Educating & Entertaining Bits & Bobs
Illustration by: Cé Marina
A Whale of a Tale
All but a few of the approximately 6,000 known mammal species give birth to live young, yet a mere handful experience menopause. We humans are joined by orca whales—also known as killer whales—narwhals, beluga whales, and short-finned pilot whales. And, long-term research studies released in late 2023 suggest that certain chimps may also live past the end of reproduction.
It is not known precisely how menopause evolved, but many theories have emerged. The Grandmother Hypothesis—explained in a 1950s paper by ecologist George C. Williams—states that women evolved to live post-menopause so they could assist with their children and grandchildren. This would also benefit their fitness, rather than birthing more children later in life.
Fascinatingly, orca sons and daughters stay with their mothers for life, who use their long hunting experience to find food when it is scarce. The moms also step in to protect their sons from fights with other killer whales. No kidding!
Picasso Did More Than Paint at 68!*
“The male hormones (androgens) that control desire and regulate sexual behavior are important and woefully understudied in relation to women. We don’t want to mess with cultural ideas of what’s male and female, and we don’t like the idea of prescribing androgens to women who can no longer reproduce. That could actually encourage them to have bodily autonomy and sexual agency. An aging woman who still desires to be sexual, active, and engaged is threatening to many. That’s really scary, right?”
- Dr. Chris Creatura, M.D. For You Menopause Master
*Jewelry designer Paloma Picasso was born when dad Pablo was 68.
How Dry Eye Am
One of the least-discussed facts about menopause is its potential impact on vision. About two-thirds of menopausal women suffer from dry eyes, according to the Society for Women's Health Research. Fluctuating hormone levels can reduce the quality and quantity of tears in the transparent layers (tear film) covering the eye’s surface, and increase the risk of evaporation.
Menopausal women can also experience increased sensitivity to light and require new prescriptions for their glasses and contact lenses. Seeing an ophthalmologist once a year is essential, menopause or no menopause. Dry eyes can’t be cured, but treatments can help manage the issue so that your comfort and activities aren’t impacted.
Is She Kid-ding Us?
Considering the volume of misinformation and completely fabricated content on the internet, we can’t be entirely sure this five-year-old story is real. But a retired Chinese doctor claimed to conceive naturally and give birth to a daughter at 67, making her the oldest (recorded) woman in the world to earn this distinction.
The hospital couldn’t confirm that the woman conceived without medical intervention because she was already pregnant when she became a patient.
The New York Post featured a follow-up story on the little girl’s third birthday, and although the story and photos seem legit, the Post isn’t known as a pillar of journalism. Then again, Rupert Murdoch just got married for the fifth time at 93. His wife is 67. So, strange things really do happen.
Jumping Into Menopause With Both Feet
Strolling into a little gift shop in Brooklyn before pilates class, I smiled when I saw these socks hanging front and center. Menopause surely is out in the open, I thought, although I’m pretty certain sock reading isn’t a widely popular activity. The message and pattern could both be cooler, but maybe the manufacturer will step up its fashion sense in the future.
Geri Brin, co-founder, M.D. For You
Comments