Menopausal Health Perceptions and Practices Among Meitei Women in Urban Imphal

Abstract

Menopause is commonly regarded as a biomedical transition. However, the experience itself is affected by social and cultural conditions as well. This paper studies menopausal health perceptions and practices among Meitei women aged 45 years and above in urban Imphal, Manipur. Guided by William C. Cockerham’s Health Lifestyle Theory, it interprets menopausal awareness, symptom recognition and health-seeking behaviours through the interaction of life chances, life choices and habitus. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted online with 200 digitally literate women using closed-ended items and open-ended questions, which were analysed thematically. The study finds that, although awareness of menopause was generally high, many respondents did not seek medical advice or use supplements, but that menopause-related agency was exercised within household and cultural relationships rather than independently of them. Menopause was widely regarded as a natural life transition, a view that appeared to support acceptance, but could still add to the normalisation of symptoms and limited care-seeking. Family influences, cultural expectations and access to health resources additionally shaped women’s responses. The study applies Health Lifestyle Theory to an under-researched Northeastern Indian context, showing how gender and family relations influence health-related choices and opportunities while drawing attention to the need for culturally and gender-sensitive menopause communication and aid, such as, preference for clearer information like in Meteilon (local language among Meitei), greater understanding from family members, opportunities for open discussion, and more sensitive support from healthcare institutions and workplaces.