What’s It Like to Go Through Menopause in Prison? We Want to Know

Once relegated to hushed conversations with close friends or the gynecologist’s office, perimenopause and menopause are now publicly (and proudly) discussed in the news, on talk shows, at state legislatures, and in TikTok feeds. The groundswell is in part thanks to new understanding of how to treat menopause symptoms, and the marketing of new products to help women live healthy, enjoyable lives as they transition.

Use this form to tell us about how menopause and perimenopause affects women behind bars.

While many women in the U.S. now have access to more menopause resources than ever before, one group hasn’t benefited from the sea-change: those in prison. For incarcerated women — a population that increased by more than 600% between 1980 and 2023 — the void of information and support poses unique challenges.

From limited menstrual products, to subpar health care, to disciplinary infractions incurred while trying to manage symptoms, people enduring this transition while locked up say they need far more help than most prison systems are offering.

The Marshall Project is exploring all the ways menopause and perimenopause affect women behind bars. If you are a women’s health expert, formerly incarcerated, provide healthcare or other support to people in prison, or are a relative or friend of someone currently going through menopause behind bars — we want to hear from you. Your insights can help us bridge the menopause information gap for incarcerated women by informing a guide that we’ll make available to incarcerated people.

Any responses are voluntary, and we will not use your name or any identifying details you share without your permission. A reporter from The Marshall Project may reach out to you for more information.