Cultural Differences in Women’s Experience of Menopause: A Qualitative Review

Menopause is experienced differently across cultures. Yet existing literature for cultural comparisons across multiple countries mostly adopts a quantitative approach leaving a gap in qualitative understanding of menopause. This systematic review synthesizes qualitative studies to advance understanding of how women from different cultures perceive and experience menopause. Searches were conducted across CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for qualitative, peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2000 and June 2025, that compared cultural differences of menopause. Quality assessment was conducted using CASP. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Thirteen articles from eight countries, with 17 cultural groups, were included. Three major themes were identified namely Narratives on Menopause centering on perception of menopause, attitudes towards symptoms, and public and private discussion of menopause; The Support Spectrum which focuses on the influence of family, social norms, religious beliefs, and language on menopausal experiences; and Navigating Healthcare: Preferences and Approaches which considers how culture can shape preferences for health systems and treatments. Culturally sensitive healthcare practices and development of assessment tools that reflect diverse cultural contexts are needed to advance appropriate wholistic support during the menopause life transition.