Experiences of menopause during incarceration.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Criminal Justice Health
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Increasing numbers of older women are incarcerated in US jail and prison facilities.
• Menopause experiences and access to related care for incarcerated women are largely uncharacterized.
• This study addresses a critical gap in understanding women's health within carceral settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the menopause experiences of women incarcerated in jail and prison facilities.
• To identify challenges and unmet needs related to menopause symptom management during incarceration.
• To inform policy and practice changes for improved care.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study utilizing four semi-structured in-depth interviews.
• Participants were women in the community who experienced menopause symptoms while incarcerated.
• Interviews focused on lived experiences within jail and prison settings.

Main Results:

• Critical gaps exist in access to menopause-related resources and medical care.
• Lifestyle and medical interventions for menopause were inaccessible to participants.
• Untreated symptoms led to significant distress, with participants feeling dismissed by medical staff.
• Menopause symptom management exacerbated institutional barriers and criminalization.

Conclusions:

• Incarcerated individuals undergoing menopause have significant unmet needs.
• Access to relieving lifestyle changes or medical interventions is poor.
• Policy and practice changes are urgently needed to address menopause-related needs in carceral systems.