Ser mulher no climatério: desvelando os sentidos e significados da meia-idade feminina à luz da fenomenologia Heideggeriana.

Abstract

The climacteric is defined as a phase in a woman's life that comprises the transition from the reproductive to the non-reproductive period. Although it is not considered a pathological process, many women report some type of symptomatology with different intensities, which can affect their health, self-image and quality of life. It is in this historical-cultural context that the need to understand women's experiences during the menopause becomes evident, since this critical phase, also called female middle age, is an important and complex stage. Objective: To reveal being a woman during the climacteric period, highlighting the meanings and meanings of female middle age. Methodology: To carry out this study, given the nature of the object of investigation that focuses on the phenomenon experienced by women during menopause, a qualitative approach was used, using Heideggerian phenomenology as a theoretical framework. The Diomedes Lucas de Carvalho Basic Health Unit in the city of Cuité – PB was chosen as the study site. The study consisted of 16 participants and collection was carried out in November 2023. Data analysis was based on Bardin's thematic categories. Results: Through the results obtained, it was possible to describe the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of the research participants, in addition to forming three categorical axes for Heideggerina analysis: Experiencing the facticity of the climacteric; Feelings regarding the decline experienced by climacteric changes; and Women's knowledge about the climacteric: a phase that transcends biological aspects. Final considerations: From the results, it is observed that women experience a compromised health and quality of life during the climacteric, due to the physical and psychosocial changes that are brought about by this phase. Furthermore, it can also be seen that the majority of women were not satisfied with their body changes, resulting in a decrease in self-esteem, and they also had no prior knowledge on the subject.