The intervention group education (GE)
stress-related ill, stress-related illness, osteoporosis
DISEASE, OESTROGEN DEFICIENCY, OSTEOPOROSIS
District nurse and midwife participated as group leaders. Each group included 12–16 women and comprised 1½ hour session per week for four weeks with topics related to physical and mental changes in the body as well as conversations aimed to clarify consequences of behavior, choices in life and to stimulate desired behavioral changes.The GE was educational, structured and aimed to be person-centered meaning that discussions following education were tailored to questions raised by the group. The topics were biological and physiological processes as well as psychological, emotional, and social aspects of menopause transition. Menopause transition as a natural part of life was emphasized and specific treatment options, pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological, according to the guidelines were clarified. Focus was on factors that prevent disease and promote physical, emotional and social well-being. Furthermore, to provide insight into obstacles and resources, coping strategies and behavioral changes to promote health strategies.The first session contained education with the definition and myths of menopause transition, physiology, menstrual cycle, hormonal conversion, local oestrogen deficiency symptoms, osteoporosis and information on treatment options, pharmacological and non-pharmacological and self-care advice. The second session contained education and information on cardiovascular health, its risk and health factors, physiology, mental health, relationships, sexuality, and desire as well as information on treatment options, pharmacological and non-pharmacological and self-care advice. The third session contained in-depth insights into mental health, stress-related ill health, physiology, social relationships in family and work, sexuality and desire, insight into obstacles and resources, coping strategies and behavioral changes to promote health. The fourth session contained in-depth insights into relationships, mental health, stress-related illness, health factors as well as a summary of "How do we want to live to feel well?" Insight into obstacles and resources, coping strategies and behavioral changes to promote health.