*Content authored by HotPause Health Medical Advisor and Mental Health Expert Dr. Joanna Sattin
Introduction- Meet Dr. Joanna Sattin
Hi ladies! I’m Dr. Joanna Sattin, a mental health expert and psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I’m coming to you as a woman going through this transition myself, as well as a psychotherapist who encounters life up close and personal with my perimenopausal and menopausal clients in both individual and group therapy.
The Menopause Mystery
When I think about menopause and treating women entering this phase of life, the thing that strikes me most is how in-the-dark many of us feel. Why is this the case? It's a complicated answer, rooted in historical and cultural factors. For centuries, the medical community has prioritized men's health, often neglecting the unique needs and experiences of women. This has resulted in a significant gap in knowledge and understanding about menopause. Medical research has traditionally focused on male subjects, leaving a void in the training of healthcare providers regarding female-specific health issues. Furthermore, the topic of menopause itself has been cloaked in stigma. In many cultures, there is an unspoken rule that women's health issues, especially those related to aging and reproductive changes, are not to be openly discussed. This cultural silence has perpetuated a sense of shame and embarrassment surrounding menopause, making it difficult for women to seek information and support. The symptoms of menopause can vary widely and affect many aspects of life, including physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and professional performance. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes are just a few of the challenges that women may face. Yet, because menopause is not frequently discussed in medical consultations or public discourse, many women feel isolated and unsure about what to expect or how to manage these symptoms effectively.
Lack of Awareness and Training
Many women find that even their female doctors and therapists aren’t directly asking them about menopause. Statistics show that only 31.3% of obstetric and gynecology residency programs reported having menopause curriculum. Therefore, menopause is often shrouded in mystery, talked about in hushed tones or jokey complaints amongst friends, as if discussing it in public or with professionals would be uncouth.
Cultural Silence and Shame
The silence around menopause leaves many women feeling quietly shameful about it. This is a quintessential female experience: internalizing the message that the challenges we face (as a result of a natural and universal physiological experience for females) is somehow our fault, our dirty little secret, another damn thing we are responsible for figuring out how to manage on our own.
A Call for Change
Fortunately, the collective hum of this discourse is slowly but surely increasing in volume. With all of your voices in the mix, we can finally turn a corner toward widespread awareness and care for menopausal women. It’s time for the Wizard of Menopause to step out from behind the curtain to reveal she is all of us! (Kidding, kind of). In all seriousness, I believe that if we become more aware of what’s happening in our bodies, more empowered to ask for what we need from our providers and loved ones, and more comfortable talking openly with one another about what it’s really like being us—physically, emotionally, relationally, sexually, professionally—we will flourish through this dynamic time of life.
Let the Conversation Begin!
Let’s start the conversation. By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can create a community of understanding and empowerment. Together, we can navigate menopause with confidence and care. So let me know in the comments what questions you have and what you want to learn more about.
