Normality, Freedom, and Distress: Listening to the Menopausal Experiences of Indian Women of Haryana

Abstract

This chapter explores variations in the experience of menopause among 28 postmenopausal women belonging to lower socioeconomic strata from the Indian state of Haryana. Singh and Sivakami base their research on in-depth qualitative interviews with the women to gauge their perceptions and experiences of menopause. They analyze the interviews thematically and identify three dominant narratives: menopause as a normal biological process, an insignificant event that goes unnoticed in the chaos of life; menopause as distress in silence, the distress arising from the intersection of poverty, gender, and patriarchy; and menopause as freedom-freedom from societal restrictions and monthly distress. These narratives are distinct but often co-occur; for example, some women experience freedom after going through distress. Additionally, the authors report that participants express the need for emotional and social support during menopause and the desire to be understood rather than to be treated.