Dr. Sharon Malone: Medical Gaslighting & How Michelle Obama Helped Put Menopause on the Map

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Dr. Sharon Malone, a prominent OB-GYN and advocate for menopause, credits her friend, former First Lady Michelle Obama, for bringing attention to menopause. In a podcast three and a half years ago, Obama was one of the first to openly discuss her menopausal symptoms. Thanks to the work of Dr. Malone and other advocates, there is now more awareness and discussion around menopause. This has led to more women seeking relief from their symptoms and a call for further medical research to better understand menopause and its impact on women's health.

In a recent episode of Asking for a Friend, Dr. Malone, Chief Medical Advisor of Alloy Women's Health and author of the upcoming book Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy, discussed menopause care. She addressed topics such as managing symptoms like vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, navigating medical gaslighting, and the lack of information on perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Malone advised those experiencing vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and sleep disturbances to address these symptoms to enhance their libido. She also recommended seeking out menopause specialists or utilizing telemedicine to access treatment options.

Regarding medical gaslighting, Dr. Malone suggested seeking another doctor or recommendations from friends, as well as utilizing online resources to find menopause specialists. She emphasized the importance of finding a doctor who is knowledgeable about perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Malone also discussed the lack of information about perimenopause and menopause, attributing it to the absence of intergenerational conversations and the misinformation that arose from the Women's Health Initiative. She highlighted the need for more open discussions and education about menopause, particularly among different racial groups.

Overall, Dr. Malone's insights shed light on the challenges women face in seeking menopause care and the importance of advocating for better resources and support. Her work, along with that of other advocates, is driving progress in addressing the needs of women experiencing menopause.

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