women's health in the media
A lot is written about women's health, but not everything you read is complete or evidence-based. On this page, I collect articles, interviews and publications that I find interesting and valuable. Here you will find up-to-date, well-founded information that contributes to more insight, understanding and openness about perimenopause and menopause – at work, in healthcare and in everyday life.
overview
National Strategy for Women's Health: plan for better care in the Netherlands
In July 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Health (VWS) launched the National Women's Health Strategy. The plan focuses on more research and knowledge sharing about conditions in women, such as endometriosis and pregnancy complications. A national network of researchers, healthcare professionals and patient organizations will be set up to improve care — because it currently takes an average of 7 to 12 years for many conditions (such as endometriosis) to be diagnosed.
🔗 Link to the article: https://nos.nl/artikel/2573308-zorgminister-lanceert-plan-voor-meer-kennis-over-vrouwengezondheid
FDA — Hormone therapy warning updated
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made an important change: the strictest warning for various forms of hormone therapy has been revised. This does not mean that hormones are risk-free, but it does mean that new insights show the risks are more nuanced than was thought for years. A development that affects how doctors and women around the world look at hormone treatment — and shows how important personalized care is!
🔗 Link to the article: https://apnews.com/article/menopause-hormones-warning-fda-drugs-pills-women-f26a8208fd3f5174ec96d61140439561
NOS article — “I thought I was developing dementia”
Many women recognize it: memory problems, loss of concentration and the feeling of losing yourself. In this NOS article, you can read how menopausal symptoms can sometimes become so severe that women fear dementia — and why hormone therapy is increasingly used in the Netherlands. A strong piece that shows how big the impact of menopause can be on daily life and work.
🔗 Link to the article: https://nos.nl/artikel/2583681-ik-dacht-dat-ik-dement-werd-flink-meer-vrouwen-aan-de-hormonen-tegen-overgangsklachten
Amsterdam UMC — Many women don't know the health risks
Many women don't know that menopause is more than hot flashes and poor sleep. This article by Amsterdam UMC shows that too little is still known about the health risks and that better information is urgently needed. Inspiring: the hospital even started a free clinic to lower the threshold.
🔗 Links to the articles:
Trouw opinion piece — “Dutch employers: make menopause a priority”
Menopause does not only belong in the doctor's office — it also belongs in the workplace. In this powerful opinion piece, Trouw calls on employers to take menopausal symptoms seriously and to support women better. An important signal that shows how much this phase of life affects employability, well-being and equality at work.
🔗 Link to the article: https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/opinie-bazen-van-nederland-maak-werk-van-de-overgang~b4a9d3281/
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About Doctor Marel
My name is Jacolien van der Marel. I am a gynecologist and I help women and organizations deal better with the impact of women's health issues such as perimenopause.
Every day, I see how these issues affect women's functioning, well-being and job satisfaction. With reliable, evidence-based knowledge and practical tools, I help make them open to discussion. This gives women more control over their health and well-being, and gives organizations more insight into sustainable employability.
My mission: breaking taboos and working together on vitality and understanding, at home and in the workplace.