Je. Byles et al., IT WOULD-BE GOOD TO KNOW YOURE NOT ALONE - THE HEALTH-CARE NEEDS OF WOMEN WITH MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS, Family practice, 14(3), 1997, pp. 249-254
Objectives. We aimed to explore how menstrual symptoms affect women, w
omen's health care needs, and their expectations and experiences when
seeking care; to identify ways to assist women in having their needs m
et. Methods. Qualitative research using focus group methodology was ca
rried out. Identification of women experiencing menstrual symptoms thr
ough a random community survey of 200 women aged 30-50 years in the Hu
nter region of New South Wales. Focus group discussions were recorded
and transcripts were analysed. Results. All women attending focus grou
ps had sought medical advice for their menstrual problems. Having one
doctor with whom they felt comfortable was important. Women expressed
difficulties asking questions and were concerned that symptoms may not
be taken seriously or may be dismissed as psychological. There was wi
despread acceptance of alternative 'natural' therapies. Conclusions. I
nteractions between doctors (particularly GPs) and women with menstrua
l symptoms are central to how women perceive the care they receive. Th
ere is a need for doctors to demonstrate empathy. For many women, what
they needed most from their doctors was to be understood and 'to know
they weren't alone'.