Tag

Medicalization

All articles tagged with #medicalization

Testosterone hype online targets healthy young men for profit, study shows
health1 month ago

Testosterone hype online targets healthy young men for profit, study shows

A study of 46 popular posts across TikTok and Instagram with millions of followers finds ‘manosphere’-aligned influencers promoting routine testosterone testing and treatments to healthy young men, framing normal variations in energy or mood as evidence of deficiency. The research links this marketing to broader cultural narratives about masculinity and notes many posts conceal financial ties to products. Experts say routine screening for low testosterone in asymptomatic young men is not supported by guidelines, and a single test cannot diagnose a condition given hormonal fluctuations and the need for medical context.

society5 months ago

The Temporary Nature of Grief

The article critiques the tendency to medicalize grief and mental health issues, arguing that society often overuses diagnostic labels and medical language for normal human experiences, which can lead to misunderstanding, self-diagnosis, and stigmatization. It emphasizes that grief and mental health are complex, culturally influenced, and not always pathological, advocating for a less medicalized and more human-centered approach to dealing with life's inevitable challenges.

"Challenging Menopause Stigma: Empowerment, Advocacy, and Understanding"
health1 year ago

"Challenging Menopause Stigma: Empowerment, Advocacy, and Understanding"

A group of over 250 healthcare professionals have responded to The Lancet's recent series on menopause, criticizing its claims as out of touch with the lived experiences of women and outdated data. They argue that women are often not given the option of medical treatments for menopausal symptoms and that the series perpetuates a dismissive attitude towards these symptoms. The professionals emphasize the need for up-to-date science and standards of care to support women entering the menopausal transition, highlighting the importance of addressing a wide range of symptoms beyond hot flashes and advocating for patient empowerment.

"Decoding Menopause: Navigating Hormone Therapy for Symptom Relief"
health1 year ago

"Decoding Menopause: Navigating Hormone Therapy for Symptom Relief"

Navigating the science of treating menopause is a complex and confusing journey for many women, with symptoms varying widely and medical opinions often conflicting. The debate over menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) continues, with some advocating for its use to alleviate severe symptoms, while others caution against over-medicalization. The lack of comprehensive studies on the mental health impacts of perimenopause further complicates the issue. Ultimately, women are reclaiming this transition, seeking medical help to manage psychological symptoms while also acknowledging the need for further research and individualized care.

"Challenging Misconceptions: Rethinking Menopause and Hormone Therapy"
health2 years ago

"Challenging Misconceptions: Rethinking Menopause and Hormone Therapy"

The menopause and the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) have been sensationalized in the media, leading to a surge in prescriptions. However, there is debate over whether menopause should be treated as a disease and whether HRT is being oversold. While HRT can effectively reduce symptoms like hot flushes, it also comes with risks such as certain cancers and blood clots. The current narrative around menopause and HRT is being criticized for overselling the benefits and downplaying the risks, leading to confusion and pressure on doctors to prescribe. Additionally, there is a call for a more balanced conversation about menopause and a consideration of alternative treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.