Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38(04/05): 247-255
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721463
Review Article

Women's Experiences of Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Menopause and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Qualitative Study

1   Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
,
1   Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
,
1   Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
› Institutsangaben
Funding Information This study was funded by a NHMRC Partnership Grant (number: APP 1116008) and a National Breast Cancer Foundation grant (number: PE-16-002).

Abstract

Early menopause (EM) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affect an estimated 10% of women and can precipitate a wide range of physiological and personal impacts. Receiving a diagnosis of EM/POI and navigating treatment can be complex experiences for women; however, qualitative research exploring these aspects of the condition is limited. Our study aimed to increase understanding of women's lived experiences of EM/POI encompassing its medical, social, and emotional dimensions. We conducted narrative interviews with 30 women aged 28 to 51 years with spontaneous and iatrogenic EM/POI and menopausal symptoms resulting from ovarian suppression therapy, and analyzed transcripts thematically. This article examines the prominent and under-researched themes of women's experiences of navigating “diagnosis” and treatment. Diagnosis emerged as a complex and changeable process wherein women had to negotiate a diagnosis of spontaneous EM/POI and grasp the meaning and probability of iatrogenic EM/POI. Navigating treatment entailed further complexity as women grappled with the risks and efficacy of hormonal and non-hormonal medications. The findings underline the intricacies of EM/POI as a biomedical phenomenon and highlight the need for health practitioners to recognize and respond to the challenges women face in coming to terms with the condition and managing its embodied effects.



Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
20. Januar 2021

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