This is for all the women* who have been suffering from changes related to midlife health with no help from their medical providers.
Working on my PhD in Ageing (King’s engligh, sorry!) has led me on a quest to improve access to knowledgeable, supportive, and compassionate care for women moving towards the wise ‘Crone’ years of life. The Crone is an archetype of a badass woman who has grown into her middle and later years with wisdom, strength, sensuality, and vibrance! Many modern feminists are taking back Cronehood and as a bohemian, hippy-soul’d, cottage core therapist, I am too! #BadAssCroneForTheWin
Changes in our reproductive system can wreak havoc on our lives in our 30s, 40s, and beyond if we don’t understand what’s happening or have professional support! How we respond to these changes during this time of life holds the KEY to THRIVING as we age! Ageing doesn’t look so scary when you’re doing it well! 🙂 (trust me-I’m a nerdy social scientist and have the evidence to support this) heehee!
Unfortunately, many women have horror stories of doctors telling them to colour their hair, go out on a date, or just add an antidepressant to feel better from the maelstrom of new physical, emotional, and social experiences. Why is it so hard to get good care for perimenopause?? This time sneaks up on many of us–with only subtle hints and changes–but it can leave us feeling stark-raving-mad when no one listens to or believes us!
Now, sometimes an antidepressant IS a good idea, clearly. However, the bigger issue is many healthcare providers are not extensively educated and trained on the midlife reproductive health experience that impacts nearly half the population!? (again, Science) This is insane, right?
Women deserve better! So, I invite you to learn along with me as I begin the research phase later this year because I don’t know everything either-but I’m eager to try! I’ve already begun compiling a list of providers (of Western and Eastern medicine and holistic practices) who can form an integrative wellbeing alliance for women in Northwest Florida. I hope to include nutritionists, yogis, physical/occupational therapists, and any other field that prioritises improving women’s midlife wellbeing!
I plan to start hosting Our Bodies: Our Stories groups to connect and support those in the thick of it. There is strength in connection!
If you have any suggestions of providers/practitioners who support women during the transition towards perimenopause and menopause or would be down for the Our Bodies: Our Stories coffee/tea/chat–shoot me an email! hello@redefiningstories.org
~Stacey
** The word ‘women’ in this text is not meant to be exclusionary. Our Bodies: Our Stories will be for anyone experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, regardless of gender identity. 🙂
