I wish I’d known more about menopause…
Did you know that October is Menopause Awareness Month?
I come from a background that did not openly talk about menopause – it was a closed subject, so it was no surprise that my knowledge of menopause was very limited when it was time to transition. Now I look back and think just how strange it was that the education system saw it fit to teach about the monthly period but not about menopause – something that every woman living long enough would transition into. I have so many wishes – so many things I wish I'd known before stumbling and falling into menopause – I believe that I would have done better and been well-prepared for the change.
I wish more had been said about menopause – more awareness, more education.
Since 2009, the IMS (International Menopause Society) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have designated October as World Menopause Awareness Month. It allows us to shed light on this natural stage of life that women go through but often struggle to discuss openly. It's important to understand that the significance of this transition extends beyond biology, touching on social, cultural, and health-related aspects.
I wish I’d had more support as I went into perimenopause. Menopause Awareness Month is a reminder of the progress made in understanding and supporting women through this transition. While significant advancements have occurred, the journey toward wholesome awareness and support continues. By acknowledging the importance of menopause conversations, promoting inclusivity, and prioritising women's health, we can ensure that all women, including black ethnic minorities, navigate menopause with dignity, knowledge, and empowerment.
I wish I’d had more information on what menopause is and how it would affect me.
Historically, menopause has been shrouded in silence and stigma, making it a challenging subject to discuss openly, especially in my Black African culture. Menopause Awareness Month provides a platform to encourage conversations about this natural phase, helping individuals understand and cope with its physical, mental, and emotional aspects. By raising awareness, we empower women to seek information, support, and medical guidance, enabling them to navigate this transition confidently.
Looking back in history.
Menopause awareness has come a long way over the years. In the past, menopause was often viewed as a "loss of womanhood," an end and a taboo subject, leading to misconceptions and a lack of information. The women's liberation movement in the 1960s and 70s played a crucial role in challenging these stereotypes. Women began openly discussing their experiences, taking those initial steps to normalise the conversations around menopause. Advances in medical science have led to a better understanding of the hormonal changes during menopause and the development of treatments to alleviate symptoms.Over the years, several key developments have improved menopause awareness and support:Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): While HRT has been controversial, it remains a valuable option for managing severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Many women are exploring holistic approaches like nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness to manage menopausal symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Menopause Awareness for Black Ethnic Minorities.
Menopause experiences vary among ethnic groups, making awareness particularly crucial for black ethnic minorities in a way they can understand it.
Factors to consider include:
Health Disparities: Black women may face unique health disparities related to menopause, including a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding cultural beliefs and practices related to menopause is essential to providing tailored support and information.
Intersectionality: Recognising the intersection of race, gender, and socioeconomic status is vital in addressing the diverse needs of black women going through menopause.
As an ethnic minority woman, I can attest that we also have started having these conversations. Culturally a taboo subject, steeped in old wives' tales and myths, we have embarked on the journey to demystifying menopause in our communities. There is still much work to be done – starting with busting those myths and replacing them with knowledge so that we can be informed and empowered to make the right choices for our future health and well-being.
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