The M word- Menopause

can go f*$k itself

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash

The M Word – Menopause.

I didn’t even want to put that word in the title. Yet, I know that it will send readers my way because of it being the word of the moment.

That word- MENOPAUSE. I’m fucking over it.
Yup, I said it.

Yes, it’s great that women are finally getting some help.
However, like everything else, it’s now become a massive money-maker—off the backs of those very women. Just like every trend before this. Yes, I said trend.

Why should women’s actual health become a “trend”?

Every other post, video is another celebrity cream, workshop, workgroup and digital download saying that you too can become a menopause coach- really?????
But that’s our culture, isn’t it?

And don’t say to me, “Jennifer this is our new rally cry for women who refuse to be “invisible” at this age and finally getting attention”. Because I’ll say to you- Women’s health has always been invisible.
In fact, women in general have been invisible in most workplaces, systems, structures—unless we’re being sexualized when we’re young or praised for giving birth and keeping the house in order. Not to mention if you’re anything other than, white, middle to upper class and not handicapped in any way.

Those groups have always been invisible. At all ages.

So- invisible to whom I ask? I’ll let you sit with that one.

So here we are again: women’s health only mattering when the powers that be can make money off of it- and you.

It’s amazing that it’s this generation—Gen X—is the first to get any real help in the area of midlife health issues. The same generation that was targeted mercilessly by the rise of diet culture and every bullshit ideal sold to women. Slim-Fast. Fat-Free. The Zone. Atkins. Heroin Chic.
And then the WELLNESS takeover—
All of it making billions and billions off an always unreachable “ideal.”

Are we tired yet?
Tired of chasing the version of ourselves we’ve been told to become?
Tired of the finish line that keeps getting moved just as we’re about to cross it?

As I say all the time:
If women stopped buying into every last thing shoved in front of us about who we should be, how we should look, and what “living right” means—
We’d rule the damn world.

Getting proper health care shouldn’t be lumped into a shiny new multi-billion-dollar industry that leaves you more confused than ever.
And the cost? Outrageous.
So is this really about the health of all women?
Or just the ones who can afford it—again?

I’ll dive way deeper into this on an upcoming Substack and on my new podcast, REBELLIOUS, out soon.

For now, here’s a little poem to ponder,
For those nights you’re up sweating—
Because you couldn’t afford the right potions, lotions, or patch.

---

I’m up.
Again.
Sweating.
And cold.
Jesus,
this really gets old.
Maybe I’ll write a menopause substack
Like a million other women
On hot flashes, and sex
and how it’s such a flex
To feel unseen yet so free
While still getting fucked
by the patriarchy
I think it’s all dumb
Sleepwalking and numb
To all the bullshit
We keep lapping up like cum
I don’t think you’ll ever get it
Not in my lifetime
So I guess I’ll just lay here
In my wet sheets and rhyme
I loved your story
About the tree on the street
And that theater I only pray to meet.
One day, I hope soon
Leave this hellscape of gloom.
Where art is on tap
Along with a nap
And a stroll down a street
Friendly strangers I do meet
Wine at 9
All will be fine
I hope this is true
And not just a rhyme
Well, I don’t know
Maybe - in time?