How the Undertreatment of Menopause Hurts Us All

Mention the word menopause in public, and you will likely hear a snicker somewhere. Women themselves joke about needing a fan as a way of deflecting their discomfort, but menopause is not a laughing matter. It is a medical issue that needs to be discussed without laughter or reproach. After all, more than half of the population on Earth will encounter menopause and need information about how to stay healthy and comfortable.

I don’t know about other women, but when I have approached my doctors about symptoms, including women doctors, I have had little luck in getting any helpful feedback or advice. And, I am the one who has to bring up the topic. Doesn’t it seem like your doctor should be asking you questions about your menstrual cycles and reproductive system regularly? It is, after all, an important part of your overall physical and psychological health.

Some Data

An AARP survey of over 1500 women found that nearly one-third of women over 40 do not receive information on menopause from their primary care provider. Only 50% of the women in the survey had ever discussed menopause with their doctor, and for those aged 40–49, that percentage dropped to 35%.

The top symptoms that women reported as interfering with their lives were hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia…