Podcast Explores Menopause: 'Women Don't Function the Same in Every Life Phase,' Says Gynecologist

The latest episode of the 'NZZ Weekend' podcast delves into the often-overlooked topic of menopause, featuring insights from gynecologist and gender medicine specialist Tanja Volm. Host Nicole Althaus engages Volm in a conversation that aims to shed light on the hormonal shifts, symptoms, and societal implications of this significant life stage for millions of women.

Volm emphasizes a crucial point: "Women don't function the same in every life phase." This fundamental truth, she argues, needs to be better understood by employers and society at large. The podcast explores the physiological changes during menopause, including the causes of common symptoms such as sleep disturbances, brain fog, joint pain, and weight gain. It also addresses the potential benefits and considerations of hormone replacement therapy.

Beyond the medical aspects, the conversation touches upon lifestyle factors like strength training and nutrition, offering practical advice for managing menopausal symptoms. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the workplace, exploring how companies can better support women navigating this period. Volm shares her personal journey of initially striving to maintain peak performance unchanged, but now views menopause as an opportunity for re-evaluation and prioritizing what truly matters in life.

The podcast also confronts the historical bias in medicine, where the male body has often been considered the norm, leading to the underestimation and inadequate treatment of women's health issues, including menopause. Volm advocates for a more nuanced and gender-specific approach to healthcare, ensuring that women's experiences and needs are fully recognized and addressed.

'NZZ Weekend' aims to bring these important conversations to a wider audience, featuring personalities from various fields to discuss their lives and influences. This episode with Tanja Volm serves as a vital explainer, demystifying menopause and advocating for greater awareness, empathy, and support for women during this transformative phase.

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Women don't function the same in every life phase. Companies where we work must understand this.