Overcoming Menopause Stigma and Advocating for Better Health

In a recent study of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, 40% reported experiencing shame, while 83% felt stigmatized due to their symptoms. This two-way avoidance of discussion between patients and clinicians has left many women feeling isolated with unmanaged or mismanaged symptoms.

A Cultural Shift

Social media has recently emerged as a platform for unity, empowerment, and education for this overlooked community. Influencers are promoting aging positivity by sharing content on gray hair, nutritious eating, exercise, meditation, sex, and fashion after menopause. This movement is helping women embrace aging without shame or stigma.

Dr. Karen Tang, a board-certified gynecologist, highlights the importance of acknowledging menopause symptoms and providing treatment options. She emphasizes the need for education, research, and advocacy within the medical community to help women live their best lives during this stage.

Redefining Women's Health

To sustain the ongoing cultural shift, it is essential to broaden the scope of women's health beyond pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified ob/gyn, points out the disparity in academic research, noting that out of 1.1 million medical articles on women's health, only 97,000 are related to menopause and 6,500 to perimenopause.

Dr. Sharon Malone, another board-certified ob/gyn, explains the different stages of menopause and the importance of understanding each phase. Education for both patients and clinicians is crucial for proper symptom management and treatment.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Controversial History

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) became popular in the 1990s for treating menopause symptoms. However, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone trials in the early 2000s led to a significant decline in HRT prescriptions due to concerns about increased breast cancer risk. Dr. Malone criticizes the WHI study for its flawed methodology and urges reevaluation of HRT’s benefits and risks.

Self-Advocacy and Comprehensive Care

Women need to advocate for themselves by seeking doctors knowledgeable about the latest menopause research. Dr. Ashley Winter, a urologist, highlights the importance of addressing menopausal symptoms comprehensively, including those related to the bladder.

Casey Farlow, a registered dietician, recommends dietary adjustments to manage insulin resistance and weight gain associated with menopause. Additionally, menopause doulas like Grace Veras Sealy provide support and information to help women navigate their symptoms and treatment options.

A Brighter Future for Women’s Health

The field of medicine must provide evidence-based solutions that are accessible to all women, especially those of color who often face disparities in treatment. Dr. Malone stresses the need for better care for Black women, who tend to experience more intense menopause symptoms and are less likely to receive HRT.

By embracing a holistic and inclusive approach to women's health, society can ensure that aging women enjoy a better quality of life, free from stigma and shame.