Menopause and aging in sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review

Abstract

Menopause is commonly viewed as a hormone deficiency and a risk factor for chronic illness, but it also represents a biological transition and profound social role change for women. This narrative review synthesises evidence on how women in sub-Saharan Africa conceptualise and experience menopause and ageing, and examines how research has captured these dimensions. Databases including SCOPUS, Science Direct, Mendeley Data, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline African Medical Index, and the National Library of Medicine were searched using the terms 'menopause', 'ageing/aging' and 'sub-Saharan Africa'. Forty-two qualitative and quantitative studies in English and French were included. The review found that while many studies emphasise biological markers, symptoms, and the links between menopause and chronic disease, a significant number also highlight women's own interpretations of menopause as a social transition, sometimes associated with enhanced status and autonomy. In some contexts, menopause is linked to stigma or loss of femininity, while in others, it enables greater autonomy and decision-making power. Few women report awareness or acceptance of biomedical interventions such as menopause hormone therapy, tending to view menopause as a natural process rather than a medical condition. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive public health interventions and clinical strategies that address both the biomedical and sociocultural dimensions of menopause, to promote healthy ageing and reduce the burden of chronic disease among women in sub-Saharan Africa.