PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF MENOPAUSE AMONG WOMEN IN IDEMILI NORTH-LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Menopause is an age-related phase of physiological transition of females. It is the cessationof the menstrual cycle, which starts between ages 40-55 years due to decreased levels of feminine estrogenreproductive hormone. This physiological transition may be mild or severe with psychological implicationsthat may hamper quality of life. The study aims at finding out the psychological implications of menopauseamong women in Idemili-North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. The participants (120women) were selected through simple random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire wasused to obtain data from the participants. The findings showed that women experience variouspsychological challenges and need to be educated prior to this menopausal period. Interventional strategiesthat target at reducing psychological distress and promoting the ability to cope with midlife transitionamong menopausal women need to be greatly encouraged.