Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide

Although the term menopause is often used loosely to describe the entire time frame of a woman’s midlife changes, there are different stages to menopause. The transition to menopause is often incremental, with hormonal changes and associated symptoms sometimes starting before women begin to notice changes in their menstruation. Changes occurring in late reproductive years or perimenopause can be confusing since it may not be clear that they are related to menopause. Understanding the many changes related to menopause and being prepared for their effects can help women embrace wellness during the journey.

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR)’s Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide was created to support women through major menopause milestones and prepare them for conversations with physicians, families, and friends.

Although the term menopause is often used loosely to describe the entire time frame of a woman’s midlife changes, there are different stages to menopause. The transition to menopause is often incremental, with hormonal changes and associated symptoms sometimes starting before women begin to notice changes in their menstruation. Changes occurring in late reproductive years or perimenopause can be confusing since it may not be clear that they are related to menopause. Understanding the many changes related to menopause and being prepared for their effects can help women embrace wellness during the journey.

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR)’s Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide was created to support women through major menopause milestones and prepare them for conversations with physicians, families, and friends.

What’s in the Toolkit?

You can access the entire Menopause Preparedness Toolkit above or download these individual resource pieces:

Learn more by checking out the toolkit’s GlossaryResources list, and References.

This toolkit is a project of SWHR’s Menopause Program, established to address barriers to care and reduce health disparities related to the menopause transition. The program engages women’s health care providers and researchers, patients and patient advocates, and health care decision-makers around the importance of understanding menopause and midlife care for women and promotes science-based health care policies and education to improve patient outcomes.

 

This document is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.  

 

Learn About Health Disparities in Menopause

Without access to appropriate education and resources during one’s menopause journey, women can face additional health risks, caregiving challenges, and economic burdens. Read more about these disparities and opportunities to improve menopause care in the Women’s Health Equity Initiative

 

Check Out More Menopause Resources

Blog Post
It Doesn’t Have to be ‘Dreadopause’: A Woman’s Reflections on Her Journey with Menopause 
The Society for Women’s Health Research spoke with Sharon Seibel, MD, and her husband Dr. Mache Seibel, about her journey with menopause.
Blog Post
SWHR Adds Lupus to the Women’s Health Equity Initiative 
To bring attention to these disparities and help support individuals impacted by lupus, SWHR added lupus to the Women’s Health Equity Initiative campaign this May, in recognition of Lupus Awareness Month.
Press Release
Responsum Health Announces Partnership with Society for Women’s Health Research to Develop Unique Knowledge Resource for Women Living with Menopause
Leading women’s advocacy organization collaborates with Responsum Health to solicit women’s perspectives in order to create a uniquely impactful digital toolkit.

Sponsor

SWHR’s Menopause Program is supported by educational sponsorships from Astellas Pharma and Pfizer. SWHR maintains editorial control and independence over educational content.

       

This material was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and is intended to serve as a public educational and informative resource. This material may be cited or shared on external channels, websites, and blogs, with attribution given to SWHR, or printed and displayed in its original formatted version. SWHR encourages the sharing and reposting of its content in order to spread awareness around women’s health issues. For specific questions about sharing SWHR content, please reach out to communications@swhr.org