The term “eating disorder” often conjures an image of a young woman battling anorexia nervosa. However, this stereotype does not reflect the full reality of eating disorders. These disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender identity, body size, sexuality, or cultural background.
Puberty is a well-known risk period for the development of eating disorders due to various biological, psychological, social, and environmental changes. However, there is another significant transition stage in the lives of women or individuals with ovaries: menopause. Menopause, and its precursor perimenopause, brings about hormonal and bodily changes that can impact eating behaviors and body image.
The intersection of menopause and eating disorders poses unique challenges. Menopause can increase the risk of developing or worsening an eating disorder, yet individuals experiencing both may struggle to understand their symptoms amidst the hormonal fluctuations of menopause.
Recognizing the lack of education and support for individuals navigating eating disorders during menopause, Associate Professor Gemma Sharp and her team developed an online resource to address this gap. Collaborating with women ranging from premenopause to postmenopause, who also had lived experience with eating disorders, they aimed to provide comprehensive information and support tailored to this demographic.
The project revealed the traumatic experiences many women had faced within the healthcare system, including dismissal and neglect of their specific needs during midlife. Feeling overlooked and lacking knowledge about menopause, these women expressed a strong desire for resources addressing the intersection of eating disorders and menopause.
The resulting online educational resource, developed by and for women, aims to fill this void by providing relevant information, support, and empowerment. By amplifying the voices of those with lived experience, the project seeks to offer holistic guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of eating disorders during the menopausal transition.
