Determining experiences of menopausal women according to transition theory

This research was conducted with phenomenological qualitative research method and aimed to investigate menopausel transition experiences of women as well as underlying ideas, emotions and attitudes through in-depth interviews. This research was carried out with 13 postmenopausel women who applied at Izmir Tepecik Educational and Research Hospital between April 2014- July 2014. The participants were chosen with purposive sampling. Person Description Form, Semi-Structured Interview Form which determines were used as data collection tool in the research. The participant women were interviewed with in-depth interview method (30 minutes on average) and face to face interviews were recorded on tape. These tape records, in turn, were described and categorized under certain themes after being coded. The data were analyzed with content analysis.The study results suggested certain five themes for the 'Properties of Transitions' group recognition, Share/research information, physical change and difference, psychological change and difference, social change and difference. The theme for Transitions conditions; facilitators,' inhibitors group was factors affecting, The theme for 'Patterns of Response' group was related process and related outcome. The last theme for Nursing therapeutics group was nursing support. In light of the results, it was maintained that women consulted for a doctor to learn about menopause, shared this experince wiyh family and environment, use internet/book. It was found that they suffer mainly vazomotor symptoms including physical, psychological and social changes and differences. The meaning of menopause for women were comfort, challenge and transition to aging. Women could not the focus menopause because of working, caring for family members, family and economic problems. In this period women felt sadness, self-confidence, developed coping methods and last they feel acceptance and maturity.