It took centuries of neglect, misunderstanding, and slow progress before women were able to access the resources they needed to navigate this natural phase of life. Yet here we are in 2024, living in an age where the conversation around menopause is more open, informed, and supportive than ever before.
As we commemorate Menopause Awareness Month in 2024, it’s essential to reflect on where we started, how far we’ve come, and where we still need to go. So, where are we standing now, and what can we be proud of when it comes to menopause awareness, research, and treatment? Let’s take a journey through the history of menopause and explore the stigma, the progress, and the areas that still need attention.
Menopause Through History
Sit tight, as we plunge into a part of history that never appeared in our history books. On our first stop, we take a look at France:
The Birth of a Word
Like many ideas considered radical in their age, the word menopause first appeared in France. The term “menopause” didn’t even exist until 1821, when it was first introduced by Charles-Pierre-Louis de Gardanne, a French physician. Gardanne used the word to describe the natural end of a woman’s reproductive years, a concept that society had previously only vaguely pointed at.
Ancestors of HRT
Menopause didn’t begin with de Gardanne. Across ancient cultures, women experienced menopause, but it was largely ignored or misunderstood by the broader society. Remedies to alleviate the symptoms of menopause were often derived from nature. In Native American societies, women used Black cohosh to manage symptoms, while in Chinese medicine, wild yams were popular—both of which contained compounds similar to modern hormone replacement therapies.
As Western medicine progressed, physicians began to take an interest in the symptoms associated with menopause. Unfortunately, this newfound interest led to problematic theories about why menopause caused such a wide range of symptoms.
The Growth of a Stigma
Unfortunately, many 19th century physicians did as the typical 19th century physician does: they blamed women for their menopause symptoms. Menopause, they suggested, was caused or worsened by lifestyle choices. In the 19th century, upper-class women were believed to bring menopause upon themselves through habits such as reading unethical novels, indulging in rich food and drink, attending concerts and theaters, and lounging on cushions instead of engaging in domestic duties.
A Slow Progress
Yet, despite this stigma, the medical community was making slow progress. In 1886, two doctors in Germany made a breakthrough when they began prescribing oral therapy using bovine ovarian tissue to menopausal women. This early form of hormone therapy resulted in a dramatic reduction in sexual dysfunction and other symptoms. It wasn’t long before pharmaceutical companies like Merck & Company took note and began producing marketable HRT derived from cow ovaries.
Back to 2024: A New Era of Menopause Awareness
Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape of menopause has changed dramatically. We are now living in an era of information, activism, and innovation, where women are empowered to take control of their health and well-being during menopause. So, what has changed, and what can we be proud of?
1. Today, We Talk
Perhaps one of the most significant advancements is the open dialogue surrounding menopause. We are no longer hiding behind closed doors, ashamed to discuss this natural stage of life.
Since 2009, we have recognized Menopause Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about menopause. Today, women can talk openly about their experiences, challenges, and solutions without fear of judgment.
2. Today, We Explore
Another major shift has been the increase in research and funding for menopause-related studies. Doctors and researchers are now exploring new ways to alleviate symptoms and improve women’s quality of life during menopause. This research is crucial for developing personalized care plans that cater to the unique needs of each woman.
3. Today, We Demand
In recent years, menopause activists have played a key role in pushing for greater awareness and support for women going through menopause. These activists have encouraged companies to adopt workplace policies that accommodate menopausal employees, ensuring that women have the support they need during this transitional phase of life.
4. Today, We Receive
The development of new medications and treatments has also transformed the menopause experience. In addition to traditional HRT, there are now a variety of treatments available that can help women manage their symptoms. From new hormone therapies to non-hormonal options, women have more choices than ever before when it comes to managing their health during menopause. Clinics specializing in menopause care have also emerged, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each woman’s specific needs.
5. Today, We Learn
Perhaps the most important advancement has been the increase in education surrounding menopause. Women today are more informed than ever before about what menopause is, what symptoms to expect, and what their options are for treatment. Education empowers women to take control of their health and make informed decisions about how to manage their symptoms.
What We Need to Do Better
While we’ve made significant strides in menopause awareness and treatment, there is still work to be done. Here are some of the areas where we need to improve:
We Need Better Doctor-Patient Communication
Many women report that their doctors fail to provide adequate information or guidance when it comes to menopause. Too often, doctors dismiss or downplay the severity of menopausal symptoms, leaving women feeling unsupported. For instance, the Menopause Practice Standards updated on June 29, 2022 have shifted to suggest that treatment duration should be individualized, yet many doctors are still reluctant to prescribe HRT beyond five years.
Everyone Should Be Involved
While some countries have made great strides in menopause awareness, many parts of the world still lag behind. Women from African and Asian backgrounds, for example, are less likely to seek medical help for menopause, often turning to alternative remedies instead. We need to expand menopause awareness and treatment to ensure that all women, regardless of their location or background, have access to the care and support they need.
We Need Accurate Diagnoses
One of the most common complaints from women is that their symptoms are often misdiagnosed. General practitioners sometimes attribute menopausal symptoms to other conditions, such as depression or gynecological issues. This can lead to women suffering for years without receiving the appropriate treatment.
We Need Education
While education about menopause has improved, there are still gaps in awareness, particularly among certain demographics. Studies show that the majority of women seeking help for menopause are white, well-educated women. There’s a clear need for broader education and outreach to ensure that women from all walks of life have the knowledge and resources to navigate menopause successfully.
What YOU Can Do for Menopause Awareness This Year
Menopause Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to continue the conversation and spread awareness. Here’s how you can make a difference this year:
- Talk About It: Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and knowledge about menopause with others. Whether it’s in your workplace, social circles, or online communities, open conversations help to break down the stigma and ensure that menopause is treated with the respect and attention it deserves.
- Advocate for Change: Encourage your workplace to adopt menopause-friendly policies. Whether it’s offering flexible hours, access to healthcare resources, or simply creating a supportive environment, every step counts.
- Join a Community: Menopause can be an isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Get involved in local or online communities where women are discussing menopause and sharing their experiences.
What Navis Can Do
At Navis, we understand the challenges that women face during menopause, and we’re here to help. Our personalized strategies and expert support ensure that you have the resources you need to manage your symptoms and thrive during menopause. In addition to our personalized care plans, Navis also offers a community platform where women can connect, share their experiences, and find support from others going through the same journey.
Whether you’re tracking your symptoms, looking for advice, or simply seeking connection, Navis is here to guide you every step of the way. For more information, follow us on social media or reach out with any questions. Together, we can make menopause a more manageable and empowering experience for women everywhere.
