Untangling Menopause Across Continents: A Conversation with Tineke Honoré

In a world where women's health is often shrouded in mystery and misinformation, connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a lifeline. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tineke Honoré, a fellow advocate for women navigating the complexities of menopause.

Tineke's story is one of resilience and rediscovery. Like many women, she experienced a range of perplexing symptoms in her late 30s, from brain fog and mood swings to physical discomfort. Years of misdiagnosis and dismissal by doctors left her feeling lost and frustrated. Finally, a compassionate gynecologist recognized her symptoms and prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which dramatically improved her quality of life.

Tineke's experience highlights a critical gap in women's healthcare: the lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding menopause. Many women suffer in silence, their symptoms attributed to stress, aging, or other factors. This underscores the urgent need for better education and awareness, both for women and their healthcare providers.

Our conversation delved into the complexities of HRT, addressing the stigma and misinformation that often surround it. While it's not a universal solution, HRT can be transformative for many women. We emphasized the importance of informed decision-making, weighing the benefits and risks in consultation with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

We also explored the diverse approaches to menopause care in different countries. In The Netherlands and Belgium, where Tineke resides, general practitioners play a more significant role in prescribing HRT, while access to specialists and information varies. We discussed the challenges women face in advocating for their health and the need for a more holistic approach to menopause care, one that considers the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Tineke and I share a vision for a world where menopause is no longer a taboo subject, where women are empowered with knowledge and support to navigate this natural transition. We envision a future where:

• Young women are educated about menopause, preparing them for the changes that lie ahead.

• Women in their 30s and 40s are proactively offered comprehensive menopause education and guidance.

• Healthcare systems integrate women's health specialists, providing holistic care that addresses the complex interplay of hormones, physical health, and emotional well-being.

  
  

Tineke's story is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this journey. By sharing our experiences and advocating for better care, we can create a future where menopause is no longer a source of fear and uncertainty, but a natural transition embraced with knowledge and confidence.

Listen to my podcast where I talk about my journey in greater detail. You can find it on Spotify and Apple Podcast. I will also share (peri)menopause related posts that caught my eye on my Instagram account.

Love, Sascha

Untangling menopause.... sharing my story, empowering yours