Why does menopause treatment always circle back to diet? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to 'fix your weight' as soon as perimenopause hits, you're not alone. Cole Kazdin's recent essay in TIME exposes a harsh reality: weight gain is often the first—and sometimes only—symptom women are urged to tackle. But is this focus on dieting really helping, or could it be causing more harm than good?

Let's face it: entering menopause can feel like stepping into a minefield of conflicting advice. Suddenly, there's a flood of diet plans, fitness regimes, and 'miracle' supplements promising to keep the weight off and youthfulness intact. But as Kazdin points out, this obsession often spirals into a damaging relationship with food, even triggering eating disorders for some women. That's a problem we can't ignore.

So, what if the narrative shifted away from weight and appearance toward something deeper—your emotional and physical wellbeing? The challenge is real; perimenopause ushers in hormonal changes that affect mood, energy, fertility, and yes, your body's natural rhythms. Instead of trying to 'fix' your weight, why not embrace a more compassionate approach that acknowledges these changes as part of your powerful journey?

Here’s a little secret: health during menopause isn’t just about what you eat; it’s about how you feel, how you treat yourself, and how you nurture your body and mind. You might wonder, how do I start? One pathway is to focus on nourishment rather than restriction and on self-care instead of self-criticism.

Why does this matter—especially for those exploring alternative paths to parenthood? Many women facing perimenopause or menopause are also navigating fertility challenges or unconventional family-building routes. This is where tools like the BabyMaker at-home insemination kit become empowering. They offer a gentle, intimate way to pursue pregnancy on your terms—without the added stress of clinical settings and exorbitant costs.

MakeAMom’s kits recognize that sensitivity and comfort matter, particularly if you’re dealing with conditions like vaginismus or low sperm motility. Their reusable, discreet products are designed to support you emotionally and physically, aligning perfectly with a mindset that values kindness over harsh dieting rules.

But let’s return to the broader picture. What does stepping away from diet culture during menopause look like in practice?

  • Listen to your body. Cravings, energy dips, and mood swings are your body's signals—not your enemies.
  • Prioritize joyful movement. Movement that uplifts rather than punishes can boost mood and vitality.
  • Build supportive communities. Whether online or in person, connection is crucial for emotional health.
  • Seek professional guidance when needed. Hormonal therapy, counseling, or nutritional advice tailored to your unique needs can make a world of difference.
  • Celebrate your strength. Menopause is not a decline; it’s a transformation brimming with potential.

Kazdin’s essay is a much-needed wake-up call to rethink how we support women during this time. Instead of perpetuating the narrative that weight gain must be 'fixed', it invites us to center empathy, education, and empowerment.

So here’s your call to action: If you or someone you love is navigating the complex waters of menopause, challenge the diet-first mentality. Embrace a more balanced, nurturing approach that honors your whole self.

And if parenthood is part of your future vision, remember there are innovative, compassionate resources ready to support you—like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits that prioritize your comfort and success rate.

Menopause is not the end of your story; it’s the beginning of a powerful new chapter. How will you choose to write it? Share your thoughts and experiences with us below—we’re in this journey together.

For deeper insight, check out Cole Kazdin’s full essay: Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet?