Biological aspects of menopause: across the lifespan

Annu Rev Anthropol. 1994:23:231-53. doi: 10.1146/annurev.an.23.100194.001311.

Abstract

"This review outlines the biological basics of menopause and then places menopause within the context of a dynamic lifespan. The basic tenets of the lifespan approach maintain that, for each individual, aging and development are lifelong processes from birth to death; biological, psychological, and sociocultural trajectories interweave across the life course; the entire lifespan serves as a frame of reference for understanding particular events or transitions; and the life course can be affected by environmental change.... This review also points to the gap between population-level studies of menopause and studies carried out at the biochemical, cellular, or organ systems level. Filling this gap...offers the most interesting directions for future anthropological research."

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Anthropology*
  • Behavior
  • Biology
  • Environment*
  • Family
  • Family Characteristics
  • Life Cycle Stages*
  • Menopause*
  • Physiology
  • Psychology*
  • Reproduction
  • Social Sciences