Is menopause a physiological process that most women go through without even needing to see their doctors in most part of the world or is it another ‘’medicalised’’ subject that has potential to intervene and improve?
In the western society it is seen as a negative concept such as deceased periods, ovarian failure, hormonal deficiency. Hence it is common and , in some way, justified to demand replacing or reverting it.
Concerns over the changing body image, wrinkles, reduced sex drive and the transition of a ‘grumpy, achy old lady’’ are worrisome for the most affluent women which is fed by the consumerist attitude.
Whereas in the under developed countries, it could be a relief for women to finalise their child-bearing duties and take up the role of a respected and loved grand-mother. Hence it is considered as a natural event not a condition requires guidance for. ( You could argue that the access of care is poor or expensive for these women to even think of seeing a doctor! I wonder how much difference would there be for men to seek medical attention for their age-related declining sexual dysfunction compared to women for menopausal symptoms?)
Is it not sarcastic that we treat some of the menopausal symptoms with the anti-depressants as if we are treating these women for their negative attitude towards their symptoms rather than really suspending this physiological process?
Here is a link for further reading:
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/shil_enhanced/virtual6_full.asp
