The predictive processing embodied in brain conditions: the role of precision.

Menopause, as a point in the continuum of life stages for women, marks the end of their reproductive years. It is defined as a permanent cessation of menstruation for 12 months due to primary ovarian failure, at an average age of 52 years and an age range of 40 to 58 years. Hormonal changes during menopause cause a wide range of temporary symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and depression, mood swings, changes in libido as well as cutaneous and mucosal atrophy and long-term adverse effects such as back pain, cardiovascular problems, joint pain, and osteoporosis. Although the menopausal physiological changes are similar, the severity and impact of menopausal symptoms vary across different populations and can range from mild to severe. In this regard, proportions of vasomotor symptoms in an intercontinental survey were estimated to be 77% in Africa, 18% in South America and 46% in North America, 58% in Australia, and 58% in Asia. The most common symptoms of menopause in Iranian women near menopause include vasomotor symptoms (39-70%), night sweats (3.2-20.51%), and sexual dysfunction (28-92%). According to the results of a study in Rasht, Iran, the most common symptom of menopause in postmenopausal women is joint-muscular problems. Also, most of the severe menopausal symptoms occur during the postmenopausal period, and only 55.2% of women near menopause report mild to moderate symptoms. Based on the evidence, the adverse effect of these symptoms on lifestyle, social relations as well as work and home performance can affect QoL of a person physiologically, psychologically, and socially. Thus, it is threatening in this sense and its improper management may be associated with a significant increase in financial burden. Since QoL as an important health index from the point of view of the World Health Organization (WHO) affects the level of happiness and life expectancy of people, it is possible to improve the health level of menopausal women and enhance their life expectancy, self-esteem, independence and self-reliance by promoting it, so that they can lead healthier years post-menopause. As such, health care workers need to pay special attention to menopausal women and adopt the most effective strategies for better management of these symptoms. Increasing women’s knowledge about the symptoms and complications of menopause can help them better adapt to these changes and manage them more effectively, thereby preventing severe and irreversible consequences. However, studies indicate that women, particularly in developing countries, often have limited information about menopause. Educational attainment and economic status may jointly influence women’s awareness and quality of life, as higher education is often associated with higher income, greater attention to health, and more timely use of healthcare services, which can facilitate better management of menopausal symptoms. Findings from Naseh et al. show low literacy levels and a clear need for education among the studied population, underscoring the importance of improving menopausal women’s knowledge and self-management skills. Similarly, Shobeiri et al. reported that menopausal women require both counseling and training to better control their symptoms, and that effective symptom management can enhance all dimensions of their quality of life. Despite generally low literacy levels, access to appropriate educational resources is essential for improving women’s health awareness. Noroozi et al. found that women mainly obtain information from friends, acquaintances, mothers, and sisters, followed by mass media, while doctors and midwives are consulted least often. This reliance on non-scientific sources highlights the limited role of health professionals and the need for more credible, accessible educational materials.