Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of women who consult a gynecologist for menopausal symptoms.
Methods
The study used both qualitative and descriptive research designs. Ten women with menopausal symptoms who visited Clinic A in Prefecture A participated in approximately 1-hour-long semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences from the onset of subjective symptoms until consultation. For analysis, their experiences were classified by similarities, differences, and connections using a verbatim record to identify codes that were then placed into more abstract subcategories. These were then grouped into seven categories.
Results
Experiences of women who consulted a gynecologist for menopausal symptoms can be described as follows. Women "affected by others while hesitated to engage in a gynecology consultation regarding the menopause." Thus, they feel that they are "surrounded by situations they cannot control on their own" and begin to "agonize about being at the mercy of their symptoms day after day without hope of reprieve." They eventually "overcome situations or feelings that they cannot or do not want to discuss with a gynecologist," They see a gynecologist and their "symptoms diminish, but concerns about treatment remain." They then begin to "accept menopause and change their way of thinking." In addition, throughout the duration of their agony, they "seek others that share their pain."
Conclusions
After becoming aware that they have started menopause; women, burdened with various conflicts, consult with a gynecologist. However, despite recognizing the symptoms that accompany their aging, regardless if those symptoms diminish with menopause treatment, they continue to worry about treatment and seek counsel from others in order to gain understanding of the distress created by their symptoms.
