A new, modern menopause movement is underway, mobilized by a diverse coalition of doctors, journalists, and social and racial justice activists, and through the openness of influential leaders including Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross and Oprah Winfrey, among others.
We are here to insist that the sheer potency of this next vital chapter of our lives no longer be overlooked, ignored or squandered. And, urgently, to demand investment in the science that could help solve or at least ameliorate the deep challenges that accompany the transition to menopause: the physical and emotional symptoms endured by millions.
To learn more about the modern menopause movement, we recommend: The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change With Purpose, Power, and Facts by Dr. Mary Claire Haver; Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy by Dr. Sharon Malone; and The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence by Dr. Lisa Mosconi.
1. The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change With Purpose, Power, and Facts
By Dr. Mary Claire Haver
An OB-GYN and menopause specialist with a robust social media following, Haver makes evidence-based educational videos that are equal parts medicine and moxie. Her book empowers patients to advocate for midlife wellness in the doctor’s office and beyond.
2. Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy
By Dr. Sharon Malone
Malone is chief medical adviser at Alloy Women’s Health and an OB-GYN with more than 30 years of practice. Her book is part medical memoir, part practical advice, with an indispensable resource guide (and a killer playlist to boot). The perimenopause and menopause sections are compelling and comprehensive; so, too, is her advice on how to choose a doctor, map one’s family health history and understand the health needs and realities of Black women in the U.S.
3. The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence
By Dr. Lisa Mosconi
Mosconi is a world-renowned neuroscientist and expert in women’s brain health. Her perspective is fascinating and practical in unraveling how menopause and hormones do not just impact the ovaries but also our brains.
Essential Resources
- Alloy is a digital platform providing access to accurate information; board-certified menopause-trained doctors; community and conversation; and science-backed solutions.
- Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause is a multidisciplinary platform centering the stories and needs of Black women, femmes, nonbinary, genderqueer and gender-expansive people.
- Let’s Talk Menopause aims to change the conversation around menopause by helping create a world in which menopause is broadly understood and comprehensive menopause care is standard.
- The National Menopause Foundation houses the Women’s Midlife Health Policy Institute to help advance research, education and public policies related to menopause.
- The Swell is a learning platform and community of “curious, kind, soulful, humble, kickass, fearless and generous humans who are leaning into the second half of their lives.”
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Ms. magazine. Join the Ms. community today and you’ll get the Summer issue delivered straight to your mailbox.
Up next:
U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms. has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you. For as little as $5 each month, you’ll receive the print magazine along with our e-newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to Ms. Studios events and podcasts. We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity.
