Menopause. The very word fills many of us with dread.
But that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, societies that place a high value on youthfulness tend to have more negative views of menopause when compared with cultures that place a higher value on aging and their elders.
This tells us that we can all change the way that we look at menopause, and age gracefully. Consider the tips below to empower yourself to redefine menopause and take control over this chapter in your life.
Don’t overlook the benefits of menopause
No more periods — For some people, living without periods means no more PMS and menstrual migraines, no more heavy bleeding and severe cramping, fewer symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, fewer workplace disruptions and a higher quality of life.
Living without periods also means living without the cost of pads or tampons. With the average cost of a box of tampons around $13, this could amount to $150-$160 per year. Savings might also come from no longer needing items to manage symptoms, such as ibuprofen, heating pads or birth control pills.
No pregnancy concerns — Menopause means the end of your reproductive years and often being able to stop use of birth control methods. For some people, this is a relief, and they feel invigorated and liberated.
Motivation for lifestyle changes — This is a time many people start exercising, prioritizing sleep, eating more healthfully and focusing on mental health, all things that help manage menopause symptoms as well as reduce risk for chronic disease.
Time for self-care and renewal — This is also a time to reevaluate priorities, when we have more confidence and know what we want out of life. We may focus on relationships and social networks or start new hobbies.
Available treatments — In addition to lifestyle changes, hormone therapy is effective and an option for many. Those who cannot use hormone therapy may have the option of using non-hormonal fezolinetant (Veozah), gabapentin or certain antidepressants.
Temper expectations with reality
With menopause, you may find that expectations are far worse than reality. Research shows that, once many women have passed through the menopause transition, they look back and think it really wasn’t that bad.
But when you’re starting to have changes in your cycles or experiencing symptoms related to menopause, you might have what’s called “impact bias,” which is a tendency to overestimate the intensity and duration of your emotional reaction to future events.
This fails to consider our valuable coping processes and abilities to deal with future challenges. So, people heading into menopause may overemphasize the negative experiences associated with this time of life and forget they have the ability to overcome things.
Support one another
Research also shows limited dialogue among generations. While there used to be multi-generational households that passed along menopause experiences, many people going through menopause are now learning more from social interactions or social media.
It’s important to talk to others who have been through menopause and not just those who are currently in the same boat. Hearing “It was bad, but it does get better” can offer a perspective that may not be available from peers.
Take control of the experience
Recognize that there are societal and cultural influences, and that menopause doesn't have to be only a negative experience. We have some power and control over how we view and think about this. We are resilient, and we can cope. We can make changes in our lives, and there are treatments available so that we don’t have to suffer.
Ready to learn more about women’s health?
The Center for Women’s Health provides personalized care for women across their lifespans.
Expert care starts here
