Did you know that for most of human history, menopause didn't really exist? I know that sounds unbelievable, but for centuries, menopause wasn't recognized as a significant life stage. This is because thousands of years ago, women rarely lived beyond their reproductive years. It wasn't until modern times, with increased longevity, that menopause became a substantial part of a woman's life.
The word menopause was first introduced in 1821 by French physician Charles de Gardanne. It is derived from the Greek words mēn for "month" and pausis for "to pause." Before this, menopause was simply referred to as the "change of life." While the word menopause gave the experience an official name, menopause remained poorly understood by the medical community. In fact, in the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for physicians to institutionalize women for "climacteric insanity," a diagnosis they felt was linked to the hormonal changes of menopause. This lack of understanding persisted well into the modern era, and, throughout the 20th century, the medical narrative still frequently mischaracterized menopause as a deficiency or a disease that needed to be cured.
The good news is that in the last few years, menopause has finally been getting the much-needed attention it deserves, both from a research and patient-centered perspective. This shift is long overdue—but there is still much work to be done. With women now spending over a third of their lives as peri- and postmenopausal, it is more important than ever that we approach this phase holistically, focusing on its impact on physical and mental health.
It is precisely this ongoing need that inspired the creation of The Menopause Edit. As a board-certified dermatologist and a 53-year-old woman navigating perimenopause myself, I understand firsthand the profound shifts women experience—from hot flashes and weight fluctuations to the broader impacts on mental well-being. And while changes like thinning hair or loss of skin elasticity often bring women to see me as a dermatologist, our conversations naturally flow to how menopause impacts so many other aspects of life. We talk about the funny and not-so-funny changes of perimenopause and menopause, as well as the profound shifts that occur in one's sense of self. Of course, there are many challenges with menopause, but this phase of life can also be very empowering. As someone navigating this journey myself, I bond with my patients over these shared experiences.
These personal and professional insights fuel my belief that menopause is not a decline or a loss, but a natural shift that requires a wider lens. This is why Nutrafol, a brand rooted in whole-body health, is uniquely positioned to lead this vital conversation. The Menopause Edit is a resource that replaces outdated, fear-based language with accurate, affirming information. It emphasizes the whole-body connection, recognizing that menopause is a life shift impacting everything from hormones to hair health to mental well-being. By amplifying the voices of real women, including doctors, wellness experts and cultural changemakers, The Menopause Edit provides a comprehensive resource that also educates on the lesser-known aspects of menopause.
It’s exciting to see women taking control of their health decisions and advocating for better care. Menopause is not a topic to be whispered about, but a vital part of a woman's health journey to be discussed openly. As you explore The Menopause Edit, my hope is that you will feel empowered to embrace this stage of life with confidence—and that you will find the knowledge and support you need to feel your best.
