Menopause Is Having a Moment—And It’s About Time

Menopause Is Having a Moment—And It’s About Time

Let’s talk about something that impacts half the population but still feels like a whispered topic: menopause.

I recently read an article by Rebecca Mead in The New Yorker called “Menopause Is Having a Moment,” and it really hit home. It dives into how our culture—yet again—is finally paying attention to menopause, but this time, maybe we won’t let the conversation die down. (Fingers crossed.)

So what’s going on?

Mead highlights how women entering perimenopause often feel blindsided. Think brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes—the full menu. And because we don’t talk about it enough, many women feel alone or assume something else must be wrong. The truth? It’s just hormones doing their thing—but no one handed us a roadmap.

She also points out how this isn’t new. Back in the ’90s, Gail Sheehy’s book The Silent Passage tried to spark a public conversation. And here we are, 30 years later, still fighting for clarity, support, and decent care around menopause.

The medical piece? Big.
For years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was basically a no-go for patients because most healthcare providers feared links to breast cancer risk. But those of us who have been and continue to be MSCP’s (Menopause Society Certified Practitioners) have understood the science-backed literature even in the early 2000’s and the newer studies that are showing that for many women, HRT can be safe and life-changing when used thoughtfully. The problem? Not enough providers are comfortable prescribing it, and way too many women are left to Google their symptoms at 3 a.m.

Key Takeaways I Want You to Know:

✅ You are not crazy, lazy, or falling apart—you might be in perimenopause.
✅ We need to stop whispering and start sharing real, clear info about what this transition feels like—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
✅ Medical support matters: Advocate for yourself. If your provider isn’t listening, find one who will. HRT and other options deserve a fair, science-backed conversation.
✅ You’re not alone—not even close. There’s a whole community of us waking up to the fact that this stage of life needs attention, not silence.

This isn’t just a phase to survive. It’s a stage that deserves respect, support, and empowerment. Let’s keep talking about it.

Source: Rebecca Mead. “Menopause Is Having a Moment.” The New Yorker, March 10, 2025. Link to article