Sam and Dr. Jen Gunter Talk Menopause

As two women over 50 on TV, Sam and Dr. Jen Gunter have the right, no, duty, to discuss that special time in women’s lives that marks the end of their childbearing years and the beginning of their invisibility: Menopause.
This piece was produced by Razan Ghalayini with Jessica Leal and edited by Daphne Gomez-Mena.
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[@Purplenpinkk]

Thank you for talking about Menopause! Literally no one talks about this - my mother never talked about it. It's like a dirty secret.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I was angry about 'dirty secrets', and the serious damage they caused, by adolescence. This was my motivation for discussing women's health issues with any gender all my adult life, so far. Because I have found all to be interested. Male housemates have thanked me for my candour, because they wanted to know a woman's perspective, but were embarrassed to broach the subject. I find the more you are open about something, the less embarrassing it is. There is nothing shameful about bodies, or bodies doing what they do. The 'dirtiness' is about shaming. Shaming nature makes no sense.

[@mumzthewurd1]

Men care if you get pregnant because that affects them. Your suffering doesn’t.

[@miserylitmedia1050]

My struggles with my period and my begging to end it as a teenager were met with either blank dismissal or else gender-shaming. "If you tie your tubes, you'll grow a beard and look like a boy," they said, "and who would want you then???" I WISH we'd had puberty-blockers when I was a kid. Maybe I'd have been happier???

[@cnj67]

I read "dry secret" 😂

[@cindyhill9091]

I asked my mother-in-law about her menopause experience and she waved me off with "oh that was so long ago". hmph

[@airbrushken5339]

I'm a male Vietnam Veteran and the US VA has said I have several medical conditions directly related to Agent Orange (Dioxins) poisoning including Prostrate Cancer. They caught it early, so for the past two years I first received 7 weeks radiation treatment plus Female Hormone injection treatments... usually 3 month or a six month injections. It would seem I'm one of those lucky men (about 8% of males) who suffer EXTREME side effects; heavy sweats, mood swings, everything my poor wife went through only worse... to the point I walk around my house some days only in my boxers and a towel (to dry myself). They are hoping it stops soon, but I have to admit, it opened my eyes to what my poor sisters and wife went through. At least their issues were less intense, I'll be honest, most men have no real understanding of what women go through ... I know I do! ... thanks Sam

[@dreamlife2351]

I appreciate you telling your story and I really appreciate that you have an understanding of what women have to go through 🕊

[@SheaTheSarcastic]

My husband started having thyroid problems (later diagnosed with Hoshimoto Thyroiditis), and had very bad hot flashes. At the time he accused me of being contagious with my peri menopause. 😆

[@jessicamoore1314]

Thanks for sharing Sam and for your sympathies. You are a good man and I wish you a successful recovery!

[@airbrushken5339]

@@jessicamoore1314 I just went to the cancer clinic last Friday and was told the Hormone Side effect has been known to last up to 5 YEARS! .... My poor wife. She's Australian and never signed up to help take care of an American Vietnam Vet. Prostate cancer survivors are living longer, but what about the lower quality of life? It's not about how long you live ... it's what you do with your life that matters. I love art and have taught Art courses at college level for many years, something I can no longer do after my service to my country poisoned me with Dioxin 50 years ago ... thank you for your service?" ... Be safe

[@raineydaze723]

Sam, thank you for your service AND your compassion. 💜

[@polemius01]

Great segment. "Men's medicine retrofitted [for women]" is chilling, but, sadly, not surprising. Dr. Gunter is awesome!

[@hedymills1372]

I started menopause at fifty. I lost both my parents and my grandmother. I feel like my life is over. I went to doctors and they dismissed me. I hope things will be better for my daughter.

[@Trund27]

You are worthy of proper care. Can you get a second opinion from another doctor? I am so sorry for your recent losses. Sending you love and light from Canada 🇨🇦

[@annemariemattheyse808]

You’re dealing with enough without all the challenges associated with menopause. If you can afford it, do go and get some HRT so you can give yourself the best chance at making it through this dark period in your life without unnecessary misery. As Snodge Cat notes below: you are worthy of good medical treatment; you don’t have to suffer from this, at least. Sending much love ❤️ It WILL get better!!

[@hedymills1372]

Thanks ladies.. It's nice to have support from others, who understand what you're going through.

[@hadawson72268]

This: Exactly this

[@marionsicard6479]

You know the difference between womens winter and mens winter?!? One is covered by medical insurance and one isn’t. The one used primarily for pleasure is covered. The one that causes a possibility of 150 side effects isn’t. Of course if you’re lucky enough to have insurance…. It’s surely a man’s world now isn’t it?!?

[@melissahahn2484]

I love this show and Samantha Bee. She is so good at informing while making us laugh.

[@jasonbauer1345]

She's BS and say she stand for rights! Why didn't they talk more about men and Menopause. Use to follow her but starting to realize she's a hypocrite!

[@BeGlamourlicious]

Could you please do a menopaus mini series. I need more of this content.

[@skatekr3w13]

I’m off subject, but Dr. Gunter’s silver hair is stunning. My husband once said “a woman who rocks her silver looks confident and powerful”.

[@marthaconover8674]

My mom never gets tired of declaring that " Grey hair is a sign of wisdom!" I used to dye my hair all sorts of crazy colors. At 49, I'm grey/ hit Menopause...and wise enough to know i have more to worry about than my hair.

[@gretchenussery1041]

Totally agree! And what a good man you have!👍👍

[@alexia2099]

Thank god she has your husband's appoval😂😂😂

[@Hallows4]

I don’t remember what it was for, but there was a commercial a bunch of years ago that centered around two older women going to their high school reunion. The school colors were purple and gray (not very realistic in my experience, but it’s a story) so these ladies got purple streaks in their gray hair to suit the occasion. The whole thing was honestly very endearing.

[@TheVeggiekat]

When I went to get an IUD for hormone replacement therapy. (Irregular month long periods that caused severe anemia) insurance wouldn’t cover it. Treatment that was literally life saving only got covered because the doctor rephrased the need for treatment as birth control and then Obamacare forced the insurance company (Aetna) to cover it.

[@nijnij3988]

Loved this!! At times I'm furious at the fact that Sam is still the only female late night host out there. But then I think, you know what, Full Frontal is as good (if not better) than all those other late night shows put together, so it kinda makes sense!

[@andrewulanowski4190]

Samantha Bee is not the only female show host. Amber Ruffin is another wonderful female show host!

[@l.a.gothro3999]

Um, you don't know about Amber Ruffin, do you?

[@l.a.gothro3999]

@@andrewulanowski4190 ya beat me to it! 😀

[@nijnij3988]

@@andrewulanowski4190 oh cool! I didn't know that! I'll definitely check it out :)

[@l.a.gothro3999]

@@nijnij3988 there's also a video on KZbin of Amber and Sam discussing being the only women hosting late night television talk shows. Found it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV7bimeVrrybqJY

[@NewMessage]

Somewhere out there, Elon just narrowed his eyes, and wrote 'women' on a list he keeps on his bedside table.

[@bovinityleak2066]

Nice! 😂

[@meowyimeow]

For some reason I picture this scene animated, The Simpsons-style.

[@themoonsharksquirrel8937]

🤣🤣 niiiiiiiiccccce

[@pluribus_unum]

It has been on list since he was 18.

[@blackeyedsusan727]

@@meowyimeow exactly!!!

[@RechtmanDon]

That is indeed a beautiful thing! Full Frontal is tied for top of the list, with her friends Amber, Steven, John and Seth.

[@wakeupbell2491]

I had periodic hot flashes for months. Each time I felt like I had a fever, was light-headed, and needed to sit down. Every time, I thought I was coming down with something like a flu. It was maybe a year before I somehow learned, that I was in peri-menopause.

[@aliciagordon3205]

LOVE both these ladies! I have Dr. Gunter's book "The Menopause Manifesto." My gynecologist recommended it. The book was very helpful in coming to the decision to go on HRT and explaining to me what my body was going through. I highly recommend the book to every woman going through perimenopause.

[@dreamlife2351]

Thank you for the recommendation

[@r8chlletters]

I found it failed to answer a lot of my questions about current treatment options which have done a complete reversal early 2022. HRT is not covered thoroughly but needs to be, especially given how important it is for health and well-being for the remaining half of a mature woman’s life. I hope she revises and releases a new edition.

[@leyrua]

I've always thought it was strange that women's health is regarded as a "hush" topic. Then again, I grew up in a household where my mom was pretty straightforward about discussing this stuff. 🤷

[@KaritKtana]

The guest was so funny and delightful! Thank you for this segment

[@Orchidaceous1]

Thank you Sam and Dr. Gunter! This was so informative. I would love to see more talk about women’s health on the show.

[@cdex00]

The people in my circle are sick of hearing about it. Thank you for talking about it. For all those women suffering alone, I hear you!

[@persnickety369]

I really wish this expanded in the expense of HRT vs how much more affordable birth control is.

[@triciaamheiser785]

Well done Sam. Bright and insightful as always. Love Dr. Gunter. I had to come off of HRT as it just stopped working to alleviate symptoms.

[@francinebacone1455]

F'n fabulous! I learned not to be afraid of estrogen therapy when it comes time for the possibility of that intervention. Thanks, Sam! XOXOX!!!

[@avantgauche]

I'm currently playing a game called is it PTSD or is it the menopause or am I dying

[@lisab9541]

Oh gosh, I'm sorry. Please don't give up looking for some help.

[@Darbysmommy]

Thank you Sam!! Really, thank you so much. My new GYN had no idea how to treat menopause. She said in residency they only focused on OB. I finally just said you either need to help me or let me find someone else. She finally put me on a hormone patch. It has helped a bit. But there is absolutely no normal menopause. I don’t know a single woman who has had the same experience

[@LP-it9jy]

you might want to consider getting a consult with Menopause Barbie Dr. Taylor! I am scheduled for one soon.

[@dilettantical]

Wow, that’s an infuriating thing to get from a GYN. “They didn’t cover that in my residency” isn’t really a good excuse for not knowing how to provide care for an entire category of patients that you accept into your practice-continuing education is part of being a doctor.

[@rachelbonnar]

I had perimenopause for only 4 years, starting at age of 40.

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Samantha Bee We I love you always get me laughing out loud the Musk had me howling Two woman over 50 to a 120 is a Beautiful thing. Thank you all for the laughter keep on the Sunny side

[@pollytiks3885]

Outstanding interview!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@annemariemattheyse808]

No way, Sam!! I thought you were in your early forties, like me! 😀 So good to hear about this more and more from different sources. And so affirming to hear it said out loud that our worth isn’t derived from our reproductive potential. It’s a shame that society sees it differently. 😕 Also: I read one firsthand account about menopause in the NYT a few years ago where the writer said it was as if a fog lifted from her brain once it was over - like something that had been dulling her mind for years (estrogen? Lol) went away and she regained a clarity she hadn’t had since childhood. I’m looking forward to that.

[@traceykoontz2868]

I tell you what if that happens and until it does, I'm still on the dragon, my Mom said can be as long as 20years or longer 😳😳😡😞😤😠🤪🤪, well it does beat the alternative.

[@bovinityleak2066]

“How do you talk about this with your doctor”. Hilarious in america that someone would assume that each of us would actually have access to health care to any degree.

[@dawnpalmby5100]

Gotta remember Sam is Canadian, but she knows, I believe there's been a cpl segments on the lack of Healthcare, insurance, benefits in the US

[@BrianTheGoblin]

Side note, even in Canada no one talks about menopause...

[@MrBreezeLI516]

burnnnn!!! 🔥😮‍💨

[@The_Real_Mier]

I’m not sure if ‘hilarious’ is actually the best term to be using here…….

[@dawnpalmby5100]

Loved this segment, definitely know a few ladies who will benefit from it

[@randicook15]

This lady is great. Good interview Samantha!

[@tabithatrimm-hooson4585]

This makes me feel better. My mom had a hysterectomy soon after I was born and gave her permanent pre-menopause so I thought it was a permanent thing. I still have trouble shaking the doom feelings that instilled in me as a kid.

[@cindyhill9091]

Thank you, Sam!! I learned so much in less than 7 minutes.

[@amusicment4829]

Hahaha! What a perfect segment…you and Dr Jen are amazing

[@topper1212]

Thank you for covering this!

[@lainimitchell6312]

Excellent interview.

[@femmec6644]

Thank you for talking about this!

[@freeda8337]

♥‿♥ the inclusive language! All people with ovaries experience menopause!

[@notme2day]

The people without ovaries get to experience it too... IF they're involved with people who have ovaries. 🙃

[@freeda8337]

@@notme2day hmm, just like periods and pregnancies?!

[@sampatterson2434]

I wish I could like this with a heart emoji. Keep the knowledge coming Sam!

[@lorealleandre1952]

I have taken bio identical hormones for the past 23 years. I feel great. Supplies the body with what you used to produce and is prescribed in doses customized to your specific requirements. Not many doctors are knowledgeable however and only compounding pharmacies are capable of making your prescriptions.

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

What type of MD should I look for that can help me with something like that? I’ve had trouble finding it.

[@sarahdee374]

I use two OTC transdermal bio identical hormones and they help me. But I'm 68 and post menopausal, fairly regulated with a couple other supplements so these just keep things moist and with sleep. I do find supplements from reputable companies can help quite a bit. They are not miracles but keep my body feeling pretty good.

[@charlenesmylie4880]

Best interview ever. Thanks Sam & Jen!

[@freeda8337]

I learned so much, thank you!

[@riverc3171]

Menopause always reminds me of Edith in All in the family episode where she’s going through it. Hilarious! Check it out

[@beanxianne]

Thank you so much for this section. I would love to see more about menopause, as where we get our "facts" from can be variable in accuracy! 😊

[@suzettewilliams1758]

Menopause hit me like a brick especially Hot flushes and anxiety, I thought I was having issues with lockdown. Even in the UK its difficult to get treatment, but its not expensive thankfully unless you need to go private. Recently Menopause is talked if more and a lot of workplaces are starting to recognise it especially with well being.

[@rainbowglitterclit]

I love you Samantha, you’re my hero

[@pearlejam7115]

Thank you for this!

[@jaelynn7575]

Instead of addressing one issue at a time, how about they do it all at once and make doctor visits longer? I'm so sick of the "medical-merry-go-round" that I've been put through for 15 years! It's just a way to squeeze money out of suffering people.

[@weakanklesfornamjoon]

Yes. Having to cancel follow up appointments because you’re buried in medical bills on high deductible insurance and can’t catch up.

[@paulinailana]

Thank you, thank you, a thousand times, thank you! We must start talking about Menopause. I make it a practice to talk about it freely with people. Time to start normalizing it. And... want to share a lovely story. A beautiful elder friend once told me she loved going into menopause. Say what??? This was the first I had heard of such a perspective - my curiosity piqued I asked her to explain. She told me when she went through menopause she felt like she was returning to her innocence. In particular, she talked about nature. She said she started to see nature differently, it was subtle, but it was there, and it was beautiful. She was looking at the trees, birds, ocean, earth, through the eyes of the child she once was before her cycle had started. This message stuck with me and now that I am at the tail end of perimenopause, entering into menopause soon (I haven't had a cycle for 10 months) I remember this often. It is a different, subtle, and sometimes uncomfortable, change happening within me but it is softened and filled with wonder as I remember the wise words from my friend. I see nature, and menopause, differently now too.

[@gretchenussery1041]

So informative & helpful!! Thank you!!💚

[@leeandrarickard5509]

This interview was a beautiful thing

[@samanthaizzoscheffler8272]

Awesome - thank you :-)

[@mlvogh]

❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much for this!

[@katla_phc]

oh hey, two of my favorite women and two of my favorite Canadians

[@piginspandex]

Do check out Dr. Gunter's op-eds for the NYTimes if you can find them. Nobody deals with women's issues that nobody discusses better than she does. She is an icon!

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Thank You, Sam & Crew!

[@merriehenderson6094]

Thank you, thank you!

[@VDash-Slesinski]

Compounded Bio identical hormone replacement. I had ovarian cancer at age 47. Experienced extreme hot flashes the day after surgery that went on for months.These compounded medications made all the difference.

[@jessicamacfarlane6226]

Two of my favorite women together 🔥🔥🔥

[@HazelwithaZ]

THANK YOU!!

[@Anticrystal88]

I couldn't wait for menopause! It's great.

[@malissahyatt2425]

I hit it at 38. I jumped up and down when the Dr. called. So happy to be free!!!!!! Time to rock those white jeans girls!!!!!!!! Woooooo whoooooo!!!!!!!!

[@r8chlletters]

So if you’re over 40 all I can say is go get a CAT of your abdomen. You’ll avoid a lot of painful surgery and recovery by getting diagnostics early. Also HRT is amazing. Beat down every door til you get the hormones you are missing. Don’t wait.

[@chughes415]

Does Dr. Gunter have a show because I want it. She's awesome.

[@roedtoggroent]

I did all the all the healthy lifestyle stuff, it made me feel maybe 0.3% better. Then I got HRT that made me feel 100% better. Almost makes me angry that they give the impression that healthy lifestyle can do a real impact on this nightmare.

[@terrykroy6534]

Hello. What hrt do you use?

[@roedtoggroent]

@@terrykroy6534 estradiol patches and progesterone IUD.

[@scherrypierce]

"Penul winter" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RachelH2vr2ul]

it's perfectly on point & so dang funny!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rusj0]

We need to talk about MANOpause...because I work with mostly men and they can be a cranky bunch at this age! I'm the one that is supposedly going thorough menopause but my annoying symptoms are weight gain and sleep problems (no hot flashes).

[@RocLobo358]

I don't have menopause but I have a hellish luteal phase. My sleep problems are greatly helped by cooling the body before bed. If you have AC, cool your bedroom. Take a really cold shower. Meditate and don't have too many covers.

[@MsLuna-cv6lf]

Yes! Me too!

[@buddyholly4672]

Love ya girl. You keep it real!

[@taryndorsey5581]

Thank You!!!!!!

[@gailannnoble]

what about AFTER menopause

[@TheZuckerfisch]

Love how they turned all the visible bottles on the shelves around so there's no free advertising for all of these products

[@jennifermathis3983]

Love this!!

[@n3v3rg01ngback]

If they just ripped on Elon Musk for an hour, I’d listen.

[@watchxfiles]

love you Samantha !

[@jennw6809]

Thank god for Samantha - a 53 year old lady

[@naomiweaver1855]

I really think you should get your studio audience back. It helps advertise the show.

[@lauracohen4914]

Yes, elon caused dryness here too!

[@alexT2091]

Definitely missed the opportunity to call Dr. Jen an OG OGBYN 😂

[@sirabu6827]

Gunter your the best!!!!

[@clovergreens6858]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you ! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊

[@seivaDsugnA]

One of my joints was giving me grief, so I smoked it.

[@maroosk]

Awwwww!!!! Yyyaaayyyyy!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@PerspectiveEngineer]

You are not populating... Wish we could just turn that on and off

[@isobool3927]

Hope to see a bit where Same explores the negative impact of make-up on girls' and womens' health. Not to mention that make-up is a result of patriarchism: women weren't independent and competed in getting a male by painting them to attract such a male.

[@marshallboice4629]

Jens a great follow on Twitter.

[@hadawson72268]

50 dollars a month .. but I don’t care .. HRT IS AWESOME .. I gotta try that weight training.

[@jonfober6785]

Some men put on musk. A mistake, eh?

[@sadiehawkins5908]

Men.... o.... pause....

[@malissahyatt2425]

This is how I love to say it. I said it like that to my mom and she laughed sooooo hard. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@monicaperez1165]

This was funny though I doubt men may enjoy it… lemme check ….

[@scottspilis1940]

OK, I'll say the obvious. I did not know Sam was over fifty.

[@eleanorclub]

Men mentioned... and people with ovaries. With friends like these.....

[@angelaallen4833]

PENIPAUSE!!!

[@SHITLER-tinyhands]

Brace yourself…woman’s winter is coming!

[@randykrus9562]

Shouldn't it be called Womenopause? Another English language conundrum......and missed opportunity.

[@lumpy0100]

Only if you're Republican?😉

[@lumpy0100]

What?

[@JasonGastrich]

lol ok

[@Jiddy12345]

shut up jason

[@oldsesalt8496]

Can menopause start at 22? That would explain my first wife.

[@erniemathews5085]

Nobody tells men about this, either. Imagine our surprise when our smart, witty , attractive partner suddenly finds us sexually disgusting or infuriating.

[@josephinecronin1195]

“People with ovaries “? The irony is that there are new words you are afraid of. Women. This happens to women.

[@lisafleury1254]

You nitwit! lots of women don't have ovaries (for many reasons) They are still women, but don't experience traditional menopause. Which is 1 reason Dr. Gunter always using "people with ovaries" Another EXCELLENT reason is to be inclusive of trans men who go through menopause.

[@edricaldones9639]

It also happens to transmen.

[@edricaldones9639]

Also to intersex people

[@josephinecronin1195]

@@edricaldones9639 you can identify how you want but you are biologically a woman and erasing the reality that this is happens to women only is another example of misogyny and patriarchy.

[@stmali5]

Say you’re ignorant without you saying you’re ignorant, smh

[@klondike444]

This clip brought to you by Pfizer.