There was a time, not so long ago, when menopause was whispered about in hushed tones, if discussed at all. Women suffered in silence, often feeling isolated and confused about the changes happening in their bodies. But times are changing, and I’m here to add my voice to the growing chorus of women who are speaking up and demanding better care, better understanding, and better solutions.

My Story

Like many women, my menopause journey isn’t simple. It began with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), which required medication to manage. After starting Sertraline (generic Zoloft), I found myself dealing with unwanted side effects, particularly impacting my intimate relationship with my husband. It’s a common experience, but one that’s rarely discussed openly – the delicate balance between managing mental health and maintaining a healthy sex life.

Now, I’m working with my doctor to transition to Bupropion, hoping to find that sweet spot where my PMDD is controlled without sacrificing other aspects of my well-being. It’s a journey of trial and error, and importantly, it’s one where I’m taking an active role in the decision-making process.

But PMDD isn’t my only challenge. After having four children and developing fibroids, my menstrual bleeding became so heavy that it was controlling my life. Let me be clear: no woman should have to plan their entire existence around “that time of the month.” It’s not acceptable, and it’s not something we should normalize.

Taking Control

I’m making changes. The birth control pills I was using to manage the bleeding are being replaced with a Mirena IUD. This decision came after careful research and discussion with my healthcare providers. The IUD will help control the bleeding while delivering just one type of hormone, unlike the birth control pill’s multiple hormone approach. This change will also allow me to explore hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for other menopause symptoms.

The Power of Information and Community

Ten years ago, finding reliable information about menopause was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Today, we’re fortunate to have access to more resources, research, and most importantly, communities of women sharing their experiences. This shift in societal openness about women’s health issues is revolutionary, but we need to keep the momentum going.

A Call to Action

To every woman reading this, I want you to know:

1. You are your own best advocate. Don’t be afraid to speak up and demand answers.

2. If your primary care physician isn’t addressing your concerns adequately, seek a second opinion. Or a third. Keep going until you find a healthcare provider who listens.

3. Do your research. Join communities of women who are going through similar experiences. Share your story and learn from others.

4. Question everything. Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal or that you have to accept it.

Looking Forward

I’m still on my journey to finding the right combination of treatments that will help me feel like myself again. It’s not always easy, but I’m hopeful. The landscape of menopause care is changing, and we’re part of that change. Every time we speak up, every time we share our stories, we’re helping to break down the barriers of silence and stigma that have surrounded menopause for far too long.

Remember: your health matters. Your quality of life matters. Your relationships matter. Don’t let anyone minimize your experiences or concerns. We deserve healthcare that takes all aspects of our lives into account, and we shouldn’t settle for less.

The conversation about menopause is finally happening, but it’s up to us to keep it going. Share your stories. Ask your questions. Demand better care. Together, we’re creating the change we need to see in women’s healthcare.