Menopause Is Having A Moment

Menopause is having a moment—it’s about time! I’ve personally been having a moment for the last eight years. I’ve had four different doctors, been prescribed experimental supplements that left my joints so swollen I could barely walk, I herniated my lumbar spine, experienced massive hair loss, night sweats, joint pain, brain fog, headaches, and vertigo. I’ve been told my issues are neurological and that it’s just part of “being this age.” Not to mention, I’ve spent thousands of dollars seeking care that’s not covered by insurance and hundreds of hours suffering, wondering if maybe it’s all just in my head.

Menopause Statistics

Did you know that the U.S. population is 340 million, and 50.5% of that—169 million people—are women? And 100% of those women will go through or have already gone through menopause. It’s staggering to realize that, until recently, there has been almost no funding, research, education, or discussion on this topic. A 2019 Mayo Clinic survey of medical residents found that 58% received only one lecture on menopause, and 20% had received no menopause training at all—none, zero, zilch! I don’t know about you, but mind blown. How is this possible?

Understanding Estrogen Loss – Why It Matters

What’s really happening to a woman’s body during menopause, and why is it so important that we understand these changes?

During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, leading to a significant decrease in estrogen and progesterone production. Declining estrogen levels are the primary cause of menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, brain fog, vertigo, heart palpitations, and joint pain, to name just a few.

What Happens When Estrogen Drops?

• Increased risk of heart disease – Changes in cholesterol levels (increasing LDL—bad cholesterol—and decreasing HDL—good cholesterol), blood vessel function, and inflammation in the body.
• Bone loss – Can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.
• Sleep disturbances – Contributes to insomnia, fatigue, muscle recovery issues, and weakened immunity.
• Brain function decline – Decreased serotonin and dopamine levels, which can contribute to depression and anxiety. A Yale University study found that more than 20% of neurons disappeared in major brain areas that produce dopamine.
• Decreased libido and loss of intimacy – 68% of divorces are initiated by women at this stage in their lives.
• Mental health challenges – Most women report experiencing anxiety or depression.

These changes significantly affect a woman’s overall health, both physically and mentally. Two-thirds of those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are women, one in six women will experience a hip fracture in their lifetime, and the majority of nursing home residents are women.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Health and Wellbeing

Educate yourself – Knowledge is power. Some great resources:

• The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver
• How to Menopause by Tamsen Fadal
• The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi
• The groundbreaking PBS documentary The M Factor

When I read the first few pages of The New Menopause, I literally began to cry. Dr. Haver completely encapsulated how I was feeling, helping me feel seen and understood.

Find a quality healthcare provider – One who listens to you and considers your symptoms as part of your treatment plan. I recently started seeing a provider specializing in women’s hormone health at Midi Health, where you can have a consult online. They accept many insurance plans, and it has been a game changer for me. I’m now on FDA-approved HRT, fully covered by insurance, and I feel like myself again!

Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – While it’s not for everyone, HRT can reduce or eliminate symptoms, support brain function, protect bone health, and help restore a sense of self.

Incorporate strength training – This builds bone density, improves sleep, and even enhances brain function. I strength train four times a week, and I can see a difference in my body shape, feel stronger, and sleep better on training days.

Seek out community support – There are Facebook groups, local discussion groups, and online forums where women share their experiences and frustrations. I talk about menopause daily now—something I never would have done years ago—and it makes a huge difference in feeling less alone.

Communicate with your spouse, partner, or family – Those closest to you can’t be supportive if they don’t understand what you’re going through. I’ve been sharing statistics with my husband and explaining how I feel—it has really helped us connect.

Most importantly, advocate for yourself! – You are not alone in this anymore. This is not “all in your head”—it’s real, and it will happen to 100% of the female population.

Celebrate This Moment

If you had told me eight years ago that I’d be openly discussing menopause, that my HRT would be covered by insurance, and that I’d be proud to celebrate this stage of life, I would have told you that you were out of your mind.

The good news? We are turning a corner on menopause research, education, and awareness. We no longer need to hide, suffer in silence, or feel ashamed. By incorporating best practices as we age, we can improve longevity and quality of life.

Women in their post-menopausal years are thriving in remarkable ways:

• Increased Financial Influence: As of 2020, women control approximately one-third of total U.S. household financial assets, amounting to over $10 trillion. Projections indicate that by 2030, American women are expected to control much of the $30 trillion in financial assets that baby boomers will possess, marking a significant shift in economic power.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Financial necessity, desire for flexibility, and frustrations with workplace biases have led many women to start their own businesses. Research indicates that entrepreneurs in their 50s and older are twice as likely to be successful as those in their 20s, likely due to their years of experience, leadership abilities, and greater clarity and purpose.
• Stronger Social Connections: Women over 50 often report robust social networks, engaging in community groups, and forming powerful support systems. These connections contribute to enhanced well-being and a sense of belonging.
• A Legacy of Change: Women in this stage of life are advocating for better healthcare, breaking the stigma around menopause, and leading initiatives for future generations. Their efforts are instrumental in ensuring that menopause is no longer a silent struggle. In February of this year, Dr. Lisa Mosconi and Wellcome Leap announced a $50 million dollar research program to study the link in declining estrogen and accelerated changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s Disease to assist in prediction, personalization and prevention of this deadly disease.
• This is not an ending—it’s a beginning. We are stepping into an era where knowledge, health, and empowerment are at the forefront. By embracing our strength, wisdom, and resilience, we are proving that life after menopause is about growth, purpose, and fulfillment.

Let’s start conversations, support one another, and change the narrative around menopause.

Follow me here at RestlessUrban and let’s connect on Instagram at “lauraessexlivehappy”.

You matter. Women’s health matters.