Abstract

SOUZA, Carmen Lúcia. Menopause transition: feminine midlife crisis and its physical and emotional challenges. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2005, vol.1, n.2, pp.87-94. ISSN 1808-5687.

Until the nineties, feminine climacteric was rarely mentioned in the literature, both scientific and non-scientific. At that time, a research made in São Paulo confirmed that invisibility: the majority of the interviewed women said menopause should be discreet and silent. These women's feelings about menopause were basically negative on account of body modifications that usually take place at that time. From the end of the nineties on, there was an increase in publications about menopause. Emotional aspects of this phase, on the other hand, remained under-discussed. Explaining this aspect as a developmental crisis (crisis marked by changes in psychological tasks and in social roles) may be a good alternative. Information is also fundamental in this process once women regret ignoring organic and emotional characteristics that may impact strongly on their self-esteem. Menopause informative groups are an excellent alternative to give this kind of information. In these groups, the role of a cognitive-behavioral psychologist is essential.

Keywords : Menopause; Women's health; Transition crisis.