Perimenopausal women's alienation.

Abstract

A feminist perspective was used to interpret data gathered from perimenopausal women using hormonal replacement therapy. Silence was the most pervasive and disquieting theme. These women parroted biomedical cognizance and iterated little authentic expression of experience. This silence reflected the women's existential position of the double other, marginalized first by being a woman and second by reason of medical norms for women being based on reproductive function. This position of alienation is explored within the context of Western culture and the patriarchal values of rationality and science. Implications are drawn for holistic nurses to facilitate women's physical awareness and articulation of their personal experiences.