Overview:
This study protocol outlines a research project exploring the role of midwives in supporting women during menopause, a critical stage in a woman’s life. Menopause can have significant physical and emotional impacts, yet many women feel unprepared, and healthcare professionals, including midwives, often lack clear guidance on how to provide effective care. This mixed-methods study aims to assess current gaps in menopausal care and explore how midwives can be better integrated into the care pathway. The first study will analyze how menopause is represented in official healthcare guidelines and policies, examining how these discourses influence care practices and women’s access to information. The second study will survey women to assess their knowledge, experiences, and access to healthcare for making informed decisions during menopause. The third study will explore healthcare professionals' perspectives, including midwives, on the optimal care pathway for menopausal women, with a focus on enhancing midwives’ involvement. The final study will investigate how gender norms and cultural perceptions shape women’s experiences during menopause and impact their access to support. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). By addressing gaps in menopausal care, promoting the inclusion of midwives in healthcare pathways, and ensuring women’s access to informed choices, the study contributes to improving health outcomes for women and advancing gender equality. The expected outcomes include clearer roles for midwives, a deeper understanding of women’s needs, and improved care strategies, ultimately enhancing women’s quality of life during menopause and supporting sustainable healthcare systems for future generations.

Aims and Objectives:
The primary aim of this research is to explore the role of midwives in supporting women through menopause. The objectives are to identify gaps in current menopausal care, examine the representation of menopause in healthcare guidelines, and assess the potential for midwives to enhance women’s access to informed choices during this transition.

Method:
This mixed-methods study will include four phases. The first phase will involve a discourse analysis to examine how menopause is represented in official healthcare guidelines and policies and its influence on women’s access to care. The second phase will be a survey of women to assess their knowledge, experiences, and access to healthcare for making informed decisions. The third phase will consist of focus groups with midwives to explore their perspectives on the role of midwives in menopausal care. Finally, the fourth phase will involve interviews with healthcare professionals to examine how midwives can be better integrated into the menopausal care pathway.

Results:
This study is ongoing and have no results available yet. Preliminary expectations suggest that women often feel inadequately prepared for menopause, and midwives may not have the training or guidance needed to fully support women during this transition. We anticipate that midwives can be an important part in providing essential menopausal healthcare, particularly in the areas of education, emotional support, and non-pharmacological interventions for women going through menopause.

Conclusion:
This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). By addressing gaps in menopausal care and integrating midwives into the care pathway, this study aims to improve women’s health outcomes and empower them to make informed choices during menopause. The expected outcomes include clearer guidelines for midwives, better understanding of women’s needs, and improved care strategies, ultimately enhancing women’s quality of life during menopause and supporting sustainable healthcare systems.