ipl-logo

Ethical Dilemmas Of Hormone Replacement Therapy

1817 Words8 Pages

Hormone Replacement Therapy: What is the dilemma? When women outlive their ovaries was the catch line in a magazine advertisement for Premarin (conjugated estrogen tablets) in 1975. From 1990-1995 Premarin was the most widely dispensed prescription drug in the United States (Schulkin, 2008. p. 76). Hormone replacement therapy has been a wavering trend since estrogen was first introduced for symptoms of menopause. Two articles; one very succinct and one literary in tone defend the use of hormone replacement therapy throughout the last nine decades and continue to justify it’s efficacy today in appropriate situations. The ethical dilemma may have begun at the medicalization of a natural human process but it certainly didn’t end there. The dilemma …show more content…

Schulkin discuses the so called controversy that has existed since the 1920’s and lets the reader decide if there is really any controversy at all. This differs from the article in the global summit summary. “HRT in the early menopause: scientific evidence and common perception” is authored by representative of a community that believes menopause should be a medicalized issue, therefor the initial controversy is mute. This sets a tone that there is no ethical controversy to consider in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The piece is simply about the myths that surround the actual therapy that can be dispelled with evidence. These articles are certainly aimed at different audiences. Some people are more influenced by having a picture painted for them in a short story-like presentation. Others would rather not be clouded by the details and simply see the facts. If a gap is trying to be closed, then having versatile options for educating the consumer can only be …show more content…

What I had initially viewed as signs of a natural process can be severe enough to justify medicalization. Menopause is not just a social milestone or an end to womanhood or a psychological upheaval. Menopause is not what you hear and neither is the treatment of the symptoms. Hormone therapy can in many appropriate cases have positive biological benefits beyond the alleviation of hot flashes and mood swings. I am reminded that my own opinions cannot be reflective of what is necessary for the client. Patient specific care is about understanding the individual cultural beliefs as well as one’s physical

Open Document