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Related Experiment Videos

The adaptive function of the menopause: a devil's advocate position

D Alington-MacKinnon, L E Troll

    Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
    |August 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Menopause may be adaptive, not a deficiency disease. Symptoms are often exaggerated and not solely due to estrogen decline, suggesting safer treatments are possible.

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    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive endocrinology
    • Sociology of health
    • Women's health

    Background:

    • Menopause is often perceived as a deficiency disease.
    • Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is routinely prescribed.
    • Societal views may be influenced by ageism and sexism.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To re-evaluate the perception of menopause.
    • To question the routine prescription of ERT.
    • To explore alternative explanations for menopausal symptoms.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of recent evidence on menopausal symptoms.
    • Analysis of biological and social factors influencing menopause.
    • Critical assessment of societal perceptions of menopause.

    Main Results:

    • Menopausal discomfort may be exaggerated.
    • Symptoms are not solely attributable to declining estrogen.
    • Biological and social variables play a significant role.

    Conclusions:

    • Menopause may be an adaptive biological process.
    • Challenging the "deficiency disease" view is crucial.
    • Alternative, safer therapeutic interventions should be explored.

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