Quality of Life Among Menopausal Women: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural biological transition often accompanied by vasomotor, psychological, physical, and sexual symptoms, which can significantly impair women’s quality of life (QoL). Despite growing global attention, there is limited synthesized evidence addressing the multiple factors influencing menopausal QoL, particularly in low-resource or culturally conservative settings. Main Aim: To explore and map existing literature on the QoL among menopausal women, identifying key determinants, symptom patterns, and implications for health promotion and care strategies. Methods: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Ten peer-reviewed studies were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to extract and analyze findings related to symptom impact, sociodemographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare access. Findings: Findings revealed that menopausal QoL is influenced by symptom burden, education, socioeconomic status, lifestyle practices (e.g., exercise, smoking), and healthcare availability. Vasomotor and psychological symptoms were most frequently reported. Limited awareness and poor access to healthcare further compounded QoL issues. Holistic, culturally appropriate interventions are essential to support menopausal women and improve outcomes across physical, emotional, and social domains. Conclusion: Menopause significantly affects women’s QoL. This review highlights the need for integrated, women-centered care approaches that address physical, psychological, and social needs. Future efforts should prioritize education, equitable healthcare access, and culturally tailored interventions to optimize well-being during menopausal transition.