In looking for legitimate, non women’s fashion magazine type resources, on menopause the first place to start is with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). I will be the first to admit that there needs to be more coverage, emphasis, and discussion with women after menopause because life continues (for many years) and this is an area often glossed over by other primary care providers. However, ACOG is making an effort to improve the discussion. The problem is, many women, once menopausal think they do not need their OBGYN any more… this is simply not true, but another discussion entirely.
Note that menopause is the event of menses stopping (cessation of menstruation). After that you are post-menopausal. Prior to that, with all of the fun symptoms you are peri-menopausal.
Here are some resources and links from ACOG concerning menopause and beyond with a small evaluation and grade of each:
Menopause Group for women – There is a number here to call and a link back to their Menopause page. The wording is a little demeaning if you ask me… because yes all women should aim for ‘strength and grace’? Seems sexist… I bet they don’t write that crap to men. However, it is available and might be a good place to start. *NOTE That the link is broken and doesn’t work and takes you only to the ACOG home page, which you then have to move around in yourself. Grade – C-
The Menopause Years – ACOG’s FYI guide for all women. Last updated 2015. Not bad. Good clear scientific definitions of terms that might be thrown around in an office visit and major noted changes. A brief overview of the standard with a good ‘down and dirty’. No discussion of changes for sexual intercourse, or things that are often anecdotally associated with menopause that are not related, or when to talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Grade – B-
Sexual Health – This page has links for providers and patients. One key link is to the Your Sexual Health page at ACOG. This page is actually one of the better pages for all women. It’s clinical in nature without being overly so. A good list of common problems and causes is there with some good suggestions. Adding a link to or more on ‘masturbation’ and permission to touch one’s self would be a good as well as links to types of sex toys or lubricant information, but otherwise a good jumping off point. They get kudos for this page. Grade – B+
Just some places to start. Information is accurate. For a deeper dive right now it is going to be a clinician who specializes in menopause, sexual health, or women’s fashion magazines.
Lavender Buddha 