Malhotra: new platform intended to empower women to confidently advocate for themselves
Sheila Bautz
Special to the Herald
With deep roots in Prince Albert, Canadian physician Dr. Unjali Malhotra has developed MenoMedico. The digital online platform was launched following Malhotra’s national recognition for leadership in women’s healthcare, including receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal. MenoMedico is also an interactive journal that is available on the website for women experiencing menopause and midlife transitions.
“Too many women have shared that they feel like they are navigating menopause alone – left feeling confused, dismissed, or unsure where to turn,” said Dr. Malhotra, Canadian physician, educator and women’s health advocate. “MenoMedico is a platform that ensures every woman has access to trusted information, feels seen and supported, and can advocate for the care she deserves.”
The physician has held positions as Medical Director of Options for Sexual Health and as Chair of the foundation arm of Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Currently, Dr. Malhotra practices at Westside Medical in Kelowna, BC. She was the Medical Officer of Women’s Health at the First Nations Health Authority.
In her health practice, Dr. Malhotra focuses on the importance of advocacy, cultural safety, myths and misconceptions when it comes to healthcare. She considers MenoMedico a movement that assists women with experiencing a seamless, empowered transition through their life’s natural phases. The movement also addresses a common stereotype bias when it comes to women of colour as they experience menopause in the healthcare system.
“To all women, of all ethnic groups, one main bias is that we can just get through it, that this is the time period when you just plow through it,” said Malhotra. “A lot of times we accept that as the truth, whereas someone might need therapy, treatment, healthcare in some way, shape or form. The conversation should be available to anyone who has any range of questions about symptoms that are impacting their quality of life on a day-to-day basis. Everyone should have that opportunity to take part in the healthcare system and have a really meaningful way to communicate without experiencing stereo-types.”
Digital on-line platforms allow website users to connect and interact with communities. The MenoMedico platform combines trusted medical guidance with culturally informed wellness strategies to empower women of all ethnicities at every stage of life. The interactive journal on MenoMedico is designed to provide evidence-based menopause support and self-care tools.
Malhotra’s digital platform not only empowers women to take control of their health, but it also enhances a woman’s social emotional support. The on-line interactive platform addresses the entirety of a woman’s health journey.
“I was born and raised in PA, and went to the elementary, high school and SIAST as well,” Malhotra said. “When I grew up in Prince Albert, one of the things I really learned was to really listen to people. So this platform, MenoMedico, and the tools and the journal, have really come from what I have heard and listened to over the past 20 years of my career.”
Malhotra attended her first year of post-secondary studies with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST). She graduated from her residency in Manitoba and focused on building a successful career researching and advocating women’s health. Her leadership roles extend across provincial and national health systems and have assisted in shaping policies, expanding access to culturally safe healthcare and advancing reproductive justice. The doctor often returns to Prince Albert.
“I come back to Prince Albert frequently because my mom is still in town, and we’ll spend a lot of time in Prince Albert,” said Dr. Malhotra. “I love the community and the familiar faces that I’ve grown up with. Growing up in nature in the Prince Albert area, I feel really humble and honored to have been the ears so often for Indigenous people in the area, and being able to now create something that people ask a lot of questions about. There’s a lot of misinformation out about menopause.”
Malhotra stated that, in the past, important research has excluded women of colour. MenoMedico addresses cultural issues and is a source of accurate information for women in perimenopause, menopause and after menopause from diverse cultural backgrounds. The on-line platform provides highly reputable, evidence-based educational material while disclosing medical advancements and research in healthcare. The tools on MenoMedico are intended to empower women to confidently advocate for themselves when they visit any healthcare provider. According to the doctor, there is a misconception about menopausal hormone therapy treatments, which can create further fear and confusion.
“I think there’s a misconception that treatments aren’t safe and I know that there’s a long history that has led to that. In 2002, the largest trial that was ever done for menopause came out, and the results were revealed in a way that was really scary for people. But, the information within it was actually very good information, but inappropriately released. Over time, many other really good trials have come out revealing that there’s really safe menopausal hormone therapy available.”
The information provided in the MenoMedico interactive journal includes digestible educational content and conversation starters for healthcare appointments. It was created to bridge the gap between clinical care and real-life experience. The topics include addressing culture and self-care, bias and menopause. The lifestyle resources on the on-line platform focus on respect for the lived experiences of women during their physiological and psychological midlife changes. The interactive journal intends to uplift the importance of self-care in health care and provide the much-needed support to women from all cultures.
The culturally informed wellness strategies and trusted medical guidance to empower women on MenoMedico has an emphasis for accuracy in the information provided. Malhotra seeks to reveal direct sources of accurate medical information on perimenopause and menopause in an age where there is fast retrieval of on-line menopause content.
“Over the last few years particularly there’s been a real surge in interest in menopause, which I think is fantastic,” said Malhotra. “People need to know that there are pharmaceutical agents that will be aligned with your values and help you, but also that you don’t have to get through this alone. There is a sense of community. You and your healthcare provider can develop a team-based approach. There are opportunities for treatments to feel better if you’re experiencing symptoms, especially those that are impacting your daily quality of life.”
Key topics on MenoMedico include hormone therapy, bone health, racial disparities in healthcare and much more. To assist women to navigate through the menopause transitions that are a natural part of life, there is also a menopause monthly journal that is available for download.
“The Menopause Journal contains a lot of really valuable information about the life transition that people are going through in perimenopause and menopause,” said Malhotra. “This is how I try to operate in my own practice as well. We’re in a partnership with someone who’s going through the experience. The Menopause Journal is a tool for people.”
Malhotra’s mantra is that true health is not just about managing symptoms – it’s about nurturing the whole person. The journal features access to expert information that demonstrates a recognition for the importance of mental and emotional health by incorporating mindfulness resources. There are guided prompts to assist women with reducing their stress levels while improving their clarity. It is described as a mood booster and the ultimate tool in self-care.
Malhotra’s aspiration to empower women to make informed choices about taking care of themselves is critical to their overall wellness. The doctor’s career has an emphasis on the importance of health access, equity and patient rights. Her women’s health advocacy assists women of all ethnicities experiencing menopause and midlife through providing clarity that builds confidence and community.
