Menopausal symptoms as consequences of dysrhythmia.

A theoretical model is presented for understanding physical and psychological changes which frequently accompany the menopausal transition. According to this, as yet untested, model, as the menopausal transition progresses, hormonal patterns become unpredictable and previously learned homeostatic mechanisms can no longer provide a balanced internal milieu. The consequences of this dysrhythmia are the physical and psychological disruptions typical of jet travel and shift work. Internal attributions of illness and deficiency, promoted by the medical model and the popular media, have transformed these disruptions into a universal "deficiency disease." The model represents a theoretical integration and synthesis of diverse and, historically, unrelated areas; it is presented in order to promote empirical research on the causes, correlates, and interventions of menopausal symptoms.