Menopause experiences among British South Asian women: An exploratory qualitative study
Shahara Aziz Ellahi, Vikram Talaulikar, Jessica Wibisono, Aimee SpectorBackground
While menopause is a universal biological transition, individual experiences and engagement with healthcare vary considerably and are significantly shaped by intersecting cultural, social, and relational contexts.
Objective
To explore how British South Asian women experience and understand menopause, and how cultural and healthcare contexts influence symptom recognition, coping, and engagement with care.
Design
Qualitative interview study using semi-structured interviews conducted online.
Methods
A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse data collected from interviews. The analysis captured women’s accounts of menopausal symptoms, understanding of menopause, coping strategies, healthcare experiences, and perceived support needs.
Results
Fifteen British South Asian women aged 43–61 years across peri- and postmenopausal stages participated. Two overarching domains were identified: (1) experiences and understanding of menopause, and (2) coping, support, and access to information. Limited menopause literacy, cultural silence, and stigma contributed to delayed recognition of symptoms and uncertainty about whether changes were menopausal. Women described a multidimensional symptom burden affecting physical, emotional, and social functioning. Healthcare encounters strongly influenced engagement with care, with dismissive consultations discouraging help-seeking and validating interactions enhancing understanding, sense of control, and openness to treatment options, including hormone therapy. In the context of limited formal support, women relied on self-management strategies, faith, and informal peer networks. Limited understanding among male partners was commonly reported, although generational shifts toward greater openness were evident.
Conclusions
British South Asian women’s menopause experiences are shaped by intersecting cultural, relational, and healthcare factors. Improving culturally sensitive communication, menopause literacy, and inclusive, community-based support may help reduce inequities in menopause care and enhance engagement with services.