| Sumario: | Background: There is little research into experiences of menopause voiced by women with learning disabilities, who can be neglected in academic research. There is a particular lack of knowledge around the psychological and social experiences of menopause in this population, and how changes are managed. This study sought to explore these experiences. Methods: Experiences of five women with lived experience of menopause, being seen by community National Health Services specialising in learning disabilities, were captured with semistructured interviews and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings: Five superordinate themes were identified, involving the importance of having information about menopause, challenges of periods, observable changes in menopause, the importance of social connection, and managing menopause independently. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for clinicians and carers to understand the variety of impacts menopause can have on women with learning disabilities, including emotional and social aspects, and the need to initiate conversations regarding menopause and available treatments. Accessible summary: Menopause is when a woman stops having periods. It is natural and happens when women get older.Five women with learning disabilities told us what menopause was like for them. We asked them about changes to their body, moods and relationships.Periods and symptoms linked to menopause can cause problems. It can be hard talking about menopause and receiving treatment for its symptoms.It was important for women to have information about menopause, to spend time with other people, to talk to people who have also experienced menopause, and to manage menopause independently.Carers and people working in healthcare can use this information to understand how menopause affects women with learning disabilities and better support them.
|
|---|