One Size Does Not Fit All

I’ve never found this statement to be true. Whether it’s on a t-shirt tag or a medical protocol to treat a woman experiencing perimenopause. 

Instead, perimenopause is like potpourri … reach in for a handful, and none of it is the same.

I recently spoke with my 75-year-old mom about her experiences with menopause. She explained it consisted of hot flashes, and that was about it.  Her recollections about what her mom went through were limited because the topic wasn’t discussed much back then.  

I spoke to another female friend who commented that her overall body strength had diminished, but when she started working out, she felt so much better. Yet another woman experienced terrible sleep issues, and despite working out six days a week, the bathroom scale won’t budge.

It is frustrating. While our medical professionals possess extensive knowledge, it is sometimes not enough. Therefore, women must educate themselves and then move forward by applying what they’ve learned about menopause.

If you feel you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), find a medical professional who will help guide you through that process.  Where to start?  The Menopause Society Homepage is a resource that can direct you to a medical practitioner in your area. For example, in my home state of Ohio, there are 135 such medical pros listed. And when scheduling an appointment, be sure to ask the question: Are there medical professionals on staff who are well-versed in menopause?  

According to recent stats (October 2024) from the World Economic Forum, women will spend 25% more of their lives in poor health compared to men, and as of 2020, only 1% of healthcare research beyond oncology was focused on female-specific healthcare.  Only 1%! 

Ladies, do not be dismissed. It's time to step up to the microphone and speak up, ask questions, and find out what's the best fit for you.

Kelly Rigo is the creative force behind Menopause Evolution.