Changing Needs, Trusted Guidance: A Conversation About Women’s Health

A conversation about menopause might seem unexpected at a wealth management firm. Years ago, it probably would have been. But our work with clients continually reminds us how closely health, well-being, and financial life are connected. The things that affect how we feel also affect how we work, care for others, and spend our time. 

Recently, our Women’s Wealth Counsel community gathered in our office for a candid conversation with the Menopause Care Collective about perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. The response reinforced how much women value opportunities to ask questions and learn from experts.

We are not medical experts. But just as we’ve partnered with experts on aging, caregiving, and cybersecurity, we can connect our community with people who offer guidance in other important parts of life. Women’s health felt like a natural next conversation.

Whether you joined us or couldn’t attend, here are a few ideas we hope you’ll take with you. 

Changing needs deserve a fresh look

Menopause is a transition that affects many parts of daily life, from sleep and concentration to confidence and relationships. This ripple effect can reach so broadly that some women may not even connect what they’re experiencing with perimenopause or menopause.

As these changes happen, needs and routines may have to evolve, too. An approach that once worked well may need adjustment. Both the nutrition and physical therapy speakers emphasized the importance of understanding your individual needs and seeking guidance that fits your circumstances rather than assuming there is one right approach for everyone. 

This can be a helpful shift in perspective, especially when familiar routines no longer seem to be serving you. Rather than simply pushing harder or blaming yourself, consider what may have changed and what guidance could help.  

Good information can change the conversation

Another takeaway was the importance of revisiting assumptions as evidence develops. The Women’s Health Initiative findings in 2002 raised concerns about hormone therapy that shaped treatment decisions for years. 

Subsequent research and analysis have brought a more nuanced understanding of who may benefit and how risks vary. Hormone therapy can help with certain menopause symptoms, but its suitability depends on factors including age, time since menopause, and personal health history. Those are conversations to have with a qualified healthcare provider.¹ 

As a firm grounded in evidence-based investing, we appreciated this emphasis on using evidence to inform individual decisions. It also offered a useful reminder: a headline or a recommendation you heard years ago may not give you the full picture today. 

Being heard is part of good care

Finding a provider who listens, explains the options, and helps you weigh them in light of your own health history is imperative to creating a care plan that works for your specific needs. 

For your next appointment, consider writing down what has changed, how it affects your daily life, and the questions you want to ask. You don’t need to arrive with a diagnosis. Being able to describe your experience can help you and your provider decide what to explore next. 

It is also reasonable to ask a provider to explain why they recommend a particular approach, what alternatives exist, and how you will evaluate whether it is helping. If you have received conflicting advice, bring that into the conversation. We often talk with clients about the value of advice they can understand and act on. That same sense of clarity matters when making decisions about your health. 

Your priorities deserve attention too

Perimenopause and menopause also tend to uncover thoughts and concerns around identity, relationships, and caregiving. Midlife can be a time to consider what you need now and whether your priorities have changed. Alongside questions about physical health, there is room to reflect on what you want from this part of your life and what support would help. 

Many women are balancing responsibilities to children, aging parents, partners, and work. In the middle of those demands, their own needs can be easy to put off. Making room to ask what you want now might mean reconsidering a commitment, talking with someone close to you about sharing responsibilities, or seeking professional support.  

Your support may come from more than one place

One provider may not meet every need. Different concerns may call for different expertise, and the panel itself reflected that: medical care, nutrition, physical therapy, and counseling each brought a different perspective to the discussion. 

Finding the right support may also mean looking for professionals with specific menopause expertise. The panelists noted that many practitioners receive limited education about menopause care during their initial training, including the role of nutrition. Some pursue additional education through The Menopause Society and other resources to deepen their knowledge. A useful question to ask a provider is what additional training or experience they have in menopause care. 

You don’t need to make an appointment with every type of professional. Start with a trusted clinician who can help you identify where additional expertise might be useful. If several providers become involved, share what each has recommended and ask how those recommendations fit together—and who can help coordinate next steps. 

You can begin with one question

With so many options, where do you start? 

You don’t need to figure everything out at once. The Menopause Care Collective shared a collection of resources to help women explore their questions and options. We’ve included it here so you can return to it or share it with someone who might find it helpful.  

From there, identify the concern that matters most to you, and bring it to a trusted clinician. You can build from there, adding support as you need it.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, make that first step specific: write down the question you most want answered or schedule the conversation you have been putting off. You can also share the resource collection with a friend or family member. Sometimes having a starting point—and someone to talk with—is what makes the next step feel manageable. 

We’re grateful to the Menopause Care Collective and everyone who joined us for making space for such an open discussion. We hope these resources help you take a next step of your own or open a conversation with someone you care about. 

¹ Background on the Women’s Health Initiative and individualized treatment decisions: National Institutes of Health, May 1, 2024. Read the NIH overview