Why Aren’t We Talking About Menopause?
Breaking the Silence for Women Over 40
Breaking the Silence on Menopause
Menopause is a natural phase of life that every person with a uterus and ovaries will experience, yet it remains one of the least discussed topics in healthcare. Shockingly, only 35% of women over 40 report that their healthcare provider has talked to them about what to expect during menopause. This lack of communication leaves many women feeling unprepared (and unsupported) for the physical, emotional, and mental changes that accompany this transition.
The silence around menopause a ripple effect of challenges. Women often face symptoms like hot flushes, mood changes, sleep disruptions, and decreased libido without understanding why they occur or how to manage them. Without proper guidance, they may not realize that effective treatments and lifestyle modifications are available to help manage these symptoms.
So, why is menopause still a taboo topic in healthcare?
One significant reason is the stigma around aging and women’s health. Society often associates menopause with aging, leading many women hesitant or ashamed to discuss their symptoms openly.
This discomfort is compounded by limited menopause education in healthcare settings, where providers may not prioritized these conversations during routine appointments. This communication gap can leave women without essential guidance, missing opportunities for early intervention, symptom management, and emotional support during this critical life stage.
Here are three ways to take control of your menopause journey:
Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Reliable resources and evidence-based articles can provide valuable insights into managing symptoms and understanding treatment options, empowering you to take control of your health journey.
Start the Conversation: Don’t wait for your healthcare provider to bring up menopause. Be proactive and ask questions about what to expect, available treatments, and lifestyle changes that can help.
Seek Specialized Care: If your current provider isn’t addressing your concerns, consider consulting a menopause specialist. Menopause Society Certified Practitioners, like Nicole at nPower Health, are trained to provide personalized care and evidence-based solutions for women in perimenopause and menopause.
It’s time to break the silence around menopause and empower women with the information and support they deserve. If you’re ready to take charge of your health, book a telehealth appointment with nPower Health today. Together, we can navigate this journey with confidence and clarity.
REFERENCES:
Long, Michelle, et al. "Women's Experiences with Provider Communication and Interactions in Health Care Settings: Results from the 2022 KFF Women's Health Survey." KFF. 2023
Australasian Menopause Society: https://www.menopause.org.au
The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS): https://www.menopause.org
"Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society" - A peer-reviewed journal providing evidence-based research on menopause and midlife health.
Australian College of Nurse Practitioners: https://www.acnp.org.au