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Abstract

One of the origins of this symposium is the controversy which has arisen regarding the very nature of the menopause or climacteric. The older, traditional view has been that it is a normal, physiological state which requires only education, reassurance, and on occasion, hormonal supplementation to smooth out uncomfortable moments. In more recent years, however, many have come to view the climacteric with alarm, considering it to be a pathologic state, a deficiency disease leading to various degenerative changes and requiring intervention with prolonged, even life-long hormonal therapy for all patients. Still others point out on the contrary, postmenopausal women have enjoyed good health and progressive longevity and are even more dependable in industry with less absenteeism than women 10 to 20 years younger. The role of estrogen for prophylaxis in coronary artery disease and osteoporosis has evoked much controversy. The entire subject has provoked an extraordinary amount of discussion and debate—as evidenced by this symposium. I will attempt to explore some of these areas today.

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© 1976 MTP Press Limited

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Hammond, C.B. (1976). Menopause—an American view. In: Campbell, S. (eds) The Management of the Menopause & Post-Menopausal Years. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6165-7_37

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6165-7_37

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-011-6167-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-6165-7

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