Osteoporosis and menopause: a feminist analysis of the social construction of a syndrome.
Using a feminist framework, the roles of science, medicine, pharmaceutical companies, the federal government, and the media are analyzed in the social construction of menopause as a syndrome that includes osteoporosis. The various debates over who defines osteoporosis and thus controls its prevention and treatment are discussed. In conclusion, the feminist perspective of osteoporosis as a common problem of aging is presented, and alternatives to hormone replacement therapy such as weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium intake are suggested for prevention. Nurses can play a vital role in protecting other women and themselves from both osteoporosis and iatrogenic hormone treatments.
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004345:Drug Industry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D008402:Mass Media; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D012931:Social Environment; D014481:United States; D014933:Women's Rights