Brené Brown’s "Unlocking Us": A Deep Dive into Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
In the latest episode of Brené Brown’s podcast, "Unlocking Us," Brené embarks on an enlightening eight-part series titled "On My Heart and Mind." The series features a series of thought-provoking conversations with notable figures, including Valarie Kaur, Dr. Sarah Lewis, and Roxane Gay. The spotlight of this episode is a conversation with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who is renowned for her honest discussions on menopause.
Introducing Dr. Mary Claire Haver: A Dedicated Advocate for Women’s Health
Dr. Haver’s bio is impressive. She is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who graduated from LSU Medical Center and completed her residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. In 2021, she established Mary Claire Wellness, a groundbreaking clinic focused on comprehensive care for menopausal patients. Her work has gained her millions of followers across social media platforms, where she effectively demystifies menopause and backs her claims with solid research.
In 2023, Dr. Haver published her book "The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts." This book focuses on empowering women to take charge of their health during menopause. In her discussion with Brené, Dr. Haver reveals her personal connection to the topic, sharing anecdotes that connect her professional expertise to her own experiences as a woman navigating menopause.
The Importance of Addressing Menopause in Women’s Health
One of the key themes of this podcast episode is the urgent need to address menopause within the broader context of women’s health. Brené and Dr. Haver discuss how the American medical establishment has long overlooked the challenges women face after their reproductive years. Brené highlights the significant emotions tied to the aging female body, particularly how society often portrays women as less valuable once they can no longer bear children.
Dr. Haver emphasizes that the medical community has historically applied a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to treating women, treating them as “small men with breasts and uteruses.” This clinical perspective ignores the complexities of female health, leading to misdiagnoses and inadequate care after women undergo menopause.
A Personal Journey Through Grief and Hormonal Change
During the conversation, Dr. Haver opens up about her own journey through menopause, intertwined with the grief of losing her brothers and dealing with the challenges of her mother’s health. She candidly discusses how societal expectations and historical healthcare practices shape women’s perceptions of their health and well-being.
For instance, Dr. Haver shares her initial hesitance toward hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to the stigmatization stemming from previous studies, like the Women’s Health Initiative. However, her experience with HRT transformed her life, offering her the resilience and clarity she desperately sought. This personal journey becomes a compelling argument for women to advocate for themselves in medical settings as they navigate menopause.
The Birth of "The Menoposse"
Brené humorously coining the term “Menoposse” with Dr. Haver signals a broader movement of women banding together to share their experiences and advocate for better care— pulling apart the stigma surrounding menopause. This community approach enables women to feel less isolated and ultimately empowers them to demand the healthcare they deserve.
Bridging the Gap in Women’s Health Education
As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Haver passionately discusses the need for a paradigm shift in medical education focusing specifically on women’s health, particularly in their later years. Both Brené and Dr. Haver agree that the current healthcare framework lacks funding and research focused exclusively on women’s health after reproduction. They echo the sentiment that women should no longer be sidelined in medical research discussions, especially as they transition into menopause.
Additionally, the podcast discusses various solutions, including the importance of nutrition, exercise, and being informed about one’s own healthcare journey. Dr. Haver shares insights from her own clinic practices, which challenge traditional weight management narratives, stressing the importance of strength training, healthy nutrition, and addressing hormonal imbalances effectively.
The Future of Women’s Health Advocacy
As the episode wraps, Dr. Haver speaks about the hope she sees in the next generation of medical professionals. The excitement around young medical students keen to learn about menopause is palpable, showcasing a shift in how future healthcare providers will handle women’s health issues. This is a breath of fresh air in a field that has long dismissed the nuanced experiences of women.
Brené and Dr. Haver leave listeners with a sense of urgency: Individual women must take charge of their health conversations and push back against age-old narratives that diminish their experiences. They emphasize that understanding menopause opens a pathway to vitality, strength, and a renewed sense of worth.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Change
Brené Brown’s conversation with Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a powerful reminder that advocacy for women’s health is more critical now than ever. As they dissect the conversations around menopause, they shine a light on the often-overlooked aspects of women’s lives and health.
For anyone grappling with menopause or related health issues, this episode is both a source of comfort and a rallying cry to seek proper care and understanding. Together, Brené and Dr. Haver urge women to embrace their journeys and to become advocates—not only for themselves but also for future generations. Through this series, they hope to dismantle the stigma surrounding menopause and create a more inclusive, informed, and supportive healthcare environment for women everywhere.
Listeners can find more information about the episode and Dr. Haver’s work, including her book "The New Menopause," on Brené Brown’s website and the Unlocking Us podcast page.
