One of my friends said the other day, “I don’t want people to know I am in menopause. So they treat you differently and secretly roll their eyes. You know, the one that makes you feel bad about yourself.” This implies that we better not talk about the big “M” taboo and get on with it!”

What a surprise! I look at menopause as a natural occurrence in life, just like starting your period when you begin puberty. But now that I think about it, menopause is a different beast.

Let me go back in time and tell you what happened. At that time, I was about 13 years old when my menses started. I was not interested in boys but was in the fields with the farmers near where I grew up. There was no sex education in school, and the Internet was not invented yet, so you couldn’t ask your questions. Menstruation was something nobody talked about.

When my period started, I tried to conceal it. I thought it was disgusting and wondered what the heck I had done to cause this. So I wanted to hide it using toilet paper as my savior. But, of course, this did not last long. My mom wondered why we were consistently out of toilet paper and eventually found blood in my underwear. I was mortified!

Don’t talk about the BIG “M” taboo, and get on with it!

Why don’t we think about the essential things in our life?

She then gave me a book to read. This book was supposed to teach me what was happening with me and my body. The book had these odd 3D pictures; I remember it vividly. We never talked about it, and my mom bought all kinds of feminine hygiene products without further instructions (because I could follow the box, right?).

Menopause Is Not A Dirty Word!

How can we learn from each other if we don’t know about it?

The years went by, and I grew older, and my mom grew older too. At some point, she must have gone through menopause – I am sure of it – but we never talked about it.

I, on the other hand, will talk about anything (my menopause included). Most women go through the same side effects of menopause as I do. Such a wealth of knowledge is available; we must do some digging to understand it all.

Stigmatism Of Menopause In Our Western Culture

Menopause is a natural biological process that all women go through as they age, but it’s often stigmatized and misunderstood due to societal attitudes and misconceptions. Here are some of the common stigmas associated with menopause:

1. Ageism: Menopause is a sign of aging, and in many societies, aging, especially in women, is seen as undesirable. This can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment about menopause.
2. Misunderstanding and Fear: Many people don’t understand what menopause is and how it affects the body and mind. This can result in fear, confusion, or discomfort when it comes to discussing it.
3. Sexuality: Menopause is often associated with a decrease in femininity or sexuality due to changes like vaginal dryness or a decrease in libido. This can lead to negative self-perceptions or stereotypes about women of a certain age.
4. Silence and Taboo: Menopause is rarely discussed openly, and many women feel that they must go through it silently. This can exacerbate feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.
5. Emotional Instability Stereotype: The hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings in some women, contributing to a stereotype that menopausal women are emotionally unstable or irrational.
6. Workplace Discrimination: In some cases, women may face discrimination at work due to symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes or forgetfulness, leading to unfair treatment or misconceptions about their abilities.

To combat this stigma, it’s crucial to educate society about menopause and its effects. Women should feel empowered to talk openly about their experiences and seek help to manage menopausal symptoms.

Is Menopause A Downhill Slope?

To many, menopause is a sign of old age. The need to slow down, take naps (I love naps), and preserve energy. I think it’s far first. Menopause is a time to rethink your life and a chance to embrace the new you. We are relieved from monthly menstruation, the fear of unwanted pregnancies, and the high cost of purchasing feminine products. We don’t try to hide our hot flashes, write off our brain fog, or pretend that we slept well when we didn’t.didn’tause is nothing but a passing phase in our life.

The BIG ‘M’BIG’ is nothing to be ashamed of

It is time to break the mold that we have become accustomed to. It is time to rid ourselves of the misconceptions that we are no longer fit, confident, and sexy.

In her book “Daughters of Distance,” Vanes” Runs quotes Missy Berkel saying, “Gettin” Older has changed my state of mind because I have the confidence to finish things that I have never thought I could. I love being part of a community that values character and experience over appearance, and our lines, scars, and weathered skin are celebrated”.