Have you ever noticed how diet advice seems to follow women everywhere — especially during menopause? It’s no coincidence that weight gain is one of the first symptoms women notice in perimenopause, and it quickly becomes the ‘problem’ everyone wants to fix. But as Cole Kazdin poignantly discusses in her recent essay published in TIME, this laser focus on weight can actually do more harm than good, especially when it’s wrapped up in diet culture and unrealistic expectations. Read the full article here.
So, why does menopause treatment always include diet advice, and what does that mean for women who are still focused on conception? Let’s break down the data and mindset shifts that could change the fertility game for thousands navigating this complex stage.
The Weight Gain Fixation: More Complicated Than It Seems
Weight gain during perimenopause isn’t just about overeating or a lazy metabolism—it’s a multifaceted biological reality tied to hormonal shifts, aging, and lifestyle factors. Yet, the medical advice often zeroes in on diet and exercise as if they are magic bullets. This narrow focus can trigger feelings of failure, shame, or worse — disordered eating patterns.
- Menopause Hormones Affect Fat Distribution: Estrogen dips lead to fat being stored differently, often around the abdomen.
- Metabolic Rate Declines Naturally: Aging decreases how many calories the body burns at rest.
- Psychological Stress and Sleep Patterns Shift: Both impact appetite and weight regulation.
Kazdin’s essay reveals that this traditional diet-centric approach ignores these dynamics and, for some, intensifies the struggle rather than alleviates it.
What This Means for Fertility Wellness
If you’re on a fertility journey, especially one that includes or coincides with perimenopause, it’s critical to understand how diet advice intersects with fertility wellness. Stress about weight can negatively impact fertility hormones like FSH and LH—essential players in ovulation and conception.
But there’s a silver lining: a holistic wellness mindset that respects your body’s natural rhythms and needs can boost your chances of conceiving.
- Focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than calorie counting.
- Prioritize stress reduction and quality sleep.
- Consider fertility-friendly supplements, but always consult your healthcare provider.
At-Home Insemination: Empowering Your Fertility on Your Terms
Here’s where innovations in fertility tech, like at-home insemination kits from companies such as MakeAMom, truly shine. With an average success rate of 67%, their system empowers individuals and couples to build their families with greater autonomy and comfort—outside of the clinical setting.
MakeAMom offers tailored kits like:
- CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm
- Impregnator for low motility sperm
- BabyMaker designed for users with conditions like vaginismus
These reusable kits represent a cost-effective, discreet alternative that removes some of the stigma and stress often linked to fertility treatments. This can be especially valuable when navigating hormonal transitions and the emotional rollercoaster that can accompany them.
Changing the Narrative: Beyond Diet to Whole-Person Care
The takeaway? Weight-focused menopause treatment can overshadow the bigger picture of fertility wellness and mental health. It’s time to shift the narrative — to celebrate bodies for their resilience and potential, not just their capacity to fit into a specific size.
By approaching fertility with compassion and evidence-based tools, including accessible at-home insemination options, women can reclaim control over their journeys.
If you’re curious about how these innovative approaches fit into your path, exploring resources like MakeAMom's at-home insemination kits could be a game-changer.
What Do You Think?
Has diet culture influenced your menopause or fertility experience? Have you tried alternatives like at-home insemination? Share your thoughts and stories below — let’s foster a community of support and empowerment.
Because your fertility journey deserves more than just outdated advice—it deserves respect, innovation, and hope.
