As I am continuing my research on Menopause, interrupted by episodes of depression, crying while watching dogs being reunited with their owner, eating because I am sad because I am gaining weight, I am starting to form clearer ideas on what I want from this not yet fully formed and organized movement of Menopausal Women.

Doctors started changing their mentality, more women are discussing menopause, and these are very good signs. But just discussing these issues is not enough and change needs to be initiated.

I can only speak for Canada at this point, and based on what I discovered so far, here is what I think should be done:

1. Introduce mandatory Menopause education in Medical Schools and courses for those healthcare professionals who are already specialists. This will guarantee we have educated and knowledgeable doctors who can offer patients the best of care. This task is for the Medical Schools to implement.
2. Informed patients – women all over the country should have access to information, programs/resources, and health care providers for menopause and this is something non-profit organizations and societies, provincial and even federal government should oversee.
3. It would be common sense to have at least 1 public clinic for menopause in each province and territory that has specialists in obstetrics-gynecology, endocrinology, cardiology, neurology, psychology, nutrition/diabetes. I can see the conversation here – we lack funds, we do not have enough specialists as it is. I believe if we take into consideration the number of women living with menopause and the health problems associated with this stage of life, we could decrease future health expenses.
4. New studies on HRT use – any academic setting or organization can get involved with this, as long as they are unbiased, and they are not sponsored by a pharmaceutical company that wants to test a specific drug.
5. Short- and long-term disability offered in the workplace to women experiencing debilitating symptoms – this will probably fall into the hands of provincial and/or federal governments.

These objectives might change as I delve deeper into Menopause. And others might be added to the list. But I think we need to start somewhere. And we need to start NOW!