Discussing the menopause with women with learning disabilities

Traditionally, little attention has been paid to the menopause as it affects women with learning disabilities. Consequently, older women with learning disabilities have rarely been adequately prepared for, or supported through, what for most women is a significant ‘change of life’. None of the existing literature focuses on the women's perspectives, but rather, looks at menopause from a medical angle, in particular focusing on the timing of onset. The research study described in the present paper is an attempt to gain some insights into the ways in which women with learning disabilities perceive the menopause. The main informants were women with learning disabilities themselves, but also general practitioners, staff in learning disability services and parents who still cared for their middle?aged daughters at home. The research project also involved the non?disabled researchers working alongside two groups of women with learning disabilities, who acted as advisors and consultants to the project, and who were paid for their time.