How menopause symptoms shape experiences of the criminal legal system: A qualitative study across the United States

The number of midlife individuals involved in the criminal legal system has increased significantly in recent decades. Despite this growth, little is known about the ways in which experiences of midlife, including the menopause transition, shape experiences within the criminal legal system. This study explores the intersection between people's experiences of menopause and experiences of the criminal legal system.

We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals who experienced the menopause transition while involved with the criminal legal system. In-depth notes or transcripts from each interview were analyzed using the RADaR technique for data reduction. We identified emergent themes and developed an overarching thematic framework.

We conducted interviews with 29 individuals (mean age 56.9 years). Participants reported a wide range of menopause related physical, emotional, and social changes. Menopause related changes considerably shaped participants' experiences within the criminal legal system. Three distinct themes emerged to characterize how menopause impacted experiences in the criminal legal system: 1) shame and stigma; 2) loss of control; and 3) criminalization and collateral consequences.

There is a growing and largely understudied population of individuals going through the menopause transition while involved in the criminal legal system. Our data suggests that the experience of going through the menopause transition compounds dehumanization and deprivation of autonomy in carceral settings.