Menopause: It’s Time to Talk 🗣
Menopause is a real hot mess.
I’m 53 years old, and I’m pretty bent out of shape about menopause.
I know, I know. It’s a natural part of life. It’s something that happens to all women. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
I Wasn’t Able to Be More Proactive
I’ve been dealing with menopause symptoms for a few years now, and they’re nothing to sneeze at. I have had hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. I have also gained weight and have some other feelings about changes in my body for sure.
I’m tired of feeling like my body is betraying me. I’m tired of being hot all the time. I’m tired of waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. I’m tired of feeling moody and irritable. I’m tired of feeling like I’m losing myself.
But what makes me feel the most hot under the color is that I feel like I wasn’t able to be more proactive about menopause.
I mean, it’s a “condition” that is literally as old as time. Yet, no one really talks about it. And when they do, it’s usually in a negative way.
I don’t recall many conversations with my female elders about menopause. I never had a conversation with my doctor about peri-menopause. I definitely do not recall ever learning about menopause in school.
So, when I started experiencing symptoms, I was completely clueless. I thought I was going crazy. I thought I was sick. In fact, I am pretty sure that with hindsight being 20/20, there were quite a few symptoms I wish I had connected to this particular “condition” much sooner.
I finally figured out what was happening on my own, but it took me too long. And by that time, my symptoms and body were already pretty far along in the process.
Menopause Is Still Stigmatized
I’m not saying that there’s anything I could have done to prevent menopause. But I do wish I had known more about it sooner.
If I had known what to expect, I would have been better prepared. I would have started talking to my doctor about my options earlier. I would have started making lifestyle changes to help manage my symptoms.
But I didn’t have that chance.
And that’s what makes me so frustrated.
It is hard to understand why menopause is still so stigmatized. It’s unfair that women are still not given the information and support they need. How can we still be living in a world where menopause is seen as a taboo topic?
Women Need More Information and Support
We need to change that. We need to start talking about menopause openly and honestly. We need to educate women about what to expect. And we need to provide them with the support they need to get through this difficult time.
So, if you’re a woman, please don’t be afraid to talk about menopause. If you’re a man, please learn more about it so that you can support the women in your life. And if you’re a healthcare provider, please make sure that you’re providing your patients with the information and support they need.
We Can All Work Together to Change the Conversation
Menopause is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to be a taboo subject. We can all work together to change the conversation and make menopause a more manageable experience for all women.
Download the free “Quiet the Inner Critic” guide for tips and techniques to hear and talk back to that voice in your head. Follow 5 steps to quell, and even leverage, the background chatter.