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Reflecting through menopause: introducing the MIRROR cycle to support reflection during the menopause transition
Camille Cronin1,2, Sara Donevant3, Kerri-Ann Hughes4
1Independent Consultant/Professor of Nursing, Adjunct Professor, RMIT, Australia.
Journal of Research in Nursing : JRN
|June 9, 2026
Summary
The menopause transition impacts women
Area of Science:
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Women's Health
Background:
- Menopause transition is a complex life event impacting women's well-being and work.
- Many women experience disruption, isolation, and identity threats during menopause.
- Workplace participation and role changes often coincide with menopause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate reflection into nursing practice to support women experiencing menopause.
- To address healthcare gaps and service provision for menopausal women in the workforce.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed literature on menopause workplace impacts, healthcare gaps, and service provision.
- Synthesized and adapted reflective practice models for menopause support.
- Developed the menopause-specific reflective framework, the MIRROR Cycle.
Main Results:
- The MIRROR Cycle offers practical reflective strategies like journaling and mindfulness.
- Identified socio-cultural barriers: stigma, silence, fear, limited training, ageism, and sexism.
- These barriers compound menopausal distress.
Conclusions:
- Embedding the MIRROR Cycle can improve coping and identity integration.
- Enhances organizational responsiveness to menopausal needs.
- Supports inclusive and menopause-informed nursing practice.
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01:19The Menstrual Cycle
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01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
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01:18Menses Phase
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