Menopause should not be treated as a disease

In a series of compelling articles published in The Lancet, researchers are advocating for a radical shift in the way menopause is perceived and managed. Central to their argument is the notion that menopause should not be treated as a disease but rather as a natural part of life that deserves a holistic and informed approach to care.

Rethinking Menopause Management

The essay at the heart of The Lancet's series on menopause challenges the conventional medicalization of this life stage. Highlighting that one in eight people is postmenopausal and around 50 million women enter menopause each year, the authors call for an end to the pathology of menopause. They argue for enhanced education, exploration of non-medical interventions, and broader research beyond pharmaceutical interests.

A Multifaceted Approach to Menopause

The subsequent papers in the series delve into strategies for improving mental health during the menopause transition, optimizing health post-early menopause, and navigating menopause after cancer treatment. A striking feature of The Lancet's initiative is the publication of a visual arts project showcasing portraits of naked 50-year-old women, selected from a series of 500 photos. This project aims to foster a more empowered portrayal of older women, challenging the stigma associated with aging.

Shifting Perspectives

Martha Hickey, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Melbourne and the lead author, emphasizes menopause as a normal part of aging. She criticizes the global narrative that pathologizes the menopause experience, urging for a more nuanced understanding that respects individual differences.

Beyond Hormone Therapy

Andrea LaCroix, an epidemiologist and one of the essay's authors, reflects on the post-2002 landscape, where hormone replacement therapy (HRT) became controversial due to its associated health risks. Despite a resurgence in HRT's popularity, LaCroix advocates for diversity in menopause management, stressing the importance of informed choice and the exploration of various treatments.

Toward Inclusive Research and Education

The call for a comprehensive approach to menopause care is echoed by reproductive health advocates who lament the lack of training on menopause management for healthcare professionals. Omisade Burney-Scott, creator of the Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause, highlights the need for research that considers the historical and environmental stressors uniquely impacting women of color.

Changing Cultural Narratives

The Lancet series underscores the importance of societal attitudes towards women and aging in shaping menopause experiences. Rachel Weiss, founder of Menopause Café, points out that in societies where older women are respected, symptoms are often less debilitating. This observation suggests that cultural perceptions play a significant role in menopause treatment and experience.

A New Paradigm for Menopause Care

The series challenges the medical community and society at large to rethink menopause care. By advocating for a holistic approach that values education, diverse treatment options, and cultural sensitivity, The Lancet series invites us to reimagine menopause not as a medical condition to be treated but as a natural and significant phase of women's lives.