What we can learn from Els's (71) menopause experience

When I read Els's story, it struck a chord with me immediately. Not only because it is so relatable, but also because it painfully highlights how little recognition there was for women experiencing menopause at the time. Women often endured symptoms for years because no one identified what was happening.

When I worked in a pharmacy in the early 2000s, I began to notice gradual changes. But even now, I still hear women say, “I thought it was just part of life.” That resonates deeply with me. Because there is so much that can be done to ease menopause symptoms.

What Els describes is something I still encounter regularly in practice. Women who endured symptoms for years simply because no one identified what was happening. Because they themselves believed it was “just part of life.” And it wasn’t due to a lack of willingness. The internet was still in its infancy and offered no information about menopause. No platforms, no shared stories from other women. You had to figure it out on your own. During my time working in the pharmacy, oestrogen patches were often prescribed. Tailored treatments, customised to each woman’s situation? Those were rare, and even now, there is room for improvement. It was hardly discussed. Knowledge about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for each woman—based on age, medical history, or time since the last period—was largely absent.

Then, in 2002, the WHI study (Women’s Health Initiative) was published. It was an influential but partially misunderstood study. The initial results were widely reported: an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The outcome? Years of caution among doctors. Only much later did it become clear that the timing of starting HRT is crucial. Women who begin HRT within 10 years of their last period do not have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may even experience health benefits.

HRT does carry small risks. Read more about it in our blog:
What do we now know about the health risks of HRT?

Fortunately, much has improved. There is more research, knowledge, and openness. Women now have a better understanding of what is happening to their bodies. They are more likely to talk, ask questions, and share experiences. And doctors are becoming more aware of the impact menopause has on daily life.

What we now have:

• Up-to-date knowledge about menopause symptoms, hormone therapy, and timing.
• Bioidentical hormones, which function like natural hormones and, when applied through the skin, carry less risk of thrombosis compared to oral therapy.
• Greater emphasis on lifestyle: nutrition, exercise, and supplements can help alleviate symptoms.
• Platforms and communities where women can access reliable information and support.
• A growing societal conversation, with public figures helping to bring menopause into the spotlight.

But we are not there yet.

There is still no structured focus on menopause in medical education. And many women still doubt themselves: “Am I overreacting?” That thought, that deeply ingrained reflex to minimise their own needs, remains pervasive.

Women like Els were taught not to complain. But even today, I still hear too often: “I thought it was just part of life.” And that resonates with me. Because no, severe symptoms are not just part of life. And you don’t have to endure them. There is so much that can be done.

What I want women to know
Your body is changing. Your hormones are changing. That has an impact—physically and emotionally. What you can do:

• Take yourself seriously: Your symptoms are real and deserve attention.
• Prepare for conversations: Write down your symptoms. Think about the questions you want to ask.
• Ask questions: Enquire whether your symptoms could be related to menopause and what treatments are available.
• Read reliable information about symptoms and treatments: Platforms like SeeMe-nopause are here to support you.
• Seek connection: You are not alone. In personal stories, forums, or conversations with other women, you will often find recognition and practical advice.

Els is not an exception. She is one of many who silently sought control. Women who thought, “I just have to get through it.” While we now know it can be different. That symptoms can be alleviated. That you can feel more empowered when you understand what is happening and what you can do.

The interview we published with Els shows how far we’ve come. My hope is that we continue moving towards a future where no woman has to wonder, “What is happening to me?” without an answer, without support, without control.

Menopause is a natural but often challenging stage of life. If your symptoms are managed, this period can even feel like a time of growth—a phase of reflection, development, and enrichment. And I wish that for every woman.

Let me conclude with Els’s own words: