Menopausal transition, uncertainty, and women’s identity construction: Understanding the influence of menopause talk with peers and healthcare providers

The study explored the diverse identities women construct in their menopausal transition (MT) narratives to understand their support needs during this life phase. Three distinct identities – the emancipated, overlooked, and renewed women – emerged through a thematic and narrative analysis of twenty-one women’s stories. Additionally, a fourth identity type, the invisible woman, appeared in the narratives of both the emancipated and overlooked women, resulting in fractured identities. The identities of the invisible/emancipated woman illustrate how those who have positive experiences during MT feel marginalized by dominant societal attitudes toward menopause and aging; thus, these narratives carry significant theoretical implications for narrative identity research. These stories demonstrate that narrators can simultaneously embody two contradictory identities, reflecting their experiences’ complex nature. The identities of the invisible/overlooked woman highlight the detrimental effects of MT-related uncertainty, the knowledge gap among healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding menopause care, and the lack of peer support. However, the narrative of the renewed woman showcases the positive influence of peer relationships on women’s personal growth during challenging and ambiguous life transitions. The study also recommends strategies that HCPs and menopause peers should employ to enhance their roles as supportive networks for those navigating MT-related uncertainties.