The Effect of Value Clarification Based on Meleis's Transition Theory on Menopausal Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Quality of Life in Perimenopausal Women

Menopause is a unique life event in a woman's life, influenced not only by physiological or hormonal factors, but also by cultural, psychological, and social factors. These changes that occur in a woman's life during menopause affect her quality of life, life satisfaction, and happiness.

Menopause is associated with vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, musculoskeletal problems, sleep disturbances, urogenital changes, dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction, and mood swings. The number, severity, and impact of these symptoms on a woman's life depend on how she copes with this special period. A woman's perspective on the process is influenced by many factors. Being prepared for this period, not viewing it as the end of womanhood, and being aware of her own worth will reduce the degree to which she is negatively affected by menopause. Studies show that women who develop a positive attitude towards menopause experience milder symptoms. It can be said that there are limitations in the current system of care for the menopausal process in terms of changing the lack of information and negative perspectives on menopause.

In this context, this study aimed to examine the effects of Value Clarification, based on Meleis Transition Theory, on perimenopausal women's menopausal symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress levels, and menopause-specific quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• Women who agree to participate in the study,
• Have at least a primary school education,
• Understand, read, and write Turkish,
• Have no communication barriers,
• Are between 45-55 years of age,
• Have started experiencing menstrual cycle irregularities or have not menstruated,
• Have experienced at least one menopausal symptom in the last 6 months (hot flashes, irritability, sleep problems, urogenital complaints, etc.),
• Are in the perimenopausal period according to the Straw Classification of Reproductive Aging in Women criteria,
• Women who have entered menopause naturally will be included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Women who:
• Use any complementary or alternative treatment methods (such as Reiki, phytoestrogens, acupressure),
• Use hypnotic or sedative medications,
• Have a diagnosed psychiatric illness,
• Have a gynecological problem causing menstrual irregularities,
• Have entered menopause as a result of any surgical operation such as a hysterectomy,
• Are receiving hormone replacement therapy will be excluded from the study.