midwives who have regular contact with some women during their life have an important role to play in providing information, as well as in the treatment of climacteric symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Menopause
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Oogenesis
Oogenesis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
