|
1
|
- Training Course in Sexual Health Research
- March 20, 2006
- Prof. Willy Pasini
|
|
2
|
- Menopause is a relatively =
long
period of the life of a woman with changes starting from the ovary
accompanied with biological, psychosomatic, psychological and in some
cases, behavioural symptoms.
|
|
3
|
- Natural menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrua=
tion
that results when the body produces less oestrogen and progesterone.=
A
woman has reached menopause when she has not menstruated for 12 mont=
hs.
This usually happens between 45-55 years of age. (WHO,94)
|
|
4
|
- A. It is not a DISEASE -- medial definition often criticized for n=
ot
recognizing the social and cultural aspects of the transition period=
in
women's lives
- B. CHANGE of life and not only of LOSSES -- part of the aging proc=
ess
and does not in itself require therapy.
- C. Menopause "prevention" of LONGEVITY -- preventative
treatment sometimes sought for symptoms and bone loss through Hormone
Therapy (HT). There is a psychological prevention of the forthcoming=
30
years.
|
|
5
|
- 1. Aesthetics
- 2. Body functions
- 3. Menstrual functions
- 4. Procreative functions
- 5. Sexual functions
- 6. Intimacy of the couple
- 7. The social role
|
|
6
|
- Changes in the body due to natural aging process can be disturbing f=
or
some women. The increase of wrinkles, especially on the face, is more
disturbing for a women than for a man.
- Today many dermatological products and procedures to delay the aging
process. The 50 year old woman, if she wishes, can look 5 to 10 years
younger, but cannot be transformed.
|
|
7
|
- Some women experience "hot flashes", dryness in the vagina,
mood swings, and a variety of other symptoms.
- Certain women suffer of osteoporosis, a beginning of urinary
incontinence or of a loss of memory.
- However, these symptoms are not obligatory.
|
|
8
|
- Certain women consider the irregularity and then the loss of the
menstrual function as the sign that they cannot procreate any more.
Menstruations for certain women are a regulation of the time of their
monthly activities and it is thus as if they had lost the metronome.=
- In many cultures, menstrual blood has various significance -- it is
often a symbol of youth and fertility, rites and rituals associated =
with
menstruation change in some societies and these have an impact on the
role of women in those societies.
|
|
9
|
- With the menopause, the ovary is no longer able to produce ovules.
Nowadays, with the knowledge of genetic diseases after 40 years, many
women aim to have children earlier.
|
|
10
|
- The desire is not decreased because the testosterone continues to be
produced by the adrenal glands. However, it can sometimes be decreas=
ed
because of social reasons in a society which stigmatizes the sexuali=
ty
of older persons especially=
post
menopausal women.
- Excitation and orgasm can remain at the same level or can slightly
decrease.
|
|
11
|
- Sexuality in the older couple is more often affected by the health
status of the man than the woman. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes=
or
hypertension, can result in erection problems which will naturally
affect the sexual relationship of the couple.
- In couples who are together for a long time, intimacy is usually a
result of both sex and tenderness which will make them live better a=
nd
longer (research).
|
|
12
|
- Post menopausal women in different societies may have different roles
and responsibilities that women of reproductive age.
- Power can be restored to older women as they are now seen "as
men" with the powers and responsibilities of village elders in =
some
African societies.
- In other countries, post menopausal women are expected to no longer =
be
sexually active. They are expected however to maintain and nurture t=
he
family unit.
- Higher status is usually given to older women in many countries
|
|
13
|
- Organic disorders (Amenorrhoea; Vulvar craurosis; Osteoporosis; Urin=
ary
problems)
- Mixed psychosomatic and somatopsychic disorders (Vasomotor disorders:
insomnia and hot flashes; Pains: Extreme headaches, pains of the back
and dyspareunia; Change of the weight, obesity and bulimia)
- Psychological and psychiatric disorders (Hypocondria (maniacs of the
smear); Depressions; Emotional psychoses)
|
|
14
|
- 1. Hormonotherapy with human face
- 2. Psychotropic (pay attention to dependence)
- 3. Relations with the gynaecologist
- 4. Short focal psychotherapy
- 5. Therapy of communication
- 6. Body approach
- 7. Self-help and group of quality of life
|