The New Menopause

Failed Support

Many women have experienced the frustration of feeling dismissed when discussing their menopausal symptoms with health care providers. Haver addresses this issue head-on, highlighting that, too often, doctors respond with comments like, “It’s just a natural part of aging; get over it,” or “It’s all in your head.” Such responses can leave women feeling invalidated and confused about options for managing their menopause-related symptoms.

Any physician who is going to promote themselves as a women’s health care provider should know how to have an informed discussion on the topic of menopause.Mary Claire Haver

Haver points out several reasons why women don’t get the support or care they need — starting with the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and the inadequate training in menopause care. Research from Johns Hopkins supports her argument, showing that nearly 80% of medical residents feel “barely comfortable” discussing menopause, much less treating it. The fact that each woman experiences menopause differently, symptom expression can vary widely, and gender bias can lead doctors to minimize the degree to which symptoms are impeding women’s lives, can also act as hurdles when seeking care. Haver emphasizes that a better understanding of menopause among health care providers is essential for delivering effective care.