The Impact of Menopause on Veterinarians: Conversations with Two Practitioners

By Çağıl Çokcoşkun Yılmaz KLİVET – Turkey

Introduction

At FECAVA, we recognise that supporting the health and well-being of veterinary professionals means addressing every stage of life — including menopause.
Despite affecting more than half of the workforce in veterinary medicine, menopause remains a topic that is often discussed privately, if at all. Many female veterinarians continue to provide exceptional care every day while quietly managing the physical and emotional challenges brought by hormonal changes.

To explore how menopause can affect both personal and professional life, we spoke with two experienced veterinarians from Turkey, Dr. E and Dr. A, about their experiences and strategies for coping with this natural transition.

Dr. E: “My body was sending me signals — it didn’t stop until I finally listened.”

Dr. E, an actively practising veterinarian, entered menopause at the age of 45 — somewhat earlier than average, partly due to family history. The transition was physically and emotionally demanding, marked by sleeplessness, restlessness, and frequent hot flashes that affected her daily life and work.

“The symptoms were really intense,” she recalls. “At that point, I decided to consult a gynaecologist and began hormone replacement therapy (HRT).”

Dr. E emphasises the crucial role hormones play in overall well-being:

“When our thyroid hormones drop, we replace them; when insulin is lacking, we supplement it. Similarly, when oestrogen decreases, the body develops a range of symptoms. Scientific studies today clearly show how replacing oestrogen can positively impact women’s health.”

After several years of carefully managed HRT — combining oestrogen and progesterone — Dr. E reports a significant improvement in her symptoms and energy levels.

“In the past, there was hesitation about using oestrogen because older studies linked it to breast cancer risk. Today, therapies are applied through extremely safe and effective methods. Advances in pharmaceutical technology have greatly reduced side effects. I have completely overcome the symptoms of menopause.”

Now fully active in clinical practice, Dr. E continues to prioritise her mental and physical health alongside her demanding workload.

Dr. A: A Healthy Lifestyle — The Best Medicine for Premenopausal Symptoms

At 48, Dr. A is currently navigating the premenopausal stage. She has been experiencing sudden hot flashes and excessive sweating during the day, but she has found lifestyle changes to be an effective form of management.

“In recent years, I started having sudden menopausal symptoms. During this time, I joined a nutrition and exercise programme and began working out regularly. These lifestyle changes have significantly reduced the intensity of my symptoms.”

As an actively practising clinician, Dr. A stresses that maintaining balance is key:

“A healthy lifestyle is not only essential for the body but also for mental balance. Menopause is a natural process, but in physically and emotionally demanding professions like ours, it’s important to take preventive measures and keep up with regular health check-ups.”

Dr. A also highlights the positive effect of exercise and proper nutrition on mood, energy, and resilience — especially vital for women in demanding professional roles.

The Strength of Women in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine is a profession marked by high stress, long and irregular hours, and significant emotional demands. The physiological changes caused by menopause can intensify these challenges, but as Dr. E and Dr. A both emphasise, the process can be managed effectively.

With healthy lifestyle habits, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and — when medically indicated — appropriate hormone replacement therapy, the side effects of menopause can be largely controlled.

Their experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of open communication, medical guidance, and self-care in maintaining women’s health — especially for professionals dedicated to the care of others.

Key Takeaways

  • Menopause can significantly impact physical and mental well-being in demanding professions like veterinary medicine.
  • Hormone replacement therapy, when used appropriately, can safely and effectively reduce symptoms.
  • Lifestyle factors — including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mental health care — play a crucial role.
  • Open dialogue and supportive workplace culture are essential to help veterinary professionals navigate menopause confidently.

For Further Support

Visit the FECAVA Menopause Hub to find more resources, expert advice, and shared experiences from veterinary professionals across Europe. Together, we can promote open discussion, better understanding, and improved well-being for all.

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