[Positive experiences in connection with menopause].
BACKGROUND
As a part of a larger study, "Menopause described from the woman's perspective," it was the aim to explore whether women have any positive experiences in relation to the menopause and, if so, the nature of these experiences.


METHODS
In a questionnaire, sent to a random sample of 51-year-old Danish women, an open-ended question concerning the course of menopause was included. A qualitative approach was used in the analyses.


RESULTS
Of 393 women who answered the open-ended question 194 women described positive aspects of the menopause. The total number of replies with a positive content was 268. These varied from unspecific statements describing a period of well-being or simply of having no problems at all, and concrete descriptions which primarily dealt with the relief that menstruation had ceased with its associated problems, such as PMS and fear of pregnancy. Lastly, they dealt with the possibility of personal growth and freedom to concentrate on the women's own requirements.


CONCLUSIONS
The positive aspects of the menopause are a relevant field to investigate further, quantitatively as well as qualitatively. It is recommended that, in counselling, doctors include positive aspects and women's own resources to avoid the use of medication and unintentionally inducing a feeling of illness at this time of life.
Hvas
Anne Charlotte
AC
Afdeling for Almen Medicin, Panum Instituttet, Københavns Universitet, DK-2200 København N. lotte.hvas@dadlnet.dk
D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D019529:Sexuality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health
Positive erfaringer i forbindelse med overgangsalderen.