The University of Coimbra developed a digital psychological intervention program called "Cuidar-ME – Self-care during Menopause: a psychological intervention to promote mental health and quality of life for women during (peri)menopause". The program can be used on a computer or mobile phone with Internet access and provides evidence-based information and practical strategies aimed at promoting self-care, well-being and quality of life during this phase.
The program was created by a team from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC), led by Ana Fonseca, a faculty member and researcher at the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention. It consists of eight modules, completed at each participant's own pace, and includes information, exercises and strategies related to anxiety management, mood regulation and acceptance.
Ana Fonseca explained that the transition to menopause is a phase with many physical and psychological changes that can impact women and their personal and professional relationships. The researcher highlighted that many women go through this phase without sharing what they feel or without fully understanding the changes they are experiencing, noting that menopause continues to be a little-discussed topic and treated as taboo.
At the same time, the team is conducting a study targeting women aged between 40 and 60, residing in Portugal and who are in perimenopause or post-menopause. The research aims to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of the program, as well as to understand the users' experience and any changes in well-being and mental health after participation.
