A grounded theory study exploring immigrant Muslim women’s perceptions and experiences of menopause, hormone replacement therapy and menopause-related healthcare in the UK

Aim

Menopause, a significant life transition affecting all women, is underexplored among minoritised groups. No United Kingdom (UK) based studies have specifically investigated Muslim women’s menopause experiences. This study examines immigrant Muslim women’s experiences of and perspectives on menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and menopause-related healthcare (MRH).

Methods

Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted online, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants recruited through the Brighton and Hove Muslim Women’s group. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed through grounded theory coding (open, focused, selective, theoretical).

Results

Twelve interviews revealed a core theme, ‘Regaining Agency’, shaped by three interconnected categories: ‘Losing Control of My Body’, ‘Dealing with Menopause Alone’, and ‘Navigating a Web of Silence’. Women reported physical and emotional challenges, including sleep disruption, cognitive changes, and anxiety, with cultural stigma and limited knowledge compounding negative perceptions and experiences. Health-seeking behaviours varied; while some women viewed menopause as natural, others saw it as a medical issue. Misconceptions about HRT led to hesitancy; however, users reported significant symptom relief. Many encountered barriers to MRH, often facing dismissive and uninformed healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Enhanced education and support for menopausal women, along with mandatory training for general practitioners, are essential to improve the experience of menopausal transition for immigrant Muslim women.