Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article contained a misspelling of Dr. Haver’s first name. This has been corrected.

If middle-aged women were to lead a movement, Dr. Mary Claire Haver would likely be at the forefront, equipped with weighted vests and nutritional plans, health checklists, and fiber supplements.

This Texas-based OB-GYN is advocating for women to reject dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers. She is addressing symptoms such as hot flashes, cognitive fog, dry skin, and fatigue, positioning herself as a key figure in a renewed approach to understanding and managing perimenopause and menopause.

Haver is at the helm of what she calls the “menopause revolution.”

“Menopause can’t be avoided, but suffering through it isn’t necessary,” states Haver, 56, during a recent phone call from her latest clinic in Galveston, Texas.

Fresh off a promotional tour for her bestselling book, “The New Menopause,” Haver is also featured in the PBS documentary “The M Factor,” which airs tonight. This documentary marks the first in-depth examination of menopause, a health issue projected to impact 1.2 billion women globally within the next five years. The “M Factor” provides a wealth of new insights, and an accompanying webinar will offer continuing education credits for medical professionals.

“It’s critical for women and medical providers to comprehend what’s going on,” Haver emphasizes. “We can improve the situation.”

What’s Behind the Rising Focus on Menopause?

Menopause has been a part of women’s lives for centuries. Traditionally, it was viewed merely as a natural phase, often mocked in sitcoms or trivialized by men as a sign of women being unstable. Women seeking advice about menopause were often met with suggestions to use a fan, endure a decline in their sexual activities, and simply accept the changes.

“Many were dismissed as being dramatic or irrational,” Haver states. “They were often told it was merely psychological.”

However, in recent years, Haver and other professionals have begun to transform how women perceive and manage perimenopause—the transition period lasting seven to ten years before menopause—and menopause itself.

As more women from Generation X and older millennials navigate menopause, they are sharing their experiences and advocating for improved treatment options. They are involved in creating media, with projects like “Better Things,” and authorship with books such as Miranda July’s acclaimed “All Fours,” recognized as a pioneering novel about perimenopause.

This generation refuses to endure menopause in silence, unlike previous generations. As a significant market, over 40% of women in the U.S. are currently experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause. Many find their health declining during menopause, which can span a significant portion of their lives.

“I’m in menopause,” yelled Halle Berry at the U.S. Capitol earlier this year as she called for federal funding for education and treatment related to menopause.

Conversely, Drew Barrymore recalled experiencing her first hot flash during a live discussion with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Salma Hayek expressed her desire for her character in “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” to reflect her own menopause journey. Naomi Watts has contributed to normalizing discussions about menopause by opening up about her experiences and launching her own menopause product line.

“There is a considerable gap in gender health,” Haver notes. “Women are stepping up to advocate for themselves. They want options that are superior to what previous generations faced, and they are ready to embrace the changes.”

The ‘Menoposse’

When women encounter Haver at airports or dining out, they often approach her with excitement similar to that of admirers meeting a celebrity. They recognize her by her distinctive dark hair and oversized glasses—or sometimes from her white sweatshirt bearing the word “Menopausal”—to express their gratitude and share how her work has positively impacted their lives.

With a social media following exceeding 4 million on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Haver connects with many fans.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming. They want to express their thanks,” Haver shares.

Just a few short years ago, she was among those grappling with menopause herself. Her personal journey into this movement began with her own symptoms.

Feeling fatigued, experiencing joint pain, and enduring hot flashes, she eventually realized, “I must be going through menopause. But it took me six months to finally admit to myself: ‘I’m in menopause.’”

As an OB-GYN, she primarily focused on pregnant patients, performing deliveries and surgical procedures.

As a medical student, she received only about an hour of training on menopause and another six during her OB-GYN rotation.

“Doctors strive to do their best. They’re not negligent; they simply lack knowledge about menopause,” she states. “Our medical system is failing in its training.”

Thus, she began to delve into research and share her findings on social media, encouraged by her two daughters. When numerous women inquired whether their “frozen shoulder” was linked to menopause, she expanded her knowledge.

She focused on menopause and earlier this year became part of a collective of over 200 clinicians, researchers, and professors who addressed the British medical journal The Lancet, condemning its promotion of outdated menopause concepts. They labeled themselves the ‘menoposse’ and aim to enhance education for both women and healthcare providers. Many of them appear in “The M Factor” and advocate for increased federal funding and improved training.

Taking Care of Yourself During Menopause

When Haver creates an Instagram video, it’s often shot at her kitchen table, with her hair tied back and no makeup on. She typically wears athletic clothing and sometimes adds a weighted vest to help build muscle, which is particularly vital during menopause as women face a higher risk of muscle loss.

Her feed is filled with advice and explanations, such as the differences in hormone therapy, as well as encouragement for women to advocate for their own health. She communicates in an urgent yet lively manner, enriched by her Southern accent.

“My mission is for every woman to confidently enter her doctor’s office and have an informed discussion about menopause, her choices, and its implications on her life,” she explains. “Women resonate with this idea. They want to be knowledgeable. They’re discovering how challenging it is due to the current training of our healthcare professionals.”

The first question she recommends women should pose to their doctor is: What kind of training have you received regarding menopause?

By redefining menopause, it’s more than just the year since a woman’s final menstrual period; it encompasses the physiological changes in her body. Haver describes it as related to “cardiology, neurology, and muscular-skeletal health. It encompasses everything.”

Her objective is to help women gain a clearer understanding of the changes occurring in their bodies and the options available to them, which include dietary adjustments, physical activity, and what she often labels menopause hormone therapy. The depletion of estrogen impacts more than just reproductive health — it raises the risk of conditions like diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.

“In my clinic, we aim to restore patients to feeling like themselves again. Our initial focus is to alleviate symptoms such as night sweats, persistent fatigue, and discomfort,” she remarks. “Then we strive to improve mental and physical well-being so they can thrive for decades to come. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care.”

Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s Essentials for Menopause

A weighted vest. Due to hormonal declines during menopause, which can lead to muscle and bone deterioration, a weighted vest can assist in muscle building. Tips: Choose one that fits well and is not overly tight. Start with a weight that is 5% to 10% of your body weight, working up to a maximum of 10%.

Resistance training and weight lifting. This practice is crucial for maintaining strong bones and muscles.

Information. She recommends various books, including “Generation M” by Jessica Shepherd, “The Menopause Manifesto” by Jen Gunter, and “The Menopause Brain” by Lisa Mosconi.

Diet. Include whole grains, nutrient-rich foods, fiber, and protein in your meals. Haver’s book, “The Galveston Diet,” addresses dietary recommendations. Consider supplements such as fiber, creatine, and collagen.

Consultations with your healthcare provider. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of menopause hormone therapy as well as the latest research findings. Prepare for these discussions using reputable sources like The Menopause Society.

For further insights, you can watch Haver on “The M Factor,” which will be broadcast on PBS stations and available for streaming on PBS.com. If you’re interested in hosting a screening, visit themfactorfilm.com.