It’s been fun

but it’s time to move on

Dear readers, subscribers and contributors,

I so appreciate the support you have given Menopause Matters for the last several months. When I started this publication, I didn’t know what to expect, or whether it would find an audience. I was asked to create it by the editors here at Medium because they sensed a need for reliable, fact-based information about an experience which impacts roughly half of the world’s population.

There are so many myths and misconceptions about menopause, perimenopause, early and late-onset menopause, treatments, symptoms, and where to find reliable information. I was happy to try to bring science, real-life experiences (from people who are, or have been there), journalists, nurses, doctors, and certified menopause specialists to the forefront. And, to create a page of resources to help you find more answers to important questions, take a deeper dive into specific issues and treatments, and maybe even find some peer support for whatever it is you’re experiencing.

Editors like me are under contract with Medium to produce and edit roughly 100 different topical publications as part of their Boost pilot program. As a full-time freelance journalist, I write for many different media outlets in addition to Menopause Matters. I’ve done so for nearly 25 years. And I’ve learned a few things along my journey.

• While every media organization has its own contract language, including fees, deliverables and expectations, I have learned to push back when I feel terms are not fair or reasonable before signing any agreement.
• While journalism is both my job and my passion, I am also a small business owner, who has learned to make decisions based on what’s best for my business and career.
• There are times when a mutually beneficial agreement cannot be reached. I have learned to realize when it’s time to step back and pursue other options.

Without getting into specifics, I have determined that it is not in my best business interests to continue my collaboration with Medium. It’s nothing personal — they are a business too, with a certain model and plan. It is just not compatible with my business practices, for a variety of reasons.

I plan to continue to write about menopause and all the related health issues that accompany this transition. Several stories are already available at the Association of Health Care Journalists website, where I am contributing editor for aging (everything is connected, right?). I will also pursue other story opportunities as a freelancer. So I hope you will visit my website, follow me on Threads, Bluesky and/or LinkedIn.

As for Menopause Matters, it’s up to the editors at Medium to determine whether it will continue in some form. There’s clearly a need for such a publication, so I hope there’s another editor willing to take on this important task. I wish them well.

Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperous 2024.