Embarking on a journey through cancer is a profound experience that reshapes one’s perspective on life and health. When my surgeon advised me to discontinue hormone therapy—implying a choice between quality of life and longevity—I was taken aback. It was unsettling to hear such a dichotomy from a respected medical professional, especially when it contradicted foundational aspects of women’s health. Trusting my knowledge and instincts, I chose to continue hormone therapy.
Brain Fog So Intense It Can Disable Thought Formation
After going through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, I encountered a period of intense brain fog—so severe that it felt akin to early-onset dementia. Drawing upon my research into the neuroprotective effects of hormones, I made the decision to increase my doses of estrogen and progesterone. Remarkably, within days, my cognitive clarity returned, and I have remained mentally sharp since.
Identifying the First Problem: Doctors & Medical Professionals Are Uninformed
However, this experience illuminated a significant issue: most women rely on healthcare professionals for guidance, yet many practitioners remain uninformed about the benefits of hormone therapy, often adhering to outdated information from studies like the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) that suggested hormones were harmful. This persistent misinformation does a tremendous disservice to women.
In my assessment, midlife women are often left to navigate their health challenges alone, with the medical system offering little proactive support to prevent disease and disability. Consequently, our health truly lies in our own hands. The first step toward empowerment is initiating conversations about these issues.
Identifying the Second Problem: Any Talk of Periods or Their Cessation Is Still Taboo
Women undergo significant hormonal upheavals during midlife, yet these changes are seldom discussed openly. Societal taboos surrounding topics like menstruation, menopause, and sexual health perpetuate a sense of shame, preventing open dialogue. It’s imperative to dismantle this false veneer of shame to foster mutual support and understanding.
Publication: The Perimenopause-Broken Rung Hypothesis
In August 2024, I authored an article on Medium proposing a connection between the underrepresentation of women in C-suite positions—often referred to as the “broken rung” phenomenon—and perimenopause. I hypothesized that the hormonal turmoil experienced during perimenopause contributes to the disparity in women’s leadership representation. This concept, termed the Perimenopause-Broken Rung Hypothesis, suggests that unaddressed midlife health challenges can disrupt women’s career trajectories, perpetuating systemic barriers in corporate environments.
TEDx Talk on Perimenopause
In October 2024, I seized the opportunity to apply to speak at TEDxSanDiego. Without any expectation about the outcome, I submitted my application, aiming to shed light on the silent struggles many women face during perimenopause. To my surprise and honor, I was invited to speak. On February 19, 2025, I delivered my talk, titled “It’s Time to Break the Silence on Perimenopause,” in La Jolla before an audience of 500 people.
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A Call to Action – It is Time!
I am thrilled to share the video of my TEDx talk with you. I invite you to watch, reflect, and engage in this crucial conversation. Please like, comment, and share the video with your network to amplify awareness.
This talk marks the beginning of a broader initiative. In recent weeks, I’ve delved deeper into evolutionary endocrinology, exploring how hormonal fluctuations underpin women’s health. I am eager to share these insights in the coming weeks. Additionally, I will be launching a YouTube channel shortly to continue this dialogue and provide valuable resources. Please stay tuned for updates.
An Invitation to Connect With Me
I would love to hear from you. If you have thoughts, questions, or personal experiences related to perimenopause or midlife health, please share them. Together, we can break the silence, dispel myths, and empower each other to navigate this journey with knowledge and confidence.
Much love to you all,
Dr. Manna
