The Menopause Mystery

Key takeaways

Female orcas, along with chimpanzees and humans, experience menopause, challenging the belief that this phenomenon is unique to humans.
Post-menopausal female orcas contribute significantly to their pods' survival through social roles, thereby suggesting that reproductive longevity has social advantages.
Research reveals that different species have various experiences and implications of menopause, impacting the dynamics of their social structures.
Understanding menopause in women should shift towards recognizing empowerment and new opportunities rather than viewing it as a loss.
Sharing stories and experiences regarding menopause can offer support and redefine its significance in a woman’s life.

Summary

The Discovery of Orca Menopause

The episode begins with Molly Webster and Heather Radke discussing a remarkable discovery about orcas. They introduce Lucy Cooke, a science writer known for her adventurous studies of animal behavior. Lucy recently collaborated with Dr. Deborah Giles, who studies orca behavior. Together, they discovered that female orcas experience menopause, a phenomenon previously thought to be unique to humans. The episode dives into how researchers have learned about this through the analysis of whale feces, which can reveal hormonal levels, environmental chemicals, and other important biological data.

Rethinking Reproductive Longevity

The podcast explores the implications of menopause in female orcas, noting that they tend to stop reproducing around the age of 40 yet can live up to 100 years. This contrasts with traditional evolutionary theories, which suggest that females should continue reproducing in order to pass on their genes. The discussion includes insights from evolutionary biologist Kevin Langergraber, who argues that a prolonged lifespan after reproduction may provide benefits through social structures within animal groups.

Orca Social Structures and Grandmothers

Digging deeper into the orca social structure, the episode highlights that post-menopausal female orcas, especially matriarchs like 'Granny', play a crucial role in the survival of their pods. They take on significant responsibilities, such as foraging and protecting younger whales, which enhances the survival rate of their grandchildren. This leads to an exploration of the 'grandmother hypothesis' and how older females provide crucial support to the next generation.

The Case of Chimpanzees

Shifting focus, the episode transitions to chimpanzees, specifically studying a female named Garbo, who has not reproduced in several years. Research shows that older female chimps do experience menopause, similar to orcas and humans. Yet, while orca grandmothers show great influence in their family, Garbo primarily lives a life focused on self-care rather than nurturing future offspring, presenting a more selfishly individualistic post-reproductive life.

The Human Experience of Menopause

The episode culminates in a reflective dialogue about how the discussion of menopause transcends mere biology. Caroline Paul shares her perspective on the stigma and challenges of menopause in women, emphasizing the need for narratives that celebrate this stage of life. She discusses her journey towards self-discovery post-menopause and stresses the importance of understanding that a longer life after reproductive years can lead to new freedoms and capabilities.

Show notes

Until recently, scientists assumed humans were the only species in which females went through menopause, and lived a substantial part of their lives after they were no longer able to reproduce. And they had no idea why that happens, and why evolution wouldn’t push females to keep reproducing right up to the end of their lives. But after a close look at some whale poop, and a deep dive into chimp life, we find several new ways of thinking about menopause and the real purpose of this all too often overlooked second act of life.

Special thanks to Danielle Friedman, Rachel Gross, and Kate Radke.

EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Heather Radke and Becca Bressler
Produced by - Sarah Qari and Becca Bressler
Fact-checking by - Emily Krieger
and Edited by - Becca Bressler

EPISODE CITATIONS:
Books -
Check out everything Heather Radke writes, including Butts: A Backstory, cause it’s all that good, here: Heather Radke (www.heatherradke.com).

Find any one of Lucy Cooke’s book, including Bitch:On the Female of the Species, here: Lucy Cooke (http://www.lucycooke.tv/)

And check out everything Caroline Paul has on offer, including Tough Broad,here: Caroline Paul (https://www.carolinepaul.com/)

Socials -
Heather Radke: https://www.instagram.com/radhradke
Lucy Cooke: https://www.instagram.com/luckycooke/

Audio:
Becca Bressler’s greatest hits-
Bloc Party
Our Stupid Little Bodies
Gigaverse

Radiolab | Lateral cuts -
Butt Stuff

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