Perceptions of Alternative Therapies Available for Women Facing Hysterectomy or Menopause

Women's perceptions of alternative therapies available for managing symptoms related to menopause and to the need for hysterectomy were explored. Data are reported from 17 focus groups of peri- and menopausal aged women (n = 82) living in two southern U.S. coastal counties. Analysis showed that...

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Published inJournal of women & aging Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 21 - 37
Main Authors Richter, Donna L., Corwin, Sara J., Rheaume, Carol E., McKeown, Robert E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2001
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Alternative Medicine
alternative therapies
Attitude to Health
Complementary Therapies
Female
Focus Groups
health and aging
Hot Flashes - therapy
Humans
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy - psychology
Menopause
Menopause - psychology
Perceptions
reproductive health
South Carolina
United States of America
Uterine Diseases - therapy
Women
women and aging
Women's Health
Womens Health Care
South Carolina
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Summary:Women's perceptions of alternative therapies available for managing symptoms related to menopause and to the need for hysterectomy were explored. Data are reported from 17 focus groups of peri- and menopausal aged women (n = 82) living in two southern U.S. coastal counties. Analysis showed that emergent themes did not vary by race or surgery experience. Herbal preparations, vitamin supplements, "healthy living" (diet & exercise), and mind/body practices (prayer & "mental healing") were mentioned as possible alternatives for managing symptoms. Participants more frequently identified "other" conventional medical approaches-prescription medication, laser surgery, dilation and curettage, and "watchful waiting-as alternatives to hysterectomy". Alternative therapies are linked to women's desire to gain control over their own health care decisions and practices.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:0895-2841
1540-7322
DOI:10.1300/J074v13n04_03