Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Hannah White

Final Abstract for URS Program

Half of the world’s population experiences changes in life relating to gynecological health which may involve stigmatized conditions. Stigma is defined as unfavorable societal beliefs about a topic which impacts healthcare significantly. Menopause is a stage 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual cycle and the menopausal transition (MT) is the years leading up to this stage. Symptoms of MT may include night sweats and hot flashes accompanied by psychological changes. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health condition that one in seven women experience after having a baby. PPD may occur during the first six months after delivery when women are at high risk for depression. The stigma and shame surrounding these conditions result in inadequate accessibility to comprehensive care, low awareness of symptoms, a reluctance to seek help, and the potential for health conditions to worsen. Even though menopause occurs in all menstruating females, 82.7% of respondents in a study reported feeling the stigma associated with symptoms of menopause. Many women do not acknowledge symptoms of PPD to preclude judgment on parenting ability and stigma-fueled fear of disclosure. The current literature review aims to investigate whether women’s health accessibility and outcomes might be positively influenced by blending mental health with women’s health services. To optimize healthcare, the creation of a model of care may encourage the integration of mental health and gynecological care.

Presentation Type

Visual Presentation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

April 2023

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