Women’s Emotional Experiences and Self-Management of the Menopause Transition in Suburban Shanghai: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

This study explores how socioeconomic and cultural contexts shape self-management of menopause transition among middle- and lower-income women in suburban Shanghai, with particular attention to emotional experiences, symptom management, and social relationships. Using qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 30 women during their menopause transition and 4 gynecologists at a secondary-level hospital in Shanghai serving predominantly suburban populations, this study finds that the self-management of the menopause transition is a multidimensional process involving the negotiation of identity and aging, management of symptoms, and regulation of social relationships. Participants commonly interpreted menopause transition as a natural life transition while simultaneously experiencing anxiety related to aging, loss of femininity, and changing social roles. Women actively engaged in symptom management through behavioral adjustment, medical consultation, traditional Chinese medicine, and lifestyle modification, though treatment decisions were shaped by concerns about safety, accessibility, and cultural expectations. Emotional distress often intensified when menopause transition coincided with broader life transitions, including employment pressures and family responsibilities. Socioeconomic conditions influenced women’s access to health information and healthcare resources, while family dynamics and gender norms shaped how women prioritized their health needs. Physician interviews further highlighted institutional constraints and variations in menopause care within the local healthcare system.