Breaking the Silence: How MyMenoplan.org Empowers Women During Menopause

Menopause is one of the least discussed stages of a woman's life, despite affecting over a million women annually in the United States. Often surrounded by stigma and misinformation, menopause remains a topic rarely addressed openly, even though it can significantly impact physical, emotional, and mental health. To bridge this gap, a team of clinicians and researchers with over 25 years of experience in women’s health launched MyMenoplan.org. This comprehensive, evidence-based online resource offers personalized information and decision-making tools aimed at empowering women to take control of their menopause journey. The website is freely accessible to everyone, with no registration or personal data required.

Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D., M.P.H., a prominent professor at UC San Diego and the principal investigator of the project, explains that MyMenoplan.org guides women through understanding their symptoms, explaining why certain issues like hot flashes or sleep problems occur, and presents various treatment options. The platform aims to help women initiate meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers and make informed choices.

A recent randomized controlled trial published in Maturitas examined the impact of MyMenoplan.org on users. The study found that women utilizing the website demonstrated increased intention to seek treatment, improved understanding of menopause, more decisive action plans, and a higher likelihood of recommending the site to others. Notably, the website features a 'Create My Menoplan' tool, allowing women to explore specific symptoms such as night sweats or sleep troubles, personalize their treatment strategies, and prepare for discussions with their doctors.

The research underscores the potential of MyMenoplan.org as an effective resource for healthcare providers counseling women in perimenopause and postmenopause. Given the health risks associated with unmanaged menopause—such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbances, and mood changes—access to accurate information and support is crucial. Currently, cultural taboos, lack of educational resources, and gaps in medical training hinder many women from receiving adequate guidance during this transition.

LaCroix emphasizes that encouraging women to review this website before their medical appointments can foster better discussions and improved health outcomes. "It's time to break the silence surrounding menopause and foster open conversations because awareness is the first step toward healthier aging," she states.

This initiative aims to normalize menopause as a vital part of women’s health and ensure women are well-informed and supported throughout this natural transition.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-silence-mymenoplanorg-empowers-women-menopause.html