“Why is it so hard to find information about this?” my clients in peri/menopause ask me with earnest desperation. My usual retort? “Well, consider the fact 100 years ago, the average life expectancy for women was 60. So, the minute someone started to complain of hot flashes or night sweats, funerals were planned”.
It’s not just my dark attempt at humor. It’s a comment on just how behind the state of women’s reproductive health is as compared to that of men’s. There are enormous disparities in research because up until very recently, all of it was being suggested, administered, evaluated and authored by men. This has huge implications for practice and care. Consider that – even today – medical students spend one day or less on menopause throughout their ENTIRE training career.
Fortunately, there are many doctors, scientists, educators and activists who are speaking out in support of women and the care we require in order to live whole and healthful lives. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, conversations about peri/menopause seem to be everywhere! Social media, tv, film, print – you name it. We’re finally having our day in the sun! Even some celebrities have gotten into the game: Naomi Watts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Stacey London…the list goes on. They’re helping to validate our experiences and promote awareness of the issues, which is a far cry from where we were just a few short years ago.
But…before you take advice from Tik Tok or a book that promises something that seems too good to be true, think critically:
- Is the information you’re consuming provided by a Certified Menopause Practitioner? The North American Menopause Society, or NAMS, is a good place to seek out information and a list of providers.
- Are the tips you see on an Insta account evidence-based (and if that’s the claim, can you independently prove it)?
- When you visit a website, or listen to an influencer promote a product, does it seem way more committed to taking your money for products that don’t have scientific backing than actually giving you solid advice?
Don’t get me wrong – there’s plenty of reputable guidance out there, and anything that encourages women to support one another is a good idea! But when it comes to getting help for both physical and behavioral symptoms, you owe it to yourself to see a specialist. (This helpful chart outlines the full array of menopause symptoms and the treatment options available.)
Here at Maze, our Certified Menopause Practitioners are experts at treating both your physical symptoms (such as hot flashes, low libido and weight gain) as well as emotional symptoms (including anxiety, depression and lack of motivation). Together, our team works to support your path toward feeling better, particularly if your peri/menopause symptoms are disrupting your quality of life.
Contact us today and arrange a free 10-minute phone consult with one of our menopause experts. We can help you decide which treatment might be right for you.