Adaptative responses of women during climateric and menopause

Abstract

Introduction: the climacteric, or menopause, is a female event. It is a physiological phenomenon that occurs in a vulnerable period due to the conclusion of the reproductive process.

Objective: to determine how women in this stage of life adapt in their family and work environments.

Methodology: the study design was descriptive and transversal. A nonprobability

sample of 130 women between the ages of 45 and 60 were interviewed with an instrument of 25 questions. Group 1 consisted of 60 women who work outside of the home. Group 2 consisted of 70 women who work in the home.

Results: younger women were more likely to come for consultation.

Group1 had a higher educational level. Both groups experienced headaches, hot flashes, fatigue, decreased sexual desire, crying episodes, irritability, and depression. Adaptation was through the use of analgesics, taking

a bath, and going for walks. Based in Roy’s Adaptation Model, we saw that the women in Group 1 (working women) adapted more easily to the hormonal changes of the climacteric than did the women of Group (homemakers), who experienced low self esteem, felt misunderstood, rejected, and that their work was unappreciated.