Swedish women's experiences of menopausal transition: A focus group study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine women's experience of menopausal transition and their expectations and wishes for support from healthcare. Further, to examine their knowledge about menopause and thoughts about current attitudes in healthcare and in society generally.

Methods: Data was collected through three focus group interviews with 14 women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The qualitative analysis was transacted through systematic text condensation, where categories were derived from data.

Results: The women in this study told us about being inadequately prepared for menopause through having insufficient knowledge of the menopausal transition. They experienced lack of clarity about where in the health care system they could get help and that knowledge of menopause varied among healthcare staff. The attitudes to menopause experienced by women in this study were both positive and negative, but they often equated menopause with getting old. To be better prepared for the climacteric transition, the women wanted information from health care professionals and they wanted menopausal care to be easily accessible and local. If needed, it should be possible to access clinics providing specialist care.

Conclusion: This work indicates that women want more and improved information about menopause in order to be better prepared. Advice and treatment for menopausal healthcare care should be easily accessible for women. Improved education and care guidelines for menopausal problems can be helpful for healthcare staff.