Wies: “Trending in 2024? Menopause!”

A seismic shift seems to be taking place in women's health and, in particular, how we approach menopause. Considered taboo until recently, the topic of menopause is gaining more traction every passing day. Famous authors and healthcare professionals are writing about it, laws are being crafted, and informative apps and websites like ours are gaining popularity. This is what we have been waiting for all these years! 

It seems like the time of frustrations and ignorance surrounding the subject of menopause is behind us. A growing number of employers, doctors and government authorities are becoming aware of the importance of understanding the impact of menopausal symptoms and supporting women experiencing them. 

Normalising menopause in society

In January 2024, gynaecologist Dorenda van Dijken launched a major research project on menopause, together with a group of scientists from various hospitals, companies, government organisations and patient associations. One of the aims is to explore how the implementation of menopause policies in society can be improved.  

Menopause in the workplace is also an area of research. It is currently unclear what approach to menopause is most effective. Hormone therapy is not the holy grail. Perhaps workplace adjustments need to be made to accommodate menopausal women, like being open to flexible working or turning menopause into a natural topic of conversation. These are all possibilities.  

The research project will take six to eight years. I think this is fantastic news. My generation is actually the first generation to participate so actively in the labour process. We need to encourage an open dialogue and make sure that future generations are better prepared for menopause. 

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New forms of hormone therapy

New forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are about to come onto the market. For example, NK3R antagonists are rapidly emerging as a promising treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. Unfortunately, they have not yet been tested on women with breast cancer for whom hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated. In addition, a new pill will be available soon containing both natural oestrogen and natural progestin. This is a first of its kind.

More support during the menopausal transition

Menopause as a topic is widely featured in 2024 global trend reports. It's expected that more products and services for menopause management will emerge in the market. Also, personalised menopause support is expected to rise in popularity. Menopause is becoming a hot topic! This calls for a celebration. Time to pop open the champagne!

Who is Wies?

Wies Verbeek (58) is a healthy ageing journalist, founder of website BLOW.nl, and author of ’n Beetje Leuk Ouder Worden, 101 verrassendeenbewezen tips (Ageing Happily, 101 surprising tips that work). And… she’s going through menopause like the rest of us.

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