Why Menopause Diet Advice Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Ever noticed how the moment menopause or perimenopause hits, the first thing everyone wants to talk about is your weight? It’s like clockwork. Cole Kazdin’s recent essay for TIME, "Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?" sheds a sharp light on a topic many of us tiptoe around. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend giving it a look here, because it’s a game changer in how we think about women’s health during midlife transitions.

Kazdin points out something that resonates deeply: weight gain during perimenopause is often the very first symptom women notice, and it’s also the very first thing we try to “fix.” But why? Why does diet culture sneak its way into medical treatment for menopause like an uninvited guest at the table?

Let’s be honest — losing weight during perimenopause is no picnic. Hormones fluctuate wildly, metabolism slows down, and life’s stresses pile up. Yet, there’s this persistent narrative that if you don’t have your diet perfectly dialed in, you’re somehow failing your body. This pressure can spiral, leading to restrictive eating or worse, triggering eating disorders that undermine the very health we want to protect.

Here’s where the conversation needs to shift. Instead of zeroing in only on diet as a silver bullet during menopause or fertility challenges, we need a holistic approach — one that respects the complexity of the body and mind.

For those navigating fertility struggles alongside or after menopause, technologies like at-home insemination kits are revolutionizing the path forward. Companies such as MakeAMom are empowering individuals and couples by offering accessible options that blend science and discretion. Their BabyMaker at-home insemination kit is thoughtfully designed for users with sensitivities, including those managing conditions like vaginismus, emphasizing comfort without compromising effectiveness.

What’s refreshing about solutions like this? They put control back in your hands — no judgment, no pressure to conform to a narrow definition of “health” or “weight.” And with an average success rate of 67%, MakeAMom’s reusable kits are not just affordable alternatives; they’re a beacon of hope for many.

So, how do we reconcile the constant barrage of diet advice with the need to support women through menopause and fertility journeys? Here are some thoughts:

• Listen to your body, not the scale. Weight changes can be normal and don’t define your worth or your health.
• Focus on nourishment. Think about fueling your body with kindness — balanced meals that make you feel good, not restricted patterns that cause stress.
• Seek emotional support. Menopause and fertility challenges touch deep emotional chords; mental health matters.
• Explore empowering technologies. Tools like at-home insemination kits can provide options that fit your lifestyle and comfort, reducing clinical anxieties.

It’s time to break free from the cycle of guilt and self-criticism. Health is a multifaceted journey that cannot be reduced to pounds lost or gained. If you or someone you love is navigating menopause or trying to conceive, consider how embracing nuanced approaches — from mental wellness to breakthrough fertility tech — can transform your experience.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you felt overwhelmed by diet culture during menopause? Or found empowerment in at-home fertility options? Drop a comment below and let’s start a conversation that uplifts us all.

Remember, your health journey is uniquely yours — and it deserves compassion, respect, and innovation.

P.S. If you’re curious about at-home insemination kits designed for inclusivity and ease, take a peek at what MakeAMom offers here. Sometimes, the right tools make all the difference.