“SPICE-up your life” during the menopausal transition
Type of research: Qualitative
Description:
Women face many challenges in midlife which makes it a challenge to stay physically and mentally healthy. In particular, the perimenopause is a confusing and difficult period for many women, with a major impact on both their private and professional lives. In postmenopause, many women enter calmer waters and there are more opportunities for personal growth. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of hormonal changes during the menopausal transition on women’s personal lives and career paths.
After signing up for the study, you will recruit 8-12 women who are in perimenopause or in the first years of postmenopause (1-3 years after final menstrual period). You will conduct in-person interviews with them and transcribe the interviews verbatim (preferably using AI, only a careful check is done by you). You can focus on one of the following three research questions:
- What actions do women take to cope with or personally grow from the menopausal transition?
- Lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, relaxation) Hormone therapy Contact with healthcare professionals Where to look for information Social discussions about the menopausal transition
- What role does the employer and social environment play in coping with the menopausal transition?
- Effect of symptoms on work (motivation, productivity, job satisfaction, new interpretation of work) Efforts by the employer (policy, work culture, interventions, conversations with colleagues/supervisors) Efforts by partner, children and parents/family which are helpful or needed to cope with the menopausal transition
- What is the influence of the menopausal transition, menopausal symptoms and hormonal changes on the career path of women (in comparison to men)?
- How is the career path viewed and has this view changed over time What decisions are made and which of these decisions were based on changes in hormonal fluctuations (e.g. also around pregnancy, childcaring and menopause) What would be the optimal career path of women, when taking hormonal changes into account? What factors contribute to achieving the preferable career path of women?