This is a study of a generation of women who are about to enter the
climacteric period of their life, the menopause. Born between the years
1946 and 1956 they have been the object of continuous scrutiny by various
interest groups. Because they are seen to be unique, many acronyms and
titles, the most noted being the 'Baby Boomers' have been attached to
them. The women of this generation have been classed as a Very active'
generation, leaving a clear mark on society and the re-emerging women's
movement. As they near menopause they are approaching a stage that
could be seen as their last reproductive transition. For many women
there is no cultural ritual, nor a single story to guide them through this
period They are however not without advice. The 'big voices' of the
drug companies, the medical system and the media, all tender their
guidance as the dominant voice. These women have been told what to
do by experts throughout their whole lives. It seems 'expert advice' on
their reproductive phases have been penned mostly by men in the
interests of treating, controlling and saving them. Control of their body
remains a key struggle, both physically and linguistically.
The purpose of the research was to study the expectations of this
post-war, Baby Boom generation of menopause. The study shows that
some women have made decisions to embrace non-medical help and
accept menopause as an inevitable transition, while others are willing to
consider medical help to enhance their 'quality of life '. Believing it is
time to look after themselves, it seems many women will take a
pragmatic view and accept medical opinion that the menopause is a
deficiency disease, even if this requires them to become part of the
consumer driven/drug company push for a 'symptom free' menopause.
They wish to remain untroubled and express a willingness to do
whatever they need to fulfil this. Their fervent hope is that the
menopause will not upset their career, family or 'life'. Consequently a
large majority of these women will think about or actively pursue
hormone replacement therapy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219051 |
| Date | January 1996 |
| Creators | Jackson, Barbara Ann, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Professional & Community Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Barbara Ann Jackson |
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