Dr. Haver: A Trailblazer for Women’s Health

Dr. Haver is, by her own description, living her best menopausal life. “I don’t know why God woke up and said, ‘I’m going to give you a megaphone and people are going to listen to you,’ but here we are,” she remarked, exuding warmth and passion while sitting in her sunlit kitchen that overlooks the serene bayou of southern Louisiana. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but she embraces the responsibility that comes with her newfound prominence in advocating for women’s health during menopause.

A Unique Outlook on Menopause

Deeply committed to her calling, Dr. Haver has transformed what could have been a hesitant surrender to societal norms into a fierce advocacy for female health, particularly during the menopausal transition. Her own experiences and the stories of countless women have shaped an understanding of menopause that is compassionate and informed. “I just take it with such a responsibility, right?” she says, acknowledging the importance of her role in changing the narrative around women’s health.

A Pioneering Spirit

Raised in a large Catholic family as the middle child of eight, Dr. Haver grew up in a culture that did not encourage women to pursue careers in science and medicine. “Girls in my family did not do that,” she recalls. The expected trajectory for women involved marriage and motherhood, supporting their husbands rather than crafting an independent career. However, tragedy struck when she lost her older brother to leukemia at the tender age of nine. This profound loss ignited her determination to become a doctor, driving her to pave a different path for herself despite familial norms.

Limited Education on Menopause

Dr. Haver completed her medical education in Louisiana, where she quickly realized that the instruction on menopause was alarmingly minimal. In total, she received only an hour of training on the subject in medical school. The reality was no better during her residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she received a scant six hours of instruction. This glaring gap is significant, as research indicates that only about 31 percent of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) residencies in the United States today include a dedicated menopause curriculum.

Misunderstandings about Women’s Health

One of the most poignant aspects of Dr. Haver’s experience came during her residency when she encountered a dismissive attitude towards women experiencing menopausal symptoms. A male supervisor infamously warned her to “watch out for WWs—‘whiny women.’” These women, often in their late 40s, reported a range of vague, difficult-to-define symptoms such as brain fog, poor sleep, weight gain, heart palpitations, and diminished libido. The implication was clear: their suffering was deemed trivial, merely the result of complaining rather than rooted in genuine medical issues.

Such bias left a lasting impression on Dr. Haver. “To this day, when a patient comes in with multiple vague complaints, I have to walk myself back and say, ‘Listen to her, believe her, this is real,’” she states emphatically. Her commitment to listening to women and validating their experiences solidifies her mission to provide informed and compassionate care.

The Impact of the Women’s Health Initiative

The landscape of menopause care faced further challenges during Dr. Haver’s final year as a resident when the Women’s Health Initiative—a landmark study examining health outcomes in postmenopausal women—abruptly halted its trial of estrogen and progestin therapy. Researchers discovered a slight increase in breast cancer risk among participants taking oral estrogen, leading to a significant reduction in the availability and support for menopause-related care. This pivotal moment in women’s health reinforced the notion that there was little serious attention given to menopause or the complexities of women’s health.

A Call to Action

Today, Dr. Haver’s advocacy for women continues to resonate beyond her practice. She uses her voice to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding around menopause, aiming to dismantle the stigmas and misconceptions that have traditionally surrounded this natural phase of life. By raising awareness, educating both patients and healthcare providers, and standing firm in the belief that "this is real,” she is reshaping the conversation around menopause and empowering women to seek the care they deserve.

Dr. Haver is more than a physician; she is a beacon of hope and a force for change in a field that has historically neglected the unique health needs of women. Through her dedication, she is not just living her best menopausal life—she’s helping countless others do the same.