2026 年 21 巻 2 号 p. 136-146
Objective: As more women continue their careers, health support throughout their life has become crucial. Menopausal symptoms, influenced by hormonal shifts and complex social roles, often lead to reduced work performance and even job attrition among working women. This study aimed to identify the physical, psychological, and social health challenges faced by working women during menopause and the underlying factors for the same. Our goal was to provide foundational insights to enable development of effective support strategies.
Patients and Methods: We recruited 20 working women aged 37–67 years, primarily care workers, a profession with a high proportion of female employees. The participants were selected using snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 3 to 6 participants per group. Each session lasted approximately 60 minutes and took place through direct meetings using social networking service chat functions. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Physical health challenges included fatigue, decreased concentration, and emotional fluctuations; these non-specific symptoms were often difficult for individuals to recognize. From a psychological perspective, anxiety about ageing and reduced self-esteem have been identified as hindering women’s self-acceptance of menopause. Socially, the taboos surrounding menopause and feelings of workplace isolation are evident, acting as barriers to appropriate workplace support. The findings indicated that an unsupportive workplace environment and lack of social support further exacerbated these menopausal health problems.
Conclusion: Supporting working women during menopause requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, psychological, and social aspects. Key priorities include disseminating accurate information, promoting women’s self-acceptance, and establishing supportive systems within the workplace.
