Menopause in highland Guatemala Mayan women.
OBJECTIVE
To explore any feelings and symptoms surrounding menopause among Mayan women in three ethnolinguistic groups in highland Guatemala and compare these with previous reports from Mexico.


METHODS
This was a qualitative exploratory study of the experiences around menopause of eight middle aged women and one local key informant in each of three villages in western highland Guatemala (n=27). Individual interviews were conducted in women with irregular menses or whose menses has ceased in the last 3 years. Field notes were kept and then an analysis undertaken by the author.


RESULTS
Twenty-four Mayan women, aged 38-55, and three Mayan key informants (all women over age 50) were interviewed. Most women reported some symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, changes in libido, irritability, moodiness, abdominal cramps and menstrual clots occurring at some stage during the last 3 years. Although women reported symptoms, they mostly accepted them with equanimity; and rejoiced at the cessation of their periods.


CONCLUSIONS
Highland Guatemalan Mayan women reported symptoms that were not reported in Mayan women in Yucatan, Mexico in the years surrounding menopause. The reasons for this disparity are unclear but may reflect differences in body weight and diet. Despite these symptoms, Mayan women looked forward to menopause and their newfound freedom and status. Symptoms in women in the years around menopause must be interpreted in geographical, nutritional, biological, psychological and cultural context.
Stewart
Donna E
DE
Lillian Love Chair of Women's Health, University Health Network, 657 University Avenue, ML 2-004, Toronto, Ont. M2G 2N2, Canada.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American; D008593:Menopause / Q000208:ethnology*; D008875:Middle Aged