Menopause--Psychological aspects

Phenomenologic inquiry was used to answer the research question, "What is the lived experience of sexuality for the postmenopausal woman?" Three dimensions of the experience of sexuality were uncovered in the interviewing process. The first dimension was adjusting to postmenopausal puberty. This referred to the physical and emotional adjustment each participant went through while coming to accept and adjust to hormone related changes in their bodies. The second dimension was self perception as related to being and becoming through menopause. This referred to the personal growth that took place in each participant as she navigated through the menopause experience. The final dimension uncovered was changing patterns of sexual intimacy. The frequency of sexual encounters decreased for participants following menopause however, participants found new ways of coping and meeting their needs for sexual intimacy.