Let’s discuss menopause more openly
As a founder, mother, health educator and a woman in “midlife”, I recognize the challenges that women face, both personally and professionally, when it comes to menopause. We are having children later in life, and dealing with our own transition while accompanying our children into their own, and our parents into elderly life. As we navigate these multiple transitions, we are also at the pinnacle of our careers, making the pressure to perform even more intense.
This is a vulnerable and stressful place to be, where we feel that we’ve reached the top but can easily and quickly fall down the precipice, because of all the stress and complexity of both personal and professional life.
While many people are aware of the physical symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and sleeplessness, few understand it’s emotional impact. As women, we’re bombarded with societal expectations that emphasize youth, beauty, and fertility. The same qualities that seem to be abandoning us as we go through menopause. This can feel scary, because subconsciously we believe what the culture believes, and the culture does not (yet) embrace menopause.
However, I believe that discussing menopause openly is the key to reclaiming our power and breaking the taboo and stigma surrounding our bodies. Just like postpartum depression and painful periods, menopause should be acknowledged as a natural part of life that affects skilled professionals. Society’s approach of medicating the physical symptoms and ignoring the mental health impacts is not the solution.
Having worked in the health and development sectors for over 20 years, I know that midlife women are valuable assets to our organizations. We possess a unique set of skills and experiences that allow us to navigate complex ethical and political issues more efficiently than less experienced colleagues. By breaking the silence surrounding menopause, we can empower ourselves and bringing this issue up with our colleagues, start gaining allies, and support each other through this transition.
So, let’s talk openly about menopause, it’s challenges and benefits, and the value that midlife women bring to the table. It’s time to shatter the stigma and recognize menopause as a natural part of life that deserves our attention and support.