Justice for the Menopause: A Research Agenda


 Menopause is defined by its relationship to menstruation––it the cessation of menstruation. Medical texts identify menopause as part cycle “decay” associated with female reproductive functions; early often a dreaded result various medical treatments and sign disfunction.
 It turns out that only three types animals experience menopause: killer whales, short-finned pilot humans, while other can reproduce until death. Although precise between evolutionary theory physical development human still uncertain, scientists anthropologists suggest “grandmother hypothesis” provides partial explanation: older women, who no longer produce their own children, ensure genetic legacy playing critical role in helping feed, raise, nurture grandchildren.
 The average woman will spend almost many years “post-menopause” they menstruating, may four (or more) experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, transition time “normal” menstruation menopause. But legal issues relating perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause are just beginning surface, prompted movement towards menstrual justice, feminist jurisprudence, developments law aging.
 This Essay an initial effort catalogue approaches set areas for further analysis. briefly explores cultural images post-menopausal including ubiquitous hot flashes; analyzes potential claims menopausal justice; suggests interrelationship such social attitudes “normalizing” menopause––acknowledging realities––is one means removing stigma “disabilities” might reinterpreting existing laws guiding future reforms.