Have you noticed how every menopause conversation seems to circle back to diet? It’s as if the moment perimenopause hits, the first—and often loudest—recommendation is to fix your weight. But why is diet always the headline when managing menopause? And what does this mean for people trying to conceive during or after this life stage?
Cole Kazdin’s recent essay in Time titled "Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?" shines a light on this very cultural obsession. Kazdin highlights how weight gain becomes the “first symptom” many women notice during perimenopause—and unfortunately, also the first thing targeted for correction. This focus on weight can overshadow other important aspects of health, leaving people feeling blamed or pressured in the most vulnerable times of their lives.
But here’s the twist: menopause, fertility, and overall wellness are so much more complex than calorie counts or diet fads. And this narrow focus can be particularly challenging for those on paths to conception outside the traditional clinical environments.
The Overlooked Realities of Menopause and Fertility
Menopause is often treated as an endpoint for fertility, but that’s not always the case. Many people are exploring family building during or after perimenopause, facing unique challenges that require tailored support—not just diet plans. Hormonal changes, fluctuating cycles, and other health factors influence fertility beyond body weight.
Plus, the stress around “fixing” your body can be detrimental. When wellness is reduced to managing numbers on a scale, individuals may experience heightened anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and even disordered eating patterns. This emotional toll can affect hormonal balance and reproductive health, creating a counterproductive cycle.
So, what’s the alternative? A more compassionate, realistic approach that embraces diverse fertility journeys and holistic health.
Empowering Fertility Beyond the Diet Culture Trap
One standout example comes from companies like MakeAMom, who revolutionize how people approach conception during challenging times. Their at-home insemination kits—CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker—offer affordable, discreet, and user-friendly options that empower individuals and couples.
Why is this so important? Because fertility doesn’t always have to involve costly, clinical interventions or rigid “health rules” about diet or exercise. MakeAMom’s approach recognizes the unique circumstances of users, such as low sperm motility or sensitivities like vaginismus, and provides reusable kits designed specifically for those needs.
This innovation opens doors for hopeful parents who want to take control of their journey in a way that respects their body, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. It emphasizes that fertility care can be supportive and flexible—not shaming.
What You Can Do Today
- Shift your mindset: Recognize that menopause symptoms and fertility challenges are multifaceted. Weight is one piece, but not the whole puzzle.
- Seek holistic support: Look for resources and treatments that honor your physical and emotional health equally.
- Explore flexible fertility options: Whether you’re navigating perimenopause or other fertility hurdles, tools like at-home insemination kits can offer accessible alternatives.
- Stay informed: Reading diverse perspectives, like Kazdin’s essay, helps unpack harmful cultural messages and fosters self-compassion.
Final Thoughts
The cultural fixation on diet in menopause treatment is understandable but incomplete—and sometimes harmful. True wellness embraces the whole person, including their reproductive choices and challenges.
If you or someone you love is considering alternative paths to parenthood, tools like those from MakeAMom provide discreet, cost-effective solutions that sidestep some of the barriers traditional methods impose. Their website is a valuable resource filled with information, testimonials, and guidance tailored to diverse needs.
So, how will you redefine your approach to menopause and fertility? Share your thoughts or experiences below—we’re here to support each other every step of the way.
Inspired by the insightful analysis in Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?