World Menopause Month: Marking the Milestone with Empowerment and Celebration
- Nadya Strudell
- Oct 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Menopause is a significant milestone that all women experience, and it’s natural to feel some apprehension about it. This is a completely normal phase of every woman’s life. It signifies the end of the reproductive cycle and ushers in a new and meaningful chapter. Let’s embrace this transition with kindness and recognize the wisdom and strength that come with it. This blog will explore the phases of menopause, common symptoms, outdated myths, and why this journey should be celebrated rather than stigmatized.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of aging that occurs when a woman has her last menstrual cycle and hasn’t had a period in 12 months. Post-menopause starts after reaching the one-year mark. Perimenopause is the initial onset of menopause, typically beginning between the ages of 40 and 45, and is usually accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances. This transition can increase health risks, but resources are abundant, and options are available to alleviate symptoms and support a smooth transition.
Common Symptoms
Every woman will experience menopause differently, but common symptoms include:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep problems
Mood changes
Anxiety
Depression
Understanding these symptoms can help women feel more prepared and less isolated during their menopausal journey. Talking openly to your doctor about any concerns is crucial. If you believe you’re not being heard or your symptoms are being downplayed, it’s time to find a new doctor!
Plenty of organizations exist solely to support menopausal women, offering community, information, and medical assistance. A few of them are linked below:
Myths vs. Reality
Menopause is often surrounded by myths that can lead to unnecessary worry. For instance, many people fear that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) increases the risks of blood clots, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. However, these fears are largely unfounded. When used appropriately, HRT can effectively alleviate many menopausal symptoms.
HRT can help manage symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, improving overall quality of life. If you are considering HRT or want to learn more about it, refer to our article here:
Another misconception is the notion that menopause never occurs in younger women. Perimenopause can start a decade before menopause and can begin in a woman’s early 20s. It is crucial to visit your doctor regularly to detect early-onset menopause.
HRT is not the only treatment available to alleviate symptoms. If HRT is not a desirable solution, changing lifestyle habits can improve the experience of menopause. Regular sleep and exercise, a healthy diet, and being mindful of your body can make a positive difference.
Empowerment and Celebration
Menopause is a significant milestone that marks the resilience and strength of womanhood. In Japan, the word for menopause is konenki. Ko means “renewal” and “regeneration,” nen means “year,” and ki means “season” or “energy.” Compare that to the Greek root of menopause, in which men is the root for minas, or “month,” and pausis means “stop” or “cease.” Although our Greek-rooted word for this milestone doesn’t have the most uplifting translation, we can change what menopause means to us and consider what the Japanese translation of konenki expresses. Celebrate this transition as a period of wisdom and renewal. Embrace menopause as a celebration of survival and growth. It is a testament to the strength of all the women who came before us. Menopause turns the page to a new chapter of a woman’s life waiting to be explored.
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The Future of Connection for Women
Hello! My name is Nadya. I am a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I will graduate with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Professional Writing this winter. I have always been captivated by language, linguistics, and communication. I enjoy learning about virtually any subject and look forward to writing about various topics this fall. I am eager to learn from the remarkable women at Her Nexx Chapter and excited to develop as a writer under their professional guidance. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting with family and friends, pampering my pets, and experimenting with new recipes. I also enjoy the challenge of keeping my plants happy, watching a comedy or documentary, and exploring new places in my hometown.
