“Yet it wasn’t until I began to be active on social media that I discovered that throngs of women had been yelling loudly for years, but no one had been listening. And they were desperate for help. These were women in perimenopause or menopause, and they felt isolated and distressed by a collection of disruptive symptoms. They often could not find support, from spouses or from friends; worst of all, doctors and other healthcare providers were denying them the legitimacy of their symptoms. Each woman seemed to feel isolated in her own dismay and despair.”

The author draws attention to the isolation and neglect women experience during perimenopause and menopause, a theme that resonates throughout her book. She employs social media as a rhetorical tool to highlight how widespread and long-standing these issues are, amplifying the voices of women who feel unheard by both their social circles and the medical community. The phrase “yelling loudly for years” underscores the frustration and desperation these women felt, while the use of the terms “isolated” and “distressed” emphasizes their emotional toll. By acknowledging the lack of legitimacy healthcare providers gave to their symptoms, Dr. Haver criticizes the medical system’s failure to recognize and validate women’s experiences during menopause, suggesting systemic neglect. This excerpt encapsulates her advocacy for greater support and recognition, positioning herself as both an ally and a voice for these women in her broader mission to bring menopausal health to the forefront of medical discourse.

“I was lucky that I had the ability to self-diagnose and self-treat. I was also fortunate in that I had access to research and medical insight that helped me create a comprehensive approach to my own care. This included nutritional strategies, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. Fortunately, the combined approach worked, and I began to feel better.”

The author employs a reflective and self-aware tone, acknowledging her privilege in having the ability to “self-diagnose and self-treat.” This admission highlights the broader issue of unequal access to healthcare resources.