BIO-PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF MENOPAUSE AMONG PAKISTANI WOMEN

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the biological, psychological and social aspects of menopause among Pakistani women. The semi-structured interview technique was used for an in-depth analysis of Women's perceptions or experiences about menopause from indigenous culture. Qualitative in-depth analysis was adopted with the sample of working women, domestic female workers, housewives and women from rural areas of Pakistan experiencing the menopause phase twice from each category. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data which produced eight major themes including biological impacts, social impact, psychological impacts, sleep patterns, working performance, coping strategies, perceptions and beliefs, old age & relationship with spouse. Results showed that Pakistani women who experience menopause undergo significant social pressures particularly when their married life gets disturbed. They usually get psychological disturbances about their biological and social conditions, and most of these women have strong coping strategies towards physical, social and mental changes. The study highlights the importance of the effect of women's issues that are ruled by nature should be explored and talked about. Physical development phases are highly significant in one's life and they should never be neglected under the umbrella of cultural and societal norms or values.