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More than 40 million American women are postmenopausal; within the next
25 years, this number is expected to increase to 60 million. At the turn
of the last century, most women did not live past menopause; life expectancy
in 1900 was 50.7 years. Public health interventions and applied medical
research have extended women's lives, on average, by 30 years during the
20th century. However, for many post-menopausal women this longer life
has only meant more years of poor health and disability. There is still
much to learn about how to promote good health and prevent, detect, and
manage disease and disability in older women.
Menopause is a natural part of every woman's reproductive life cycle.
It used to be called "the change" or "change of life".
Historically, it was generally not openly discussed, even among women;
many women entered premenopause and menopause with little factual knowledge
about its effects and treatments. Often expectations were riddled with
myths and misinformation. This misinformation persists today. While there
is a wealth of information about menopause, it is often conflicting.
A woman's response to menopause is influenced by her own perception of
her health needs, experience of friends and relatives, and the attitudes
and subsequent guidance of healthcare providers. The nurse can play a
pivotal role in educating and counseling a woman during this confusing
time. The nurse's familiarity with menopause, including common physical
and emotional responses, adverse symptoms, the risks and benefits of traditional
therapy and knowledge of alternative therapies is critical to the patient
making informed decisions.
© 2004 NYSNA, all rights reserved.
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