Ailments and Situations - Menopause (and Related Issues) - Corporate Menopause

Unfortunately, as women from the "baby boomer" generation enter menopause, the opportunity for corporations and various industries to cash in on the "needs" of this age group results in an impression of menopause as unflattering as that of the menstrual cycle. Mainstream media also paints menopause as a widely problematic experience and, as with menstruation, something to be ashamed of and kept quiet about. Our ageist culture equates aging with depression, fatigue, forgetfulness, incontinence, and senility. And as menopause "marks" a transition into this second half of a woman's life, various corporations in waiting effectively play on the fears, uncertainties, and doubts impressed upon the majority of menopausal women in Western society.

Various ads produced by pharmaceutical companies prey on ageist stereotypes and women-centered fears and promote products that make the condition "manageable", allowing menopausal women to enjoy their lives by taking medication, particularly hormones. Instead of promoting a vision of the strong, attractive, naturally menopausal woman full of vitality, society is presented with an image of a general deterioration in body and mind as the aging process continues. Menopause ads show attractive, lavish, middle-aged women happy and content with their lives. They are preventing bone loss, maintaining their libido, and are "in control" of their "problem".

As with most medications, mainstream doctors and gynecologists provide their patients with samples and educate them on the "benefits" provided. With manufactured fears at ease, corporations can look forward to long-term, loyal customers.

Menopause means big business.