 |
|
page 7 | page 8 | page 9 | page 10 | page 11 | page 12 page 13 | page 14 | page 15 | page 16 page 17 | page 18 | page 19 | page 20 references | nursing assessment | patient handout table of contents | test
Reframing MenopauseMenopause also is a psychological and cultural experience for women. Many emotions derive from a woman's self-perception, impressions of how her mother experienced menopause, religious and cultural perspectives, and information from friends. Nurses can start to explore this area by asking a patient what the menopause means to her. All too often, menopause has been linked to a negative image, one of old age, and seen as the beginning of the end. The words that are commonly associated with menopause connote decline, rather than a positive image of freedom, vigor, and success. Women may fear that menopause signals the end of being attractive and productive. But by helping women plan a program to preserve health beyond menopause, nurses can begin to dispel some of these myths (Table 1).One of the most harmful myths that has an impact on menopausal health is that cardiovascular disease is a man's disease. Statistics show overwhelmingly that cardiovascular disease – and not cancer – is the major cause of mortality for postmenopausal women. One in 2 women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, but only 1 in 25 women will die because of breast cancer (Figure 2).(5,6)
After menopause, women's risk for heart disease begins to approach that of men. HRT may help forestall some of the most common health risks faced by postmenopausal women, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. But women who do not perceive their health risks accurately, or who do not receive information about the risks and benefits of HRT, miss an important opportunity.
Also, nurses need to be aware that the emerging image of menopausal women is not one of old age.(7) Healthcare providers may stereotype the years after menopause as old age, and perceive the accompanying health problems as an inevitable, untreatable part of aging. In fact, many menopausal women will be running households, preparing children for independence, and managing careers. They may simultaneously have children in school and elderly parents who require increasing amounts of attention. Women at this stage of life are often overwhelmed with tasks that involve managing others.
Nurses can help them focus attention on their own health and their options beyond menopause. Such counseling can begin the process of reframing the perception of menopause. It is the beginning of the last third of life and a time to reassess life goals, focus on health, and plan new practices.
|
|
previous: Menopause as a Transition next: Clinical Implications of the Menopausal Transition |
© 2000 American Nurses Association