08: Unpacking “The Menopause Menu”: Science, Stories, & Solutions with Dr. Susan Baumgaertel
EP. 08
If you’re navigating the confusing landscape of menopause, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the conflicting advice from well-meaning friends, family, and (often unreliable) online sources. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, a seasoned internal medicine physician with over three decades of clinical expertise, who has pivoted her career to focus exclusively on menopause care.
Frustrated by the lack of reliable resources, Dr. Baumgaertel created "The Menopause Menu," a comprehensive guide that blends evidence-based medical information with holistic and integrative approaches. Read on to discover what inspired Dr. Baumgaertel to write the book, how her personal journey through menopause and rheumatoid arthritis shaped her approach, and why it's crucial for physicians to listen and advocate for their patients throughout this complex journey.
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Inspiration Behind “The Menopause Menu"
Dr. Baumgaertel often heard from her patients about the frustration of seeking trustworthy information on menopause. Many were turning to sources that ranged from family anecdotes to questionable online remedies. This constant influx of mixed messages left women feeling lost and unsupported during a crucial phase of their lives.
Motivated by these challenges, Dr. Baumgaertel created “The Menopause Menu” to provide a clear, evidence-based resource. Her aim was to cut through the noise and offer a guide that combined rigorous medical knowledge with holistic approaches. She wanted to ensure that women had access to accurate, actionable advice that addressed both their physical and emotional needs without oversimplifying the complexities of menopause.
Dr. Baumgaertel’s book not only presents science-based information but also integrates personal narratives and practical tips. It is designed to empower women by providing them with both the knowledge and confidence to manage their menopause journey effectively.
A Unique Approach to Menopause Care
“The Menopause Menu” offers a refreshing take on menopause management by blending scientific knowledge with holistic practices and a touch of culinary creativity. Here’s a closer look at what makes this book stand out:
1. Science Explained
Dr. Baumgaertel emphasizes the importance of merging evidence-based medical information with holistic practices. “The Menopause Menu” aims to provide a straightforward and accessible guide, avoiding the extremes of oversimplification and complex jargon. This balanced approach ensures that women receive both practical and scientifically accurate advice. Unlike some sources influenced by social media trends and influencers, this book prioritizes solid research and personalized advice, helping readers navigate menopause with accurate, actionable information.
2. Chapters
The book is divided into 16 chapters, each dedicated to a common menopausal symptom or concern, ranging from hot flashes, to night sweats and libido changes. Each chapter addresses these symptoms in detail, offering actionable advice and support.
3. The Culinary Connection
Dr. Baumgaertel’s unique approach likens each chapter to a fine dining experience:
Appetizer: An engaging introduction to the chapter’s topic.
MenoBits: Quick, actionable tips for readers.
Entrée: In-depth exploration of the symptom.
Palette Cleanser: Recipes designed to alleviate specific symptoms.
Dessert: Fun, light-hearted elements such as quizzes and anecdotes.
This structure not only provides valuable information but also makes the book enjoyable to read.
4. Collaborative Insights
“The Menopause Menu” features contributions from various experts and everyday women, including poems, quotes, and practical insights. These additions create a well-rounded perspective on menopause, incorporating diverse experiences and wisdom.
5. Menopause Bingo
Dr. Baumgaertel introduces "Menopause Bingo," a playful tool to help women identify common symptoms and engage with their menopausal journey in a light-hearted way.
6. Addressing Mental Health
Dr. Baumgaertel highlights the critical role of mental health during menopause, stressing the importance of normalizing the emotional challenges that accompany this life stage.
7. A Whole System Approach
The book supports an integrated approach to health, recognizing how menopausal symptoms affect multiple bodily systems. It advocates for a comprehensive view of wellness that includes both physical and mental well-being.
8. A Resource for Everyone (Including Partners and Men)
"The Menopause Menu" goes beyond just being a guide for women. Whether it’s for partners, fathers, brothers, or friends, the book offers insights into what women are experiencing, fostering understanding and empathy.
In addition to supporting women, the book can help men who might be dealing with similar symptoms due to testosterone changes or other health issues. By highlighting these parallels, Dr. Baumgaertel bridges the gap between different experiences of hormonal changes and provides a comprehensive resource for everyone affected by them.
Understanding the Long-Term Nature of Menopause
Menopause is far from a one-time event; it's a lengthy journey that unfolds over several years. Many women start experiencing changes as early as their mid-30s, but it often gets dismissed by doctors as simply normal aging or something that can be fixed with basic advice like "just eat healthy."
Dr. Baumgaertel stresses that menopause involves multiple stages, starting with perimenopause, moving into menopause itself, and then continuing into post-menopause, which lasts indefinitely. Her personal experience with additional health challenges, such as thyroid cancer, highlights how menopause can resurface and evolve over time.
One key takeaway is the importance of being open-minded and listening to patients. Symptoms can start earlier than expected, and it's crucial for healthcare providers to recognize this and offer support rather than labeling or dismissing concerns based on age alone. The journey through menopause requires understanding and a willingness to engage with the full range of experiences women face.
Navigating menopause is a journey full of shifts and transformations, much like the rest of our lives as women. "The Menopause Menu" beautifully captures these changes, offering a rich tapestry of insights and relatable quotes that make readers feel understood and seen. This sense of recognition can profoundly influence how women approach their healthcare, empowering them to navigate this stage with confidence and clarity.
For anyone looking to better understand and manage their menopausal journey, "The Menopause Menu" stands out as a valuable resource that combines medical expertise, creative insights, and culinary delights. It empowers women to navigate menopause with greater confidence and understanding, making it a must-read for anyone looking to better manage this transformative period in life.
If you want to discover how this comprehensive guide can make a difference in your life, you can check out the book here.
More About Dr. Susan Baumgaertel
Susan Baumgaertel, an internal medicine physician with 30 years of experience, founded myMDadvocate in 2022, transitioning from in-person clinical medicine to the virtual medical advocacy arena. While the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic raged, her creativity blossomed, with the launching of MenopauseMenu, a free website and blog providing nourishing support for menopause and beyond.
Always a keen observer of the human condition and a lover of nature, Dr. Baumgaertel recognized her strengths as a storyteller and applied them to a variety of nonfiction writing venues. Her stories and essays have appeared online and in print in publications which include MedPage Today’s KevinMD, Doctors on Social Media, MedMic, Physician Outlook Magazine, Physicians for Patient Protection, Physician Coach Support, Washington State Medical Association’s Reports, King County Medical Society’s Bulletin, and MenopauseMenu.
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