In some cultures, women are celebrated for their resilience and revered and respected as they enter menopause.
In Chinese culture, menopause is known as the “Second Spring.” It represents a renewal of energy, shifting from the reproductive phase to a time for nourishing and conserving the self. Women are beautifully celebrated for their gifts of wisdom, innate confidence, and life experience.
In the US, menopause hasn’t been a popular topic of conversation in healthcare or in culture. It’s frequently dismissed or misunderstood—it’s certainly not celebrated. With approximately 1.3 million women in the US entering menopause each year who are likely to live 40% of their lives in this phase, why are Americans still mystified about menopause?
For those moving through menopause, you can probably relate to the inopportune hot flash or sticking your head in the freezer. Brain fog causes you to pace the room, wondering what you were doing—at least you’re getting your steps in.
Menopause is much more than a hot flash or brain fog. It’s a time of transition and changes, some welcome and some not. And what you decide to do about it can be confusing: Should I take hormones? Is this normal? Do I just need to power through?
Women can get all the answers. But first, here’s a download of what’s going on.
There are three phases to the menopause transition: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Each phase has its characteristics and health considerations. Initially as estrogen fluctuates and declines, it triggers the classic symptoms: acute vasomotor (hot flashes, night sweats), urogenital (vaginal dryness, pain, sexual dysfunction), and psychological changes (mood changes, brain fog). Then once the ovaries have retired and stop producing the female sex hormones, women transition into the post-menopausal phase.
Being aware of this process is important because hormonal changes and deficiencies can affect multiple body systems. If ignored or untreated, it can lead to detrimental health effects. The North American Menopause Society says that hormone therapy has more benefits than risks for women younger than 60 and within ten years of menopause, unless they have specific complicating health factors. While HRT can be effective, it’s not a magic anti-aging pill.
Because menopause starts in midlife, you need to know if your symptoms are from aging, hormones, or both. Overlapping health issues need to be identified and addressed with proper context. Providing short-term symptom relief, prevention of long-term health issues, exploring the role of alternative therapies, while recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to daily activities and stress reduction is what all women deserve.
Continue asking and advocating for yourself and what you need to move through the menopause transition safely. Women do not need to suffer in silence or struggle through a natural transition when there are options that make life easier and more pleasant.
At Coastal Well Woman, my initial “Menopause Conversation” always focuses on an individual woman’s specific and unique challenges, along with her desired goals. We elevate the healthcare experience and optimize outcomes through a partnership where open communication, listening, and guiding women through their journey is respected and celebrated.
Laura Abrignani owns Coastal Well Woman, a comprehensive gynecology practice for women of all ages specializing in menopause health. Laura is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) with over 25 years of women’s healthcare experience.
coastalwellwoman.com | 805.455.4425
Menopause is much more than a hot flash or brain fog. It’s a time of transition and changes, some welcome and some not.