Body image during the menopausal transition: a systematic scoping review

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• The menopausal transition is a significant life stage for women, often accompanied by physical and emotional changes.
• Body image concerns can be exacerbated during this period due to hormonal shifts and societal pressures.
• Existing research often simplifies the menopausal transition, overlooking its complexity and individual variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing research on women's body image during the menopausal transition.
• To identify gaps in the current literature and highlight areas for future investigation.
• To understand the multifaceted relationship between body image and menopausal experiences.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic search strategy across multiple databases.
• Applied specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies.
• Included 15 studies published in 17 papers for the review.

Main Results:

• The relationship between body image and the menopausal transition is equivocal and complex.
• Women experience confusion due to conflicting medical advice and societal expectations regarding body image.
• The menopausal transition is highly individual and cannot be viewed as solely positive or negative.

Conclusions:

• Further research is crucial to understand the nuances of body image during menopause.
• Developing adaptive coping strategies and self-management support is essential for women navigating this transition.
• Future studies should adopt an exploratory approach to capture the individual experiences of women.