Práticas de autoatenção no climatério e menopausa que se correlacionam com a Ginecologia Natural

Abstract

The climacteric is an important biological phase in a woman's life, encompassing the transition period between the reproductive and non-reproductive stages, with menopause being one of its phases. Biomedicine is the predominant health care model in Western society. Characterized by a hegemonic, generalizing, and mechanistic approach, this model contributes to women's alienation regarding their own health conditions during processes of health and illness. To counteract this health care model, Natural Gynecology has developed in Latin America as a counter-hegemonic sociocultural movement that values natural therapies and critiques the relationship between modern gynecology and colonialism. This movement promotes female autonomy and correlates scientific knowledge with natural and traditional wisdom, in line with Eduardo Menéndez’s model of self care. The present research aims to understand the self-care practices developed by women during the climacteric and menopausal periods that correlate with Natural Gynecology. The study involved five women over 40 years old who are users of the Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS)-Areal, located in the urban area of Pelotas, RS. It is a qualitative study that utilized the Conversation Wheel for data collection in July 2024, based on Eduardo Menéndez’s self-care model and Natural Gynecology. The transcribed data underwent thematic content analysis according to Minayo's method, yielding three thematic cores: 1) Characterization of the participants, 2) Experiences of menarche and perceptions of the climacteric and menopause, and 3) Self-care in the climacteric and menopause. The results indicate that women in the climacteric and menopausal periods seek more natural care for their discomforts and pathologies, engaging in self-care practices aligned with the principles of Natural Gynecology, such as using phytotherapeutics, physical exercise, proper nutrition, and medicinal plants. This demonstrates that the practices employed by women in these stages align with the tenets of Natural Gynecology, contrasting with the biomedical approach.