I've reached the age where the only kind of crumbs I want in my life are those from cookies.

Or bread. Or any baked goods for that matter.

This is why, after almost 3 decades, I broke up with my gynecologist this year.

With the melody of TLC's "No Scrubs" as a backing track, I succinctly wrote to my doc that her dismissing my myriad menopause transition symptoms (months-long insomnia, mood struggles, achy muscles and joints, brain fog, and more) and punting me to a psychiatrist WITHOUT EVEN TALKING TO ME was 100% not gonna fly.

To say I was left "hangin' out the passenger side" on the brink of a significant fender bender was an understatement.

I needed help and I needed it pronto.

With tear soaked tissues in my hand, I asked a few trusted colleagues if they by chance knew ANYONE who gave a crap about mid-life women's health.

When 2 acupuncturists I know named the exact same provider, I had to book an appointment.

At our first visit, my new menopause specialist validated my symptoms, took a careful and thorough medical history, discussed treatment options, and sent me on my way with a prescription for hormone replacement therapy.

Included in the deal? "Let's meet again in 6 weeks. If you're not feeling the way you want to feel, we'll refine our approach."

Last time I saw her for follow-up, she embraced me with such care my eyes were dewy, this time with joyful relief.

This provider gives me not only "the cookie" but the whole dang bakery. I'm keeping her.

How you treat (or don't treat) troubling health conditions is up to you. For me, starting HRT has dramatically improved my quality of life and, by extension, the lives of those around me. I'm sleeping more soundly, my appetite is regulating, I'm rebuilding muscle mass that was waning despite strength training, I can string words together more coherently, and I'm more even keeled emotionally.

Life giving, life changing.

One of my greatest wishes as a woman and healthcare provider is that more research, monetary investment, and care will be invested in supporting the natural "change of life" one-half of the world's population will go through. For too long, women in mid life and beyond have been told to "just deal with it" and that sick narrative needs to be laid to rest.

I also hope that more medical professionals who specialize in healthcare for women will embrace current trends in treating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopausal concerns. The old "HRT increases the risk of breast cancer" song and dance is an unnecessary form of fear mongering. Also unhelpful? The long-standing "golden rule" that a person must be IN menopause (meaning 12 or more months without a menstrual cycle) before they can benefit from hormonal support.

Deciding and declaring how you want to be treated in any kind of human connection is important, including with your physician. Standing firm in your needs and not settling is one of the greatest forms of self-love and wellness.

I'm demanding better for myself and for my fellow vulva owners. Even if you're a member of the population who will not personally go through menopause, it's highly likely you know someone who will. I hope you'll lend your voice to the cause as well.

Now, does anyone have a cookie?

Jen

SCHEDULE NOTES!

• I'm teaching 2 weekly classes at Grace now! Mondays, 10 am Gentle Yoga Flow and Wednesday, 8 am Balance Flow Yoga. Register here.
• My autumn schedule is open for massages and 1:1 yoga.