A Brief History of Menopause: From Myths to Modern Wellness
For something every woman experiences, menopause has long been misunderstood, mislabeled, and—until recently—mostly ignored in medical history. From ancient theories about “wandering wombs” to injecting cow ovaries in the 1800s (yes, really), the history of menopause is as fascinating as it is frustrating.
Here’s a quick journey through time to see how far we’ve come—and why today’s women finally have access to smart, science-backed wellness options that respect their bodies and their power.
Ancient Greece (c. 460–370 BCE): The Wandering Womb
The earliest medical texts acknowledged that menstruation stopped at a certain age, but menopause wasn’t recognized as a distinct life stage. Instead, Hippocrates and his peers believed many symptoms were caused by a "wandering womb"—a roaming uterus that triggered emotional and physical distress. Not exactly body-positive.
11th Century: A Glimmer of Recognition
Persian physician Avicenna described changes in menstruation with age in The Canon of Medicine. He noted shifts in mood and health post-menstruation but, again, didn’t identify menopause as its own biological process. Still, it was an early step toward recognizing the experience.
1821: Menopause Gets a Name
French physician Charles-Pierre Louis De Gardanne coined the term “ménopause”—from the Greek mens (month) and pausis (pause). For the first time, menopause was identified as a distinct physiological event. Unfortunately, it was also framed as a medical problem needing intervention.
Mid-1800s: Cow Ovaries & “Organotherapy”
With limited understanding of hormones, Victorian doctors turned to wild remedies. One popular treatment involved ingesting or injecting cow or pig ovaries, based on the belief that animal reproductive organs could “restore” lost vitality in menopausal women. Meanwhile, others prescribed leeches, sedatives, or rest cures—often diagnosing women with “hysteria.”
1966: Feminine Forever and the HRT Boom
Dr. Robert A. Wilson’s bestselling book Feminine Forever popularized the idea that menopause was a “deficiency disease” caused by falling estrogen—and that women should take estrogen indefinitely to remain youthful and “feminine.” Estrogen pills like Premarin® became widely prescribed, though the risks of hormone therapy were still poorly understood.
2002: A Turning Point in Hormone Therapy
The Women’s Health Initiative released a large-scale study showing that certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were linked to increased risks of heart disease and breast cancer. The result? Millions of women reconsidered HRT, and the medical community began exploring non-hormonal and lifestyle-based solutions for menopause support.
Today: A New Era of Menopause Support
Thankfully, the stigma around menopause is finally lifting. Women are demanding better solutions—and getting them. Modern wellness brands (like Joylux) are leading a shift away from shame-based narratives and toward empowered, science-backed care that honors women’s changing bodies with dignity, education, and choice.
Menopause isn’t a problem to be fixed—it’s a natural, powerful life phase. And while history may have gotten it wrong for centuries, today we’re rewriting the story with better tools, better science, and more respect for the women living it.
Jackie
I have been lost. Going to the senior clinic but no one told me about getting a pelvic exam, just now I’ve read about it at 76 years old. No offer of HRT nor advice for the change. Had a breast lumpectomy and tests that shows no markers for any cancers, so why am I suffering now? Reunited with an ex and getting not hot flashes but not, it’s cortisol flashes! Can’t use ashwagandha due to thyroid meds so struggling more so because lost my PPO and other MDs in a hospital downsizing. Tried a Gyn then she went on vacation, have no replies yet. Tired of trying to be a woman again and don’t want to lose him again. My budget is so tight can’t afford good creams for my face, etc. Tried the HER bar so far and small size Spin. Dryness, incontinence, no libido, pleasure not happening, what’s a girl to do without going down a rabbit hole? Thinking of writing a book or atleast a ‘how to manual of what not to do’ for my grandbabes. Free advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
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Joylux replied:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. What you’re navigating is incredibly real, and you’re absolutely not alone—so many women find themselves facing these changes with little guidance or support. It’s heartbreaking how often menopause-related care is overlooked, especially later in life, but your voice matters and your experience deserves to be acknowledged. We’re so glad you found us, and we hope our community and resources can help you feel seen, supported, and empowered. Please continue to listen to your body, advocate for your needs, and take it one step at a time. You are more than worthy of feeling good in your skin again.
Veronica
Does this line of products help post menopausal women suffering with vaginal atrophy.
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Joylux replied:
Thanks so much for your question! LET’S SPIN Intimacy Gel is specifically formulated to treat vaginal dryness and is safe for daily use, making it a great option for postmenopausal women. And vFit uses red-light, gentle heat, and sonic technology to support vaginal wellness by stimulating collagen, elastin, and blood flow—helping to naturally rejuvenate intimate tissue over time. If you have more questions, please reach out to us at info@joylux.com or 844-872-8578 and we’ll be happy to assist you!