By Jess Washington
Let’s be honest, we don’t talk enough about menopause. Growing up as young women, we are prepped about our physical body transformation, we are talked to about feminine hygiene and when we become pregnant, everyone with any experience with children is willing to lend you advice. But there’s a deafening silence when it comes to menopause. Especially for women within the Black community. Well 3 different and dynamic women recently launched StellaVia and it is the life-changing source you’re looking for.
Founders Carol Mehas, Dr. Allyson Shirkhande and Dr. Jessica Shepherd used what they call “fashionable science” to change the way women of all different backgrounds manage pre-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. Yes, there are levels to this! StellaVia offers an array of products based on what you need both physically and mentally. And for good reason because every menopausal journey is different. There are products for energy, calmness, focus, relief and sleep. How do you get it? It all depends on your preference. One can ingest MenoMix chocolates or their delicious MenoMix gumdrops. If you prefer a gradual treatment without ingestion, there are a variety of patches you can take. StellaVia also offers CBD options, creams, spritzs, tonics and Meno Paks. The options are vast and most importantly StellaVia allows you the opportunity to listen to your body and truly discover what works best for your specific experience.
That experience is very important to the creators of StellaVia. We spoke to Dr. Jessica Shepherd of her own experience as a Black woman going through pre-menopausal symptoms. “It’s crazy how we haven’t really talked about menopause for generations in our community. There’s no guidance whatsoever.” I share that sentiment with Dr. Shepherd, my grandmothers had hysterectomy procedures relatively young and I watched my mother literally spiral trying to figure out what to do in her experience. StellaVia breaks that cycle. This can be especially beneficial for women in the Black community because according to SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation), Black women and other women of color tend to enter menopause earlier than white women due to stress and socioeconomic issues that can directly affect them. This study also shows that women of color also endure more severe symptoms.
That’s why StellaVia checks so many boxes. Gone are the days of questioning what you need and what to do. Even before trying any product, you have the option of taking a quiz on the site to find what might suit you best.
Founder Carol Mehas has over 20 years of experience as a beauty & wellness industry executive, Dr. Allyson Shrikhande is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation MD and Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine, and Dr. Jessica Shepherd is an OB/GYN, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and Chief Medical Officer of Verywell. All three women are mothers, business women, and understand women like them need a trusted source to navigate the journey of menopause. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or be silent about. StellaVia celebrates the journey of menopause and women embracing a new phase in their life.
