Perceptions and attitudes towards menopause and perceived satisfaction with life

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Menopause is a natural life transition for women, involving biological, psychological, and social changes.
• Understanding women's perceptions and attitudes during menopause is crucial for their well-being.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopausal stage may influence these experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between women's perceptions of menopause, their attitudes, and life satisfaction.
• To examine the impact of HRT and menopausal stage on these perceptions and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 267 women aged 40-65 years.
• Data collected via an online form distributed through social media.
• Utilized the Menopause Rating Scale, Menopause Attitude Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale.

Main Results:

• Negative correlation found between menopausal symptom severity and life satisfaction (r = -0.488, p < 0.001).
• Menopausal symptom assessment correlated negatively with generalized attitude toward menopause (r = -0.657, p < 0.001).
• Positive correlation observed between attitudes toward menopause and life satisfaction (r = 0.596, p < 0.001).
• Generalized attitudes toward menopause partially mediated the link between symptom assessment and life satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Menopausal stage and HRT use influence symptom evaluation and attitudes towards menopause.
• Strong links exist between symptom evaluation, life satisfaction, and general attitudes toward menopause.
• Positive attitudes toward menopause significantly impact the relationship between symptom experience and life satisfaction.