Hormones can impact our mood, relationships, metabolism, and more during menopause—but how often are women having open conversations about hormonal health?
Most experts agree, it’s not nearly enough.1
In fact, in a nation where approximately 75 million women are somewhere between perimenopause and postmenopause, federal funding for menopause research is still slim, and only 30% of medical education is offered in the form of formal menopause training.2,3,4
Fortunately, while hormone health and menopause may not be society’s favorite hot topic, women can help to break the stigma by speaking up about their symptoms and experiences with others. Additionally, research shows fostering this type of social support may not only help to shape a more positive experience, but may also even lessen some symptoms associated with hormonal transitions, like menopause.5,6
Not sure where to start? Here we’ll cover a few conversational topics surrounding hormone health and menopause that every woman should feel empowered to have with close friends, family or their healthcare provider.
Break the Stigma on Period Talk
From puberty on, it almost seems like a rite of passage to suffer through periods as if they don’t exist.
The reality is that, while it’s not uncommon for periods to feel uncomfortable, some symptoms like intense pain, irregularity, or an abnormally heavy flow may signal underlying conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, thyroid issues, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).7,8
Tracking your cycles and paying closer attention to your symptoms is a great first step in prioritizing your hormone health.9 But talking about and sharing your experiences with a close circle can help others understand what’s normal (or not normal) and encourage them to seek further support if necessary.10
Birth Control That’s Right for You
When it comes to birth control, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Studies show that women process hormonal contraceptives differently at systemic and psychological levels.11 From pills to implants, many types of birth control may have certain negative impacts on weight, skin, libido, and mental health – but there are also a plethora of benefits to using these types of contraceptive options – so it’s important to weigh your options appropriately.12
Other research shows that talking about your unique experiences with birth control methods holds more power than you might think. One study found that of the 65% of women in the United States between 15 and 49 years old using a form of contraception, many chose their birth control method based on friend or family recommendations.13,14
This powerful influence is an opportunity for women to share their experiences (good and bad) with friends and loved ones. Opening up about personal experiences with birth control methods may encourage other women to consider alternatives, ask more questions, and seek help if something isn’t working well for them.
It’s Not “Just in Your Head”: Hormones and Mental Health
It’s easy to blame a foul mood or lack of patience on “just your hormones,” but sometimes there's an underlying issue you may be overlooking.
Hormonal conditions like postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and mood disorders due to menopause-related hormonal changes are more than emotional inconveniences— they’re diagnosable conditions that deserve medical attention.15,16
Talking openly about your mental health struggles—whether you’re just having a bad day or facing deeper psychological struggles—may help you feel more supported and less alone during this transitional time.17 Creating space for such conversations may even be a catalyst for finding treatment sooner.18
Hormone Changes in Midlife: Perimenopause & Beyond
More than 1 million women navigate menopause each year in the United States.19
A significant proportion will experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, shifts in mood, sleep disturbances, and more—and having a strong support system may make all the difference in how you manage these symptoms.20
It’s important for women to know that many of these challenges are normal, usually temporary, and almost universally experienced. Discussing hormonal changes experienced during menopause among friend groups may help normalize the topic, foster solidarity, and possibly even decrease the severity of some menopause symptoms.21
Knowing When to Ask for Help
Asking for help may feel vulnerable, but it could serve as a lifeline for women who are struggling with hormonal changes.
Sometimes, this means asking for help with managing daily tasks, like caregiving or household responsibilities. Other times, it means asking for a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.
Opening up to friends about physical changes like hot flashes and low libido may spark conversation about remedies that have worked for others. And talking openly about mood swings, irritability, and more may help others feel supported or realize it’s time to seek professional guidance.
Start the Conversation on Hormone Health
Hormone health doesn’t have to be a secret.
Whether you’re questioning period symptoms or riding the emotional waves of menopause, opening up to a trusted circle of friends or loved ones can make all the difference.
Resources
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause
- https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/
- https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-leads-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-menopause-research-expand-training-and-awareness-around-menopause
- https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/survey-shows-menopause-curriculums-lacking-in-residency-programs
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7696753/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11100633/
- https://health.stonybrookmedicine.edu/endometriosis-vs-pcos/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods
- https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/apple-womens-health-study/study-updates/benefits-of-tracking-your-period/
- https://carlosparnellmd.com/why-its-important-to-discuss-periods-despite-how-uncomfortable-it-may-be/#
- https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/study-shows-how-birth-control-pills-affect-womens
- https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-effects-on-body
- https://publichealthpost.org/sexual-reproductive-health/tell-your-friends-about-your-birth-control/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2019.8182?casa_token=-B2NnTqjN7EAAAAA%3AUBF9-Z7AePlohQCIJD7C0xy1qaxjInmq6kATK6XQFiFQil7FpBs4jF4A-w0-boBFDEftFtqbcyEvkhE&journalCode=jwh
- https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/resources/mood-disorders/menstrually-related/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
- https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/cover-story-science-friendship
- https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk/friends-and-family
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/research-explores-impact-menopause-womens-health-and-aging
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4184/4/1/5
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4184/4/1/5
