Transitions in Silence: Menopause and Well-being Among Midlife Women

Menopause is a critical transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by physiological and psychological challenges that affect quality of life (QoL). Rural women in India, particularly those from socioculturally distinct communities like the Rajput women of Agra, experience unique health burdens due to limited healthcare access, socioeconomic constraints, and cultural perceptions. This study examines the distribution and severity of menopausal symptoms and their impact on psychological well-being (PWB) in this population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Khandauli block of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, using a sample of 109 Rajput women aged 35-60 years, selected through snowball sampling. Menopausal status was classified based on the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation criteria. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured interview schedule, incorporating the Menopausal Rating Scale to assess symptom severity and the PWB Scale (PWB-18) to evaluate mental health. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and Spearman correlations, were conducted using IBM SPSS v26.

Postmenopausal women exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of severe somatic (38.2%) and psychological (35.3%) symptoms compared to premenopausal women. A strong negative correlation was found between PWB and symptom burden, particularly in postmenopausal women (P < 0.05). However, urogenital symptoms showed no significant variation between groups.

Menopausal transition significantly affects QoL and PWB among Rajput women in rural Agra, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions. Improved healthcare access, culturally sensitive awareness programs, and mental health support are essential to enhancing the well-being of menopausal women in rural India.