The number of postmenopausal women is expected to rise to 1.1 billion worldwide by 2025. So why is the subject of menopause still so taboo? Some experts suggest the stigma around menopause has to do with another taboo subject….AGING! I have to agree! Menopause screams to all women loud and clear, we are getting older; we are on the verge of experiencing some major changes, maybe even some challenges… On the contrary, this transitional phase of life that most women will spend a third of their lives in is an opportunity to reset, empower and embrace CHANGE! For me, I didn’t even realize I was in perimenopause as I was so worried about Alzheimer’s! So once I realized it was perimenopause I WAS RELIEVED!
The average age of menopause is 51. Women can start experiencing perimenopausal symptoms in their late 30s and may undergo normal menopause anywhere from their early 40s to their late 50s. Perimenopause can even be an issue around the time that some women are planning their first pregnancy! WOW! In such cases not only are the symptoms an issue but they can also signal that fertility is on the decline. Just because a woman is still having normal regular periods doesn’t mean the reproductive system is in top shape for pregnancy. So it’s also important for women to make decisions about when they plan to start a family or when they might plan, for example, their second child. Many women in their early to mid-40s are still thinking about completing families. And certainly, most aren’t even thinking about the possibility of menopause at that age. I certainly didn’t! I didn’t have my first child til age 31 and second at 33.
Studies suggest menopause should be considered an important milestone for women that provides an opportunity for discussion with healthcare providers about a ‘new beginning’ and assessing healthier lifestyle choices. The most important message for women is that we need to reframe the way we think about menopause. It may mean the end of our ability to reproduce, but it’s also an important beginning. It’s a transition to the next phase that most women will spend a third of their lives in. I like to think of it as the BEST chapter of my life!
In my experience over the last several years, I have found that women need to be informed about menopause, as there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Studies show that 1 in 4 women said they struggled to cope with life due to symptoms of menopause. In addition, 45% of women failed to recognize they could be experiencing menopause symptoms; 42% thought they were too young to be experiencing menopausal symptoms, blaming it on stress. But what’s more concerning is that 67% of women felt there was little help and support for those going through menopause and only 25% of women who did visit their GP said the possibility of the symptoms being related to menopause wasn’t even mentioned! THIS HAS BEEN SO TRUE IN MY EXPERIENCE! So learn from my experiences! Stay connected with other women going through these changes, stay informed and gain knowledge from those who have already experienced these changes and made it successfully to the other side!
For way too long our society’s ingrained ageism and sexism have found a joint target in menopause, resulting in a sniggering attitude towards common symptoms like brain fog and vaginal dryness, and a dismissal of menopausal women as ‘past it’. No wonder many dread this natural transitional phase as a sign we’ve passed through a doorway from ‘young’ to ‘old’. I refuse to accept that! Together we can make this a more positive experience just by making sure other women stay informed and know that they have a place to learn and share.
Fortunately, there are signs the taboo is shifting. With high-profile people in midlife talking openly about all aspects of menopause, the view of it as a time of decline is changing. After all, many people enter perimenopause in their forties, when they probably still have half their lives left, possibly with a thriving career or growing families. It certainly isn’t a time for slippers and fading away! Having a more positive view of it may influence your experience.
My hope is that you find in me, this blog, website and my social media sites a safe place to land; a place where you can get factual information to keep you fully informed and also learn from my own personal experiences to help you feel you’re understood, and most importantly, you’re not alone! So check back often, and feel free to reach out to me for support and encouragement. If you have friends that may not know about this site please share and send them my way. Life is always better TOGETHER!
