It is with deep gratitude that MenoMedico shares the stories of women of colour who have chosen to speak with Dr. Malhotra for the purpose of educating the global health care system, or who have published their words to inform us all of the work that remains to be done to better serve.
Please read these stories with humility and an understanding that each word is a gift—offered with heart, bravery, and kindness. We invite you to receive the words shared on this site with humble curiosity and with the shared goal of improving health care for all.
Being a Southeast Asian woman, the message growing up has often been that women’s health, particularly hormonal health, is not something we talk about. Period was considered dirty. Menopause has a negative connotation. Any struggles related to hormonal health both in culture and family are often met with “it’s just part of you being a woman” and “just suck it up.” It can feel really invalidating and brings a sense of hopelessness, especially when some of the symptoms are debilitating. Why does being a woman have to be associated with unavoidable painful experiences? When those same messaging is reinforced in the heathcare setting, it feels even worse.
The pivotal moment for me was learning more about my own health and wellness of being a woman. Understanding that the hormonal phases in my life aren’t meant to be excrutiating and that there are ways to support my journey.
At the moment, I am going through my perimenopause phase, and it took me a long time to find a provider that could support me. I am noticing that many people are unaware of perimenopause. A lot of my friends have a difficult time finding people who understand and can validate their perimenopause experience and even harder time finding providers who will take time to help support their journey.
ANON
What do we need to learn from this story?
As we know, Menopause is not always discussed. One person’s story represents many and it is important to remember stories are a powerful opportunity to see ourselves and our own journey to learn and make change.
Culture and Care: Southeast Asian Women and Menopause
In many communities, women are taking hold of their care and the narrative that is passed down to the next generation. We as a community, need to support each other in the needed opening of dialogue and the journey as it unfolds.
What is needed?
- Cultural Humility in Care
Clinicians and community members must learn and reflect. Cultural humility invites providers to to honour both traditional beliefs and clinical options. It is a chance for us to support each other without assumptions. - Community-Based Education
Trusted, culturally relevant information can support care and community. - Recognizing Spiritual and multigenerational Wisdom
As we learn as community to pass information on to our next generation, we must support each other without bias and with the goal of moving forward together in a good way.
Menopause and the passage of time.
Honouring each others journey’s and stories can only make us all stronger and better supported.