Menopause Goes Mainstream: A Pelvic Health PT’s Perspective

May 20, 2025

Posted By: Melissa S. Keras-Donaghy in Member Spotlight,

Menopause Goes Mainstream: A Pelvic Health PT’s Perspective on Social Media’s Role in Breaking the Silence

As a pelvic health physical therapist, I’ve spent over 30 years working closely with women navigating the complex physical and emotional changes that come with menopause. And for just as long, I’ve seen the frustration, confusion, and silence surrounding this natural life stage.

But something is shifting—and it’s happening on our tiny screens.

In the last few years, social media has become a powerful tool for menopause awareness, helping to normalize conversations, spread evidence-based information, and empower women to take charge of their health in a way that feels fresh, honest, and long overdue.

Finally, Menopause Is Getting the Spotlight It Deserves

For years, menopause was treated as a quiet inevitability, often brushed aside in healthcare discussions and overlooked in women’s wellness. Now, hashtags like #MenopauseAwareness, #PelvicHealthMatters, and #MidlifeStrong are changing that.

As a clinician, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this cultural shift has started to change patient attitudes. Women come to their appointments more informed, more confident, and more willing to advocate for their own well-being—thanks in no small part to what they’re seeing online.

A Surge of Education and Empowerment

What I love about this moment is that social media isn’t just about venting frustrations (though there’s value in that too). It’s becoming a hub for credible, accessible education—and this is crucial in Pelvic Health.

Whether it’s a viral reel explaining the impact of hormonal changes on your pelvic floor, or a post on managing genitourinary symptoms during perimenopause, content creators and healthcare professionals alike are helping women understand what’s happening in their bodies and what they can do about it.

In fact, I’ve started using some of this content in my practice as a bridge to conversation. When a patient says, “I saw a video about vaginal estrogen—is that something I should ask my doctor about?” I know we’re making progress.

Tearing Down the Taboos

Let’s face it: talking about bladder leaks, painful sex, or prolapse isn’t easy. But when women see others discussing these topics online—sometimes with humor, sometimes with raw honesty—it removes the shame. They start to realize: I’m not broken and I’m not alone.

This has been especially helpful for my patients who felt isolated in their experiences. Now, they’re engaging with the community, asking questions, and seeking support far earlier than before.

And the impact is real. Women who feel heard and supported are more likely to seek treatment, stick with it, and see results.

The Road Ahead: Where We Still Need to Go

While social media is helping us break through the silence, it’s not a substitute for high-quality care. There’s still a huge need for better education for providers, more insurance coverage for pelvic health services, and a shift in healthcare systems to fully support women through perimenopause and beyond.

But social media is helping fuel that change. It’s giving women the tools to speak up, ask better questions, and demand more from their care.

Final Thoughts

As a long time Pelvic Health PT, I see every day how knowledge is power—and social media is putting that power back in women’s hands. By sharing real stories, evidence-based tips, and a good dose of humor, we’re finally seeing menopause come out of the shadows.

It’s not just a trend- it’s a movement. And I’m here for it!