"Beyond Hot Flushes: Nursing Perspectives on Menopause and Healthy Aging in Women"

Abstract: Menopause represents a major physiological and psychosocial transition in a woman’s life, marking the permanent cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive capability. With increasing life expectancy, women now spend nearly one-third of their lives in the postmenopausal phase, making menopause and aging a significant public health and nursing concern. The menopausal transition is often accompanied by a wide spectrum of symptoms, including vasomotor disturbances, urogenital changes, musculoskeletal discomfort, sleep disturbances, metabolic alterations, sexual dysfunction, and psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes. These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, functional ability, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being. Nurses play a pivotal role in the identification, assessment, education, and management of menopausal symptoms through holistic, evidence-based, and woman-centered interventions. This review article explores the physiological basis of menopause and aging, common menopausal symptoms, and the multidimensional challenges faced by aging women. It emphasizes nursing interventions for symptom management, including lifestyle modification, health education, counseling, pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, mental health support, and preventive care. The article highlights the importance of culturally sensitive nursing practices, health promotion, and empowerment strategies to support women in navigating menopause with dignity, confidence, and improved quality of life.