Hormonal health
Michelle Obama launched her podcast in July 2020 to discuss topics close to her heart. In the 5th episode, she shares her menopause experience through an informal conversation with her friend and gynecologist.
She discusses the evolution of women's bodies: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and all the questions that can arise during these transitional phases. She emphasizes from the start that while this podcast, and particularly this episode, may seem to be addressed solely to women, it would actually be very interesting for men to listen and better understand women's issues. She even hopes this episode will spark conversations with loved ones so they can understand what happens in women's bodies.
Communication and Education on Women's Health Topics
Michelle explains from the beginning that she had the incredible fortune of having a very open mother who talked about everything without taboo. As such, she received an information kit about puberty and periods at a fairly young age. As a result, she felt well-prepared for this first stage in a woman's life, but notes that this wasn't the case for everyone.
She therefore tries to have this same openness with her daughters, so they feel comfortable with their bodies and dare to ask questions. "I don't want my daughters to feel uncomfortable asking me anything about their bodies or their sexuality."
Information is power in all areas of life, but particularly for health. You can't know the answer to a question you haven't asked. So go ahead, ask the question.
The Different Phases of Menopause
It's important to know the different phases of menopause, particularly perimenopause. That's when, at 43, you start becoming very irritable. There are also sleep problems. The list of symptoms is gigantic. And in the midst of all this, there are women who have no symptoms at all.
As for the irritation, what's actually happening: it's puberty in reverse. And when it's over, boom, it's the beginning of this new life.
We shouldn't forget that between ages 40 and 50, a lot is happening in life and we're angry and crazy because of things that are genuinely infuriating and maddening. It's even worse for women who already experienced anxiety attacks and depression before menopause.
Michelle Obama and Hormone Replacement Therapy
What about hormones then? Should you take them or not? The right answer being: it depends. Some women aren't bothered, some women manage to establish good nutrition and stress management that allows them to handle the symptoms. When a woman has a lot of symptoms and is really bothered, then yes, hormone replacement therapy can be a solution.
We shouldn't forget that there are problems we only see later: vaginal dryness, urinary problems, osteoporosis. Just when we think we're done with menopause and its symptoms, there's phase two of menopause with its "late" symptoms.
Personally, I take hormone replacement therapy because I couldn't be more irritable than I already was. If it bothers you, affects your relationship, affects your quality of life, then yes, hormones can help you. If it's a non-event, then yes, don't take hormones.
Michelle, Barack Obama, and Hot Flashes
Michelle starts by telling two anecdotes about hot flashes.
I remember having a hot flash on Marine One. I'm ready, I need to get out to attend an event, and in one second, it's like someone turned an oven on full blast inside my body. I melted. I thought, "this is crazy, I can't do this."
Barack, on his side, was surrounded by women in his cabinet, many of them in perimenopause, and he could see the hot flash because he saw the perspiration. When he asked "what's happening?" He was told "this is how women live during menopause." It didn't bother him at all to see that the women on his team were in menopausal transition. He just said to turn up the AC.
Michelle Obama, Menopause, and Work
The professional system isn't good for women in perimenopause and menopause. Suits and hot flashes don't mix well. We need to accept changing dress codes for menopausal women. This experience of women should be highlighted more because today, we live as if menopause doesn't exist.
Our power also comes from our ability to prioritize our health.
The Importance of Taking Care of Yourself First
Women are used to taking care of people. After all, sexual intercourse with a man means having a penis IN us, and pregnancy means sharing our body with another for 9 months. Breastfeeding is also giving the product of our body to nourish a child.
That's why we often put others before ourselves. Menopause is the beginning of a new chapter or the third trimester of life.
Menopausal Women's Health
What does being healthy mean for a menopausal woman? What does being healthy mean for a woman? We always hear about weight and it feels like that's the only thing that matters. But in truth, being thin has nothing to do with being healthy.
We spend too much time being unhappy with our appearance and not enough taking care of our health.
At the White House, I organized boot camp weekends with my friends. Three days to exercise (including cardio), eat healthy, meditate, get massages, and in the evening to complain about that day of exercise. That's what I found worked for me. I find that men are more individual when it comes to sports, but women need more collaboration.
Michelle's Conclusion
I hope all women find their own way of having a routine and healthy lifestyle. I hope all women manage to ask these difficult questions and have these (sometimes difficult) conversations, whether with their doctor, friends, children, or loved ones. Because the only way to manage confusion or uncertainty is to talk and educate ourselves.
