Other Titles
The Interplay of Menopause and Motherhood: Shaping Women's Lived Experiences at Midlife [Title Slide]
Abstract
Motherhood is a multifaceted role influenced by various transitions during midlife, including changing relationship dynamics with children and significant others and the onset of menopause. Mothers often shift from hands-on caregiving to an advisory role with their adult children during this time. This shift coincides with hormonal changes associated with menopause, exacerbating physical and psychological symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The hormonal changes associated with menopause profoundly impact women's emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships, potentially increasing susceptibility to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the increased demand for balance between family responsibilities and professional aspirations adds complexity to this life stage. Gaining a better understanding of the relationships among these factors is crucial to promoting the well-being of mothers during midlife. This descriptive qualitative study examines the influence of menopause on the experiences of mothers during the midlife transition. This study employed semi-structured interviews with 15 mothers aged 40-55 to explore perceptions of menopause and its impact on mothering. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) the influence of menopause on relationships with children, highlighting reduced patience and emotional connection due to fatigue and mood swings; (2) the unseen burden of motherhood, as mothers balance physical and emotional demands with managing household responsibilities; (3) shifting parental dynamics, reflecting bittersweet transitions as children gain independence; and (4) the intersection of menopause and professional roles, where symptoms like brain fog and fatigue challenge productivity but work offers a sense of identity and fulfillment. Results from this study underscore the interplay of physiological, emotional, and relational changes experienced by mothers during the midlife transition. Nurses can improve outcomes for midlife mothers by providing holistic education on menopause management, offering emotional support, advocating for equitable family and workplace practices, and ensuring access to comprehensive care. These interventions, coupled with the promotion of research and advocating for policy changes, can empower mothers as they navigate the challenges associated with the midlife transition, fostering resilience and well-being during this transformative life stage.
Notes
References:
Alzueta, E., Menghini, L., Volpe, L., Baker, F. C., Garnie, A., Sarrel, P. M., & de Zambotti, M. (2024). Navigating menopause at work: a preliminary study about challenges and support systems. Menopause (10723714), 31(4), 258–265. https://doi-org.proxy-tu.researchport.umd.edu/10.1097/GME.0000000000002333
Avis, N. E., Crawford, S. L., & Greendale, G. (2021). The menopause transition: A window of vulnerability for mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(6), 482-491.
Blachnio, A., & Kurys-Szyncel, M. (2022). The role of family and social dynamics during midlife transitions. Journal of Midlife Development, 45(3), 257-270.
Daminger, A. (2020). The cognitive dimension of household labor. American Sociological Review, 85(1), 50-70.
Nakanishi, M., Endo, K., Yamasaki, S., Stanyon, D., Sullivan, S., Yamaguchi, S., Ando, S., Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, M., Kasai, K., Nishida, A., & Miyashita, M. (2023). Association between menopause and suicidal ideation in mothers of adolescents: A longitudinal study using data from a population-based cohort. Journal of Affective Disorders, 340, 529–534. https://doi-org.proxy-tu.researchport.umd.edu/10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.055
Schulz, M. S., Cowan, P. A., & Cowan, C. P. (2022). The launching phase of parenting: Developmental challenges and opportunities. Journal of Family Psychology, 36(1), 56- 67.
Sigma Membership
Iota Epsilon
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Descriptive/Correlational
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Primary Care, Clinical Practice, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Motherhood, Menopause, Midlife
Recommended Citation
Ness, Michelle M., "Menopause and Motherhood: Shaping Women’s Lived Experiences" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 126.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/126
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-11-27
Menopause and Motherhood: Shaping Women’s Lived Experiences
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Motherhood is a multifaceted role influenced by various transitions during midlife, including changing relationship dynamics with children and significant others and the onset of menopause. Mothers often shift from hands-on caregiving to an advisory role with their adult children during this time. This shift coincides with hormonal changes associated with menopause, exacerbating physical and psychological symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The hormonal changes associated with menopause profoundly impact women's emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships, potentially increasing susceptibility to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the increased demand for balance between family responsibilities and professional aspirations adds complexity to this life stage. Gaining a better understanding of the relationships among these factors is crucial to promoting the well-being of mothers during midlife. This descriptive qualitative study examines the influence of menopause on the experiences of mothers during the midlife transition. This study employed semi-structured interviews with 15 mothers aged 40-55 to explore perceptions of menopause and its impact on mothering. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) the influence of menopause on relationships with children, highlighting reduced patience and emotional connection due to fatigue and mood swings; (2) the unseen burden of motherhood, as mothers balance physical and emotional demands with managing household responsibilities; (3) shifting parental dynamics, reflecting bittersweet transitions as children gain independence; and (4) the intersection of menopause and professional roles, where symptoms like brain fog and fatigue challenge productivity but work offers a sense of identity and fulfillment. Results from this study underscore the interplay of physiological, emotional, and relational changes experienced by mothers during the midlife transition. Nurses can improve outcomes for midlife mothers by providing holistic education on menopause management, offering emotional support, advocating for equitable family and workplace practices, and ensuring access to comprehensive care. These interventions, coupled with the promotion of research and advocating for policy changes, can empower mothers as they navigate the challenges associated with the midlife transition, fostering resilience and well-being during this transformative life stage.
Description
This study explores the intersection of menopause, motherhood, and work among midlife mothers. Key themes include the impact of menopause on maternal roles, the invisible labor of motherhood, shifting parental dynamics, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance. Findings highlight midlife as a transformative stage, emphasizing the need for support systems to address the physical, emotional, and relational challenges mothers face.