Models of intervention in menopause: proposal of a holistic or integral model.
OBJECTIVE
On the threshold of the third millennium, menopause has become a crucial social and health problem in developed countries. In the present work, we analyze possible healthcare strategies, describing their advantages and disadvantages within the context of different underlying conceptions of menopause.


METHODS
We have considered three theoretical frameworks or "menopause models": the biological model, the psychosocial model, and the holistic or integral model. Each model is examined under three subheadings: concept, contributions, and criticisms.


RESULTS
The holistic model is proposed and defended as a valid option for the management of menopause.


CONCLUSIONS
Adoption of the holistic model by health personnel may improve the attention given to menopausal women. As characteristics of such a model, the following are important: (1) The positive vision of the climacteric transition as an opportunity for personal growth, (2) the biopsychosocial perspective of the phenomena responsible for the different effects on the level of health and quality of life of women, (3) the development of health policies focused on health promotion, (4) the protagonism of women through strategies based on self-care and self-help groups, and (5) individualized use of hormone replacement therapy.
Olazábal Ulacia
J C
JC
Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, San Juan Health Centre, Spain.
García Paniagua
R
R
Montero Luengo
J
J
García Gutiérrez
J F
JF
Sendín Melguizo
P P
PP
Holgado Sánchez
M A
MA
D000368:Aged; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health