I recently hosted an event with the Emmy award-winning journalist and author Tamsen Fadal in support of her incredible new book, How To Menopause. 

The discussion centered on Tamsen’s journey through menopause and her mission to educate and empower women. She opened up about how she was blindsided by menopause symptoms in her 40s. 

Like so many women, she was frustrated by the lack of support and guidance from her doctors. That frustration became the catalyst for her powerful documentary The M Factor, which has since sparked a global movement to raise awareness and drive real change.

One of the most striking moments from our discussion was the shocking lack of formal medical training on menopause. Many of the doctors that Tamsen interviewed for her book admitted they had received little to no education on the topic, leaving women to figure it out on their own.

However, Tamsen’s book doesn’t just focus on the medical side of menopause—her approach is holistic. She talks about the impact menopause has on relationships, our identities, and overall well-being. It includes a comprehensive take on everything from skin and hair changes to learning how to set boundaries and redefine who we are in this new phase of life.

Equally important was our conversation around the power of community.

During the event, women shared their personal stories of finding comfort and strength in connecting with others going through similar experiences. The evening was nothing short of enlightening, and I walked away with so much to reflect on.

Looking ahead, I’m filled with hope and excitement about the menopause movement. Women are no longer willing to suffer in silence. We’re sharing our stories, advocating for change, and supporting each other like never before.

Here are the top takeaways I want to share with you:

1. Advocate for Yourself: Don’t be afraid to challenge your doctor if their advice doesn’t feel right. Be persistent in getting the care and testing you need.
2. Build a Support Network: Connect with other women going through menopause – the community and shared experiences can be incredibly empowering.
3. Educate Yourself: Resources like Tamsen’s book and documentary can provide valuable information to help you understand and navigate this transition.
4. Seek Out Specialized Care: Look for healthcare providers, including functional medicine practitioners, who have expertise in menopause and women’s health.
5. Embrace the Transition: Menopause can be a time of personal growth and rediscovery. Reframe it as a “golden” phase of life, not something to be dreaded.
6. Involve Your Partner/Family: Educate your loved ones about what you’re experiencing so they can better understand and support you.
7. Speak Up in the Workplace: Don’t be afraid to have open conversations about menopause-related needs and challenges in a professional setting.
8. Start the Conversation Early: Even younger women can benefit from learning about menopause and preparing for this transition.
9. The anger that many of us feel is not something to hide from or be ashamed of. It’s actually an opportunity—an opportunity to stand up for ourselves, to reclaim our space, and to honor what we’ve been holding in for far too long.