Ageism in Healthcare: Fighting for Better Menopause Care
Ageism in healthcare is a serious issue, especially when it comes to menopause care. Menopause is a natural phase in many people’s lives, yet the way healthcare systems treat those going through it often reflects deep-seated biases about age and gender.
Many women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) face dismissive attitudes from medical professionals once they reach middle age. Symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, or fatigue are sometimes brushed off as just “part of getting old” rather than being taken seriously and treated properly. This kind of ageism means that older patients may not get the screenings or diagnoses they need because their concerns are minimized or misunderstood.
The problem gets worse because menopause itself sits at the intersection of both ageism and sexism—what experts call gendered ageism. Women can be caught in a double bind where their symptoms are ignored due to assumptions about aging while also facing stereotypes about femininity and productivity. For example, some women report feeling invisible or irrelevant after menopause in both social settings and workplaces, which spills over into how doctors perceive their health needs.
This bias leads to inadequate care during menopause—a time when proper medical attention can significantly improve quality of life. Instead of receiving personalized treatment plans that address hormonal changes and related health risks such as osteoporosis or heart disease, many find themselves stuck with generic advice or no support at all.
There’s growing awareness now that this has to change. Advocates emphasize educating healthcare providers on how to recognize menopausal symptoms without prejudice and encouraging open conversations around aging bodies without shame or stigma. Some voices call for better training so doctors understand the unique challenges faced by midlife patients beyond just chronological age.
Menopause care should be proactive rather than reactive—meaning screening for issues early on instead of waiting until problems become severe—and respectful toward each person’s experience regardless of their stage in life. Fighting against ageism means recognizing that every phase deserves dignity, attention, and tailored healthcare solutions.
Ultimately, dismantling these biases requires shifting cultural narratives too: valuing older adults’ contributions across society while ensuring medicine evolves alongside changing demographics so everyone receives compassionate care throughout all stages of life.
