Percepção das mulheres sobre o impacto da menstruação no cotidiano de vida

Objective: to understand the meaning of women’s menstrual period in their daily lives, and to uncover divergences and convergences related to cultural and socioeconomic aspects concerning women during menacme. Method: descriptive research of a qualitative approach. Data was gathered from two focal groups comprised of 18 female subjects. Six categories and subcategories were identified from their statements which were classified and adapted to the quality of life characteristics related to menstruation, based on the WHOQOL 100, quality of life questionnaire, validated by th WHO. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP) under Opinion No. 2.726.630. Results: research outcomes reveal how women perceive their bodily and psychological aspects, level of independence, social relations, environment, personal beliefs and myths associated to life quality on the simbolic aspect of menstruation. Conclusion: Menstruation conveys a duality, for it brings relief as a proof of non-pregnancy, and it marks youthfulness. If they were given a choice, however, women would rather not to menstruate because of the bodily and psychological discomforts which affect them in their daily lives.