The journey through menopause showed up in my life in stages, in ways I never expected.

I remember first panicking when my menstrual cycle began to change. At the time, I discussed these changes with my female family doctor, but I left with little more than the reassurance that what I was experiencing was “normal” and expected for my age, since I was in my mid-forties.

A wave of heat at a red light

As more menopausal symptoms began to appear, I found myself increasingly confused by what was happening to my body. One day, while I was stopped at a red light, an intense wave of heat suddenly overcame me. Was this the dreaded hot flash I had heard other women complain about or joke about? It turns out it was, and they continued to arrive without warning, regardless of the time or place. They happened during work meetings, while I was grocery shopping, while I exercised, and even as I sat trying to relax after a long, hard day.

I also began experiencing inflammation and weight gain, which slowly undid the hard work I had put into losing weight in previous years. I can’t forget the endless mood swings and brain fog, which seemed to take over at the most inconvenient times. There were many other symptoms that gradually crept into my life, and these inevitable changes in my body left me feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused.

Caring, but without answers

I visited my family doctor many times throughout my journey, particularly around the time my menstrual cycle fully stopped at the age of 50. While I have a very caring doctor, she unfortunately did not offer specific tests, strategies, or resources to help me navigate this difficult time.

I turned to Google and social media in search of answers. I followed online influencers, sifted through endless information, and tried countless “hacks” in the hope that something would make a difference. But the truth is, very little actually helped.

What I needed was validation.

I needed answers to important questions that were specific to my body and my personal experience. Most importantly, I needed options and knowledgeable guidance to help me navigate the storm.

What we deserve

I am grateful to have made it through those years in the best way I knew how. The female experience is truly fascinating, complex, and incredibly powerful. We deserve access to accurate, meaningful information and to healthcare professionals who are equipped with the knowledge and resources to support, educate, and empower us. We deserve care that recognizes what we are experiencing and provides us with the options and treatment we need to move through this stage of life with confidence.