Let’s bring menopause out of the shadows

Some women refer to it as "The Change." Others whisper about it, or hide their symptoms in public.

We’re talking, of course, about menopause. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. Millions of women struggle with the symptoms — hot flashes, weight gain, sleep disturbance — but rarely talk about it publicly.

Two women stand side by side for a photo.
Hip-hop artist Desdamona (left) and MPR News host Angela Davis.
Julie Siple | MPR News

Angela Davis sat down for a conversation about what happens to a woman’s body in the years around menopause, and what women can do about it.

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Guests:

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, director of Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health, current medical director of the North American Menopause Society, and medical editor of the book, “The Menopause Solution.” She regularly treats women with menopause-related conditions.

Desdamona, a Twin Cities hip-hop artist who has talked publicly about her experience with perimenopause.

Carol Bruess, professor emerita at the University of St. Thomas. She studies marriage and families, and is the author of “What Happy Women Do.” She has reached menopause.