Have you ever wondered why diet advice comes hand-in-hand with menopause treatment? I recently came across a fascinating article in TIME titled Why Does Menopause Treatment Always Include a Diet? by Cole Kazdin, and it got me thinking about the deeper layers behind this common medical suggestion — and how it relates to the fertility and family-building journeys so many of us are on.
Kazdin points out that weight gain is often the first symptom women notice during perimenopause, with many rushing to “fix” it through diet changes. But this can sometimes spiral into harmful relationships with food and body image, especially given the societal pressures around women’s bodies. For anyone navigating fertility challenges or even exploring alternative paths to parenthood, this intersection of health, wellness, and diet culture is something worth unpacking.
The Overlap Between Menopause, Weight, and Fertility
Menopause and perimenopause usher in hormonal shifts that affect metabolism, mood, and yes, weight. But these changes are natural—not flaws to be immediately corrected by restrictive dieting. Yet, the narrative often pushed in medical and popular culture is that controlling weight through diet is a primary remedy.
For those of us considering pregnancy at any age or facing fertility challenges, it’s easy to feel that dietary discipline is just another box to check — an added pressure on top of everything else. But Kazdin’s essay helps shine a light on how this focus on diet can sometimes overshadow the bigger picture: our whole health, mental well-being, and self-compassion.
Why This Matters for Your Fertility Journey
Whether you’re in the throes of infertility treatments, actively pursuing assisted reproduction, or even considering at-home alternatives like MakeAMom’s insemination kits, acknowledging the emotional toll of diet culture during hormonal changes is crucial.
Diet shouldn’t be about punishment or perfection. It should be about nurturing your body in a way that honors its unique needs. At-home insemination options like those offered by MakeAMom recognize the importance of comfort and emotional safety alongside medical efficacy — by providing discreet, reusable kits that empower people to take control of their fertility journey in a personally meaningful way.
How to Navigate Diet Culture While Embracing Menopause and Fertility
Here are a few ways to maintain your well-being without falling into the trap of diet obsession:
- Listen to Your Body: Hormonal shifts can mean cravings and energy needs fluctuate. Honor these signals by choosing nourishing foods that feel good, not just “healthy” on paper.
- Challenge the Narrative: Remember, your worth isn’t tied to numbers on a scale or the ability to conform to societal body standards.
- Seek Support: Whether it’s a therapist, a fertility coach, or connecting with communities like Nestful, sharing your experiences can ease the emotional load.
- Focus on Holistic Wellness: Incorporate gentle movement, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene as part of your self-care toolkit.
The Bigger Picture — Taking Control in Your Own Way
The article’s powerful take reminds us that weight and diet, while often emphasized, are only part of a complex health story—especially during menopause and fertility journeys. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and finding tools that fit your life and values.
If you’re exploring options outside traditional clinical settings, resources like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits offer not just practical advantages (like an average 67% success rate and discreet shipping) but also a sense of agency and comfort.
In the end, your path to parenthood should be as unique as you are. Taking a compassionate, informed approach to diet and wellness during menopause or fertility challenges can make that path a little less overwhelming.
I'd love to hear what you think: How have diet and body image impacted your health journey, especially around fertility or menopause? Drop your thoughts and stories in the comments — we’re all in this together.
Discover more about gentle, empowering fertility options here: MakeAMom Home Insemination Kits.