So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Episode 1826: Money and Menopause: The Financial Realities of Midlife for Women
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Guest: Dr. Sharon Malone, Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy and Emmy-Winning Journalist

Introduction to the Episode

In episode 1826 of So Money with Farnoosh Torabi, host Farnoosh Torabi delves into the often-overlooked financial and personal challenges women face during menopause. Featuring Dr. Sharon Malone, an Emmy-winning journalist and menopause advocate, the conversation sheds light on the intersection of health, finances, and societal expectations during midlife.

Personal Journey and Awakening

Dr. Sharon Malone begins by sharing her personal encounter with menopause, highlighting the abrupt onset and severity of her symptoms. Her experience underscores the general unpreparedness many women face regarding menopause.

[05:25] Farnoosh Torabi: "What if I told you that over a million women in the US enter menopause every year, yet most of them are completely unprepared for what's coming?"

[07:59] Dr. Sharon Malone: "I went from experiencing an epic hot flash on live TV to realizing that my story was not unique. This revelation pushed me to explore and advocate for better menopause education and resources."

Challenges within the Medical Community

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the inadequacies within the medical community concerning menopause. Dr. Malone criticizes the lack of comprehensive training for healthcare professionals and the detrimental impact of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) perception.

[10:26] Dr. Sharon Malone: "Most doctors are very clear up until we get to midlife, and then women just sort of drop off. They’re not trained adequately about menopause."

[12:21] Dr. Malone: "The WHI study in 2002 caused a massive decline in HRT usage—from 40% to about 4%—by linking hormones to increased breast cancer risk. This has discouraged conversations and treatments ever since."

Financial Implications of Menopause

The episode explores how menopause can have financial repercussions for women, from healthcare costs related to treatment and therapy to potential impacts on career progression and workplace productivity.

[17:30] Dr. Malone: "Access to affordable menopause care is a significant financial strain. Telehealth has emerged as a valuable resource, but there's still a long way to go in making treatments like HRT accessible to all women."

Lifestyle Modifications for Better Health

Dr. Malone emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes in managing menopause symptoms. She advocates for prioritizing sleep, proper nutrition, and strength training as foundational strategies to improve quality of life.

[25:54] Dr. Malone: "Sleep hygiene is a cornerstone. Without proper sleep, managing other symptoms becomes exponentially harder. Focus on a consistent sleep schedule and reduce stimulants like caffeine and alcohol."

[27:30] Dr. Malone: "Nutrition is critical. Women need to increase their protein intake and engage in regular strength training to combat muscle loss and maintain metabolism during menopause."

Impact on Personal Relationships and Intimacy

Menopause not only affects physical health but also has profound effects on personal relationships and intimacy. Dr. Malone discusses the challenges couples face and the importance of open communication.

[30:14] Dr. Malone: "Intimacy issues often stem from unaddressed symptoms like reduced libido and painful intercourse. Open conversations with partners are essential to navigate these changes."

[31:46] Dr. Malone: "There's a direct correlation between menopause-related symptoms and increased divorce rates. Lack of communication and understanding can drive couples apart during this transition."

Workplace Dynamics and Ageism

The conversation highlights how ageism in the workplace compounds the challenges of menopause, with women often feeling undervalued and unsupported during their midlife years.

[34:00] Dr. Malone: "Employers need to foster environments that support women going through menopause. Simple adjustments like providing fans or breathable uniforms can make a significant difference."

[35:52] Dr. Malone: "We need to integrate menopause support into workplace benefits and ensure women feel comfortable seeking help without stigma."

Dr. Malone’s Advocacy and Future Goals

Dr. Malone shares her ongoing efforts to advance menopause education and access to care, including her documentary "The M Factor" and her upcoming book, How to Menopause. She calls for greater research funding and systemic changes to support women’s health during midlife.

[23:14] Dr. Malone: "We need substantial funding for research and accessible treatment options. Menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and our healthcare system needs to reflect that diversity."

[37:40] Dr. Malone: "The world's hottest menopause party in Vegas was a celebration of women coming together to share experiences and support each other. It's this community spirit that drives change."

Conclusion and Takeaways

Farnoosh Torabi wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of addressing both the financial and health aspects of menopause. She encourages listeners to advocate for better resources and support systems, ensuring that women can navigate midlife with confidence and stability.

[38:00] Farnoosh Torabi: "Thanks so much to Dr. Sharon Malone for joining us. Her book How to Menopause comes out March 25th. Join us back on Friday for another episode of Ask Farnoosh, and remember, your day can be so money."

Key Insights:

• Lack of Medical Training: Many healthcare providers are inadequately trained to address menopause, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
• Financial Strain: The costs associated with menopause treatments and the potential impact on career progression can create significant financial burdens.
• Lifestyle is Crucial: Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise can alleviate many menopause symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
• Open Communication: Transparent conversations with partners and employers are essential to manage the personal and professional impacts of menopause.
• Advocacy Needed: Greater research funding and systemic changes are necessary to provide accessible and effective menopause care for all women.

Notable Quotes:

• Farnoosh Torabi: "What if I told you that over a million women in the US enter menopause every year, yet most of them are completely unprepared for what's coming?" (07:59)
• Dr. Malone: "Sleep hygiene is a cornerstone. Without proper sleep, managing other symptoms becomes exponentially harder." (25:54)
• Dr. Malone: "Employers need to foster environments that support women going through menopause. Simple adjustments can make a significant difference." (34:00)

This episode serves as a crucial resource for women navigating menopause, highlighting the need for better healthcare support, financial planning, and societal understanding to ensure a healthier and more empowered midlife experience.