Primary Research 2 + Development
Tutorial Feedback
- fleabag scene where woman describes empowering nature of menopause
- colourful and flamboyant design successful
- could quotes be easier to read, broken up across posts
- logo is good, commercial, clean
- logo animation is good at revealing something
- dont need to fully make website and social media, just mock ups and as it would be in context
REFLECTION
> What about breaking up each quote into its main focal words on the first post image, and then following images have sections of the quote until it is completed in the final image
> Alternatively, I could have gifs as the main image which does this without the viewer having to swipe
> Also could simplify some of the more detailed longer quotes, by reducing number of typefaces to make it easier to read
> Should try all these ideas
INTERVIEW: CATHY, 50-60, HETERO, CIS-WOMAN
- what was your personal experience of peri-menopause and menopause?
- worst thing about perimenopause is I hadn't even heard about the term
- most ghastly bit of it was I had 'the flood', sudden huge amounts of blood, couldn't stop bleeding
- while at work, frightening, never heard of this happening
- body temp through the roof, felt really ill, wasn't fun
- i recognised feeling profoundly depressed
- desperate for help at GPs, went on HRT, back to normal
- would you say your experience compared to other women you knew going through it was worse or average?
- haven't discussed with anyone as it was happening, apart from husband or GP, but don't know why, didn't make a conscious decision not to talk about it it just wasn't on the agenda
- didn't want to talk about negative things with friends when having a good time, but did talk about it a lot more after it happened
- Do you think that it not being in the general conversation, that everyone thought it was something you just go through behind closed doors, that it was sort of a taboo?
- when put like that yes
- wasn't a part of general conversation, taboo, younger generation are teaching us older generation so many things
- were things about it on women's hour, but people of our generation don't sit around talking about our sex lives
- in last year or two, celebrities are now talking about it, people that you wouldn't expect to talk about it
- this publicity is very positive for those coming to experience it or experiencing it now
- I'm a believer in talking about things, and it's a good thing as ever for men to be educated too and part of the conversation
> Now that you and your friends talk about their experiences, do you think they talk about it in a negative or positive way, or just 'it is what it is'?
- it is what it is
- not having periods, no birth control, liberating
- never felt it was the end, satisfied
> Did you and your friends as a collective in the same positions in your lives ever celebrate being more free, post-menopause?
- friend talked about unleashing of energy in postmenopausal women
- i never felt that because of work, but now not working
- freedom from worry about pregnancy is most important
- once it's over you think, great!
- didn't know anyone that didn't feel ready for the menopause
- everyone I know is satisfied about where they are in life post menopause, no one wants to go back or be younger
- but pre-menopause would be more traumatic, no children, choice is taken away, more additional sense of loss
> You've agreed there would be benefits from a positive celebratory tone around menopause, but how would you approach it with a more sensitive direction?
- people who have had children will have something to celebrate
- people who wanted them and couldn't wouldn't want to celebrate it in the same way
- younger generations more likely to celebrate menopause generally
- it's good to celebrate beginnings and endings of things in life
- identify changes in ones identity
- I would love a party to celebrate! I'm always up for a glass of champagne!
- But generally, marking things in a positive way is inherently a positive act
> I'm curious what visuals or aesthetic would appeal to you as a part of the target audience? I've seen lots of stereotypical feminine type and flowers and pink tones, does this appeal to you and if not what other ways would?
- anything pink I hate it!
- lover of vibrancy and colour, suggestive of taking down boundaries, increased freedom and choice
- definition of retiring is retiring from the world, people at this stage want to get out in the world! Liberation!
- nothing muted, completely the opposite
- it all helps to frame it in a positive sense, it can be really difficult going through it, once through it you can celebrate the end of this difficult stage
- I felt like a caged animal, going mad.
- tossed about on an ocean of hormones
- needs to be sensitively done, understanding that it's a emotionally and physically challenging period for women in many ways
- the menopause is as rich and varied as women are, and it's important to recognise and remember that
- for some people it's the ending of a dream, whereas for me it was liberation.
REFLECTION
>> Important to note that it's with life changes like children growing up moving out and retiring from work is what also enables liberation and freedom at menopause age, not just menopause itself, more emphasis on symptoms ending post-menopause and no periods or pregnancy with menopause itself
>> When presenting menopause liberation should note on posts either in visuals or comments that it can come in many different forms, either after or during.
>> Need to do the premenopause research to ensure they are involved in the positive conversation around menopause
>> What could they do to try and celebrate it? Or at the least, ways to deal with it positively?
>> Need to produce new post titles on dealing with symptoms and finding positive methods and solutions to helping day by day
>> Successful response on design direction from her as well as Alice, consistent with where I'm taking it
cathy.drysdale@gmail.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premenopause Support Networks
- The Daisy Network – a support group for women with premature ovarian failure
- healthtalk.org – provides information about early menopause, including women talking about their own experiences
- Fertility friends – a support network for people with fertility problems
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) – provides information on all types of fertility treatment
- Adoption UK – a charity for people who are adopting children
- Surrogacy UK – a charity that supports both surrogates and parents through the process
Sometimes there is no clear reason why a woman’s ovaries stop working early (premature ovarian failure). In other cases a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the womb or uterus) or an oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovary or ovaries) can trigger an early menopause, as can certain illnesses and forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is called secondary premature ovarian failure.
Regardless of the reason for early menopause, women said they experienced the same menopausal symptoms as older women, including hot flushes and sweats, memory problems, mood swings, decreased sex drive and vaginal dryness. Those who had been through a surgical procedure such as a hysterectomy, seemed more likely to experience stronger than usual menopausal symptoms (e.g. very hot flushes). (For information on menopausal symptoms, see section on ‘Symptoms’).
The women we talked to wanted doctors and other health professionals to understand that the early menopause had affected them emotionally. They felt that their needs as young women going through the menopause were often overlooked. Their doctors’ approaches to the menopause varied. Some wanted to fix the problem in a practical sense, and didn’t seem aware of the emotional effects on younger women that were likely to follow an early menopause. (See also ‘Emotions' mood swings, anxiety and depression’).
Women said that though the menopause itself was not an illness, an early one could be very difficult to cope with and that they would have liked more support. Those who lived overseas when they first sought medical advice found it hard to get up-to-date information and aftercare. Women wanted to talk through their concerns, especially about HRT and infertility and to talk to other women having similar experiences. They valued specialist clinics and health professionals with an interest in early menopause and recommended support groups and forums such as The Daisy Network (a premature menopause support group - see 'Resources and Information'). (See also ‘Support networks’).
Most doctors recommend that women who have had an early menopause take HRT until they reach the age of 50, the normal age for menopause. This can help not only to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, but also to reduce the risk of osteoporosis by preventing an early loss of bone density (see our website on ‘Osteoporosis’). HRT did not suit everyone at first - many women we talked with said it had taken months to find the right dosage and type of HRT. For some women, such as those treated for breast cancer, HRT is not an option. Self-help measures such as wearing cotton clothing and avoiding hot spicy food can help relieve hot flushes; while diet and load bearing exercising reduces the risk of osteoporosis (see ‘Hot flushes and sweats’ and ‘Changes in the body and keeping healthy’).
Comments
Post a Comment