Myth and the menopause

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines two competing descriptions of the menopausal experience, the one proffered by the medical profession and the other by the women's health movement. These different interpretations of the menopause are each treated as myths in the sense in which that term is used by Barthes. In his definition, myths are social products and the modern myth reflects the values of the bourgeoisie. Through an examination of these myths, the paper discusses the view of women, particularly ageing women, taken by the medical profession and by the feminist health movement.