female-specific complaints in the media
Much has been written about women's health, but not everything you read is complete or scientifically substantiated. On this page, I collect articles, interviews, and publications that I find interesting and valuable. Here you will find up-to-date and well-substantiated information that contributes to greater insight, understanding, and openness about the 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, outgoing health minister Jansen launched the National Women's Health Strategy. The plan focuses on more research and knowledge sharing about disorders in women, such as endometriosis and pregnancy problems. There will be a national network of researchers, healthcare professionals and patient associations to make better care possible — because many complaints (such as endometriosis) now take an average of 7—12 years before they are 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 updated. This does not mean that hormones are risk-free, but it does mean that new insights show that the risks are more nuanced than had been thought for years. A development that affects how doctors and women look at hormone treatment around the world — and shows how important it is to provide customized care!
🔗 Link to the article: https://apnews.com/article/menopause-hormones-warning-fda-drugs-pills-women-f26a8208fd3f5174ec96d61140439561
NOS article — “I thought I was going senile”
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 being used in the Netherlands. A strong piece that shows how big the impact of the transition 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 provision is urgently needed. Inspiring: The hospital even started a free consultation to lower the threshold.
🔗 Link to the articles:
Trouw Opinie — “Bosses of the Netherlands: work on menopause”
Menopause is not just a topic for the doctor's office — it also belongs in the workplace. In this powerful opinion piece, Trouw calls on employers to take perimenopausal symptoms seriously and to provide better support for women. This is 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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Workshops for employees
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About Doctor Marel
My name is Jacolien van der Marel, gynecologist, and I help women and organizations better deal with the impact of female-specific health complaints.
Every day, I see how complaints influence women's functioning, well-being and job satisfaction. With reliable, scientifically based knowledge and practical tools, I make women's health, such as perimenopause, negotiable. This gives women more control over their health and well-being, and organizations gain more insight into sustainable employability.
My mission: breaking taboos and working together on vitality and understanding, at home and in the workplace.