[Knowledge, perceptions and assistance to woman's health in the climacteric]

The experience of the climacteric period is the object of the present descriptive-qualitative study with women from the cities of Canoas and Porto Alegre, RS. The collection of data was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 15 women aged from 41 to 59 years old. The interpretation and analysis were based on the analysis of content. The women interviewed were confused regarding what climacteric is, relating it to the symptoms associated to aging. They acknowledged that this phase of their lives presents positive aspects and experience it without worries. The perceptions of the women interviewed are fragmented and medical care professionals believe it is an illness subject to treatment. Therefore, these professionals, who are constantly interacting with women in the climacteric period, could help demystify and resignify this process in their lives.