<![CDATA[ABSTRACT Background: Menopause is a natural physiological process experienced by women, marking the end of the reproductive period. Hormonal changes during menopause often lead to physical, psychological, and social symptoms that may reduce women's quality of life. Limited knowledge and persistent misconceptions regarding menopause frequently result in anxiety and inadequate preparation among women. Therefore, community-based health education is essential to empower women in understanding menopausal changes and adopting healthy lifestyles. Objective: To improve women's knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness in facing menopause through health education, mentoring, and healthy lifestyle promotion. Methods: This community service program was conducted at Posyandu Mawar, Antang Village, Manggala District, Makassar City, in September 2026 involving 35 women aged 40–60 years. Activities included health education sessions, interactive discussions, healthy diet counseling, relaxation exercises, physical activity demonstrations, individual consultations, and evaluation using pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Participants' average knowledge score increased from 61.8 before the intervention to 89.4 after the program. Approximately 91.4% of participants were able to identify physiological changes during menopause, 88.6% understood non-pharmacological approaches to managing menopausal symptoms, and 94.3% reported feeling more prepared to face menopause. Participants showed high enthusiasm and active involvement throughout the activities. Conclusion: The Menopause Companion Program effectively improved women's knowledge, preparedness, and awareness regarding healthy menopause management. Community-based educational interventions can serve as an effective health promotion strategy to improve the quality of life among middle-aged and older women. Keywords: Menopause, Women Empowerment, Health Education, Health Promotion, Community Service ABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Menopause merupakan proses fisiologis alami yang dialami setiap perempuan sebagai tanda berakhirnya masa reproduksi. Perubahan hormonal yang terjadi selama masa menopause sering menimbulkan berbagai keluhan fisik, psikologis, maupun sosial yang dapat memengaruhi kualitas hidup perempuan. Kurangnya pengetahuan serta masih adanya berbagai mitos mengenai menopause menyebabkan banyak perempuan mengalami kecemasan dan kurang siap menghadapi perubahan tersebut. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan kegiatan pemberdayaan melalui edukasi kesehatan agar perempuan mampu memahami perubahan fisiologis yang terjadi dan menerapkan gaya hidup sehat dalam menghadapi masa menopause. Tujuan: Meningkatkan pengetahuan, sikap, dan kesiapan perempuan dalam menghadapi menopause melalui program edukasi kesehatan, pendampingan, dan praktik hidup sehat. Metode: Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat dilaksanakan di Posyandu Mawar, Kelurahan Antang, Kecamatan Manggala, Kota Makassar pada bulan September 2026. Sasaran kegiatan adalah 35 perempuan usia 40–60 tahun. Program dilaksanakan melalui penyuluhan kesehatan, diskusi interaktif, demonstrasi aktivitas fisik sederhana, edukasi gizi, latihan relaksasi, konsultasi kesehatan, serta evaluasi menggunakan pre-test dan post-test. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil: Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan rata-rata pengetahuan peserta dari 61,8 sebelum edukasi menjadi 89,4 setelah edukasi. Sebanyak 91,4% peserta mampu menjelaskan perubahan fisiologis selama menopause, 88,6% memahami cara mengatasi keluhan menopause secara nonfarmakologis, dan 94,3% menyatakan lebih siap menghadapi masa menopause. Seluruh peserta mengikuti kegiatan dengan antusias dan berpartisipasi aktif selama diskusi maupun praktik. Kesimpulan: Program Sahabat Menopause efektif meningkatkan pengetahuan, kesiapan, dan kesadaran perempuan dalam menghadapi menopause secara sehat. Edukasi kesehatan berbasis komunitas dapat menjadi salah satu strategi promotif dan preventif dalam meningkatkan kualitas hidup perempuan usia premenopause dan menopause. Kata Kunci: Menopause, Pemberdayaan Perempuan, Edukasi Kesehatan, Promosi Kesehatan, Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat]]>
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