Why Menopause Education for Doctors Should Be Mandatory And Why I’m Grateful Senators Are Finally Taking Action

“You’re too young to be in perimenopause.”

That’s what I was told—dismissively—by a healthcare provider when I first brought up the symptoms that were impacting my life.

I was in my 40s, exhausted, moody, suddenly gaining weight, and waking up drenched in night sweats. Something felt off, but according to my doctor, I was just “stressed” or “getting older.”

No labs. No support. No mention of hormones.

And I’m not alone.

The Wake-Up Call: Women Deserve Better Care

Right now in the U.S., only 20% of OB-GYN residency programs include any formal training on menopause.

That means the very doctors we trust for women’s health are graduating with little to no education on how to support us through a life stage that affects every single woman.

We deserve better.

And finally—change is coming.

Lawmakers Are Stepping Up

A new bipartisan bill, the Menopause Research and Equity Act, was recently introduced by U.S. Senators to address this massive education gap.

The goal?

To require menopause education in medical training, fund more menopause-related research, and push for equitable care for midlife women across the country.

This is a huge step forward—and long overdue.

It’s Not

Just

About Hormones

When people hear the word “menopause,” they often think hot flashes and hormones.

But it’s so much more than that.

Menopause affects your:

✔️ Sleep — with night sweats, insomnia, and 3 a.m. wake-ups

✔️ Mood — with anxiety, irritability, and sudden waves of sadness

✔️ Metabolism — with changes in insulin sensitivity and weight distribution

✔️ Muscle and bone health — as estrogen levels drop, strength and density can decline

✔️ Brain health — with forgetfulness and foggy thinking that can shake your confidence

This is about whole-person care.

And doctors need to be equipped to support women through it—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Hormone Therapy: Educate, Don’t Eliminate

Another major gap? Understanding hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Too many providers are either afraid to recommend it—or suggest it without fully explaining the risks and benefits.

Women deserve doctors who are trained to know:

✔️ When HRT is appropriate—like for women under 60 who are within 10 years of menopause and struggling with moderate to severe symptoms

✔️ When HRT is not appropriate—like in cases with certain cancers, clotting disorders, or unmanaged health conditions

✔️ How to personalize treatment—based on a woman’s symptoms, health history, goals, and preferences

The goal isn’t to push hormones or avoid them.

It’s to give women informed options—so they can decide what’s right for their body and their life.

My Story: From Frustration to Empowerment

When I was told I wasn’t in perimenopause, I walked out feeling defeated.

But deep down, I knew my body was changing.

That moment led me to start researching, learning, and eventually becoming a menopause coach myself—so that no other woman has to sit across from a provider and feel dismissed, unseen, or confused.

Now, I work every day to help women understand their changing bodies, advocate for themselves, and feel strong through midlife and beyond.

What You Can Do

💬 Share your story.

Your voice matters. The more we speak up, the more awareness we create.

📚 Ask your doctor what they know about menopause.

And don’t be afraid to find a new provider if you’re not getting the answers or support you deserve.

📢 Support this legislation.

Let your representatives know this matters to you, your sisters, your daughters, your community.

Menopause isn’t a medical mystery.

It’s not just about hormones—it’s about health, identity, and quality of life.

And HRT should be one tool on a menu of options, not the only one—or the one never offered.

This legislation is a start.

And I, for one, will keep advocating until menopause care becomes standard, not exceptional.

💛

Kim

Rekindle With Kim