MENOPAUSAL WOMEN AS DECISION-MAKERS IN HEALTH-CARE

The findings of a preliminary analysis of data from a study now being conducted to design and evaluate an educational intervention to aid wo men in becoming more effective decision-makers regarding menopause, se lf-care strategies, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), indicate th at the lack of attention to the symptoms and health effects of menopau se has resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction among women health care consumers. Women in the menopausal years are not informed- adequa tely nor empowered to participate in decision making around issues rel ated to their own health. They do not have the information they want a nd they do not know where to get it.