Why Your Menopause Treatment Might Be More About Your Plate Than Your Pills

Ever notice how talk about menopause treatment seems to always circle back to your diet? It’s like you can’t mention perimenopause without someone suggesting, “Maybe try cutting carbs?” or “Have you thought about a new workout plan?” If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Cole Kazdin’s eye-opening essay in Time dives into this all-too-common scenario, revealing the real reason diet is such a hot topic when discussing menopause treatment. Spoiler alert: it’s more about culture than science, and it’s affecting how we approach fertility and wellness in ways you might not have considered. Read the full article here.

So, why does diet always get the starring role? According to Kazdin, weight gain is often the very first symptom women notice as perimenopause kicks in. And somehow, that leads to the immediate instinct to “fix” the problem by adjusting what we eat. But this isn’t just a medical recommendation—it’s wrapped up in decades of diet culture that tends to blame individual bodies for natural changes, rather than supporting them.

This is where things get tricky—because if you’re on a fertility journey or trying to conceive during or after perimenopause, this weight-focused narrative can feel like an uphill battle. You might find yourself caught between trying to honor your body’s needs and fighting against shame or unrealistic expectations. But here’s the good news: there are options that honor your body, your process, and your unique fertility path.

Enter the world of at-home insemination kits. Companies like MakeAMom are changing the game by offering discreet, reusable kits designed to empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility on their terms. Whether you’re dealing with sperm motility issues, low-volume samples, or specific sensitivities, MakeAMom’s products provide a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to clinical insemination—without the pressure cooker of clinical environments or the added stress that diet culture can bring.

Let’s break down why this matters:

• Body-first approach: Menopause and fertility treatments often focus on what your body should look like, but a self-guided insemination allows you to honor where your body is now—no shame, no judgment.
• Privacy and control: With discreet packaging and reusable kits like CryoBaby and BabyMaker, you’re the boss of your journey, making the process as comfortable or clinical as you like.
• Accessible success: An average success rate of 67% shows these methods are more than just a DIY experiment—they’re a legitimate pathway that respects your unique biology.

But what about diet, you ask? Should you just toss out all advice on nutrition during menopause? Absolutely not. Nutrition is important, but the focus should shift from “fixing” your body to nourishing your body. That means listening more closely to what your body actually needs rather than following the latest fad or guilt-ridden trend.

Here are a few mindful tips to approach diet healthily during menopause and your fertility journey:

• Prioritize real food: Whole foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins can support hormonal balance without obsessing over calorie counts.
• Hydrate like a boss: Water is often underrated but is crucial for digestion, skin health, and even energy levels.
• Move joyfully: Instead of punishing workouts, choose movement that makes you feel good—dance, walk, stretch.
• Ditch the scale obsession: Focus on how you feel, how your clothes fit, energy, and mood rather than numbers on a scale.

Incorporating these tips alongside empowering tools like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits can create a holistic approach that feels right for you—body, mind, and fertility.

So, the next time your menopause treatment plan comes with a side of diet advice, remember it’s okay to challenge that narrative. You’re not just a walking hormone rollercoaster or a “problem” to be fixed—you’re a whole person with unique needs and hopes, especially when it comes to growing your family.

Ready to take charge of your fertility journey with respect, privacy, and proven tools? Check out MakeAMom’s innovative insemination kits and see how a little control and care can go a long way.

Got thoughts or experiences with menopause, diet pressure, or at-home insemination? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your story and keep the conversation going about redefining wellness on our terms!