Ladies! Settle in, today we’re diving into a topic that’s been whispered about in hushed tones for far too long: MENOPAUSE. You know, that stage of life that’s frequently handled with secrecy or seen as something shameful. It’s crazy to me that despite the fact that menopause impacts over half of the population—yes, a whopping 50% of people — it remains a taboo subject, leaving many feeling reluctant to acknowledge their involvement in it.

Before we dive in, I want to ask: why on earth is menopause such a taboo topic? Seriously, it’s like the forbidden fruit of conversations. We shouldn’t be shying away from something that’s as natural as breathing? It’s an inherent aspect of life that’s inevitable, and talking about it should be as casual as talking about the weather.

In a 2022 survey on women in the workplace, it was revealed that 40% of menopausal women experience weekly disruptions in their work performance and productivity due to menopause symptoms. Additionally, 20% reported daily interference. Shockingly, despite these significant challenges, 87% of women have never addressed their symptoms with an employer or manager. 

This lack of communication and the prevailing taboo surrounding the topic are detrimentally affecting women, their careers, and the workforce as a whole.

The survey further discovered that 17% of respondents had resigned from a job due to menopause symptoms, while an additional study found that 10% were actively considering leaving their current position because of these symptoms.

So, what exactly is menopause anyway? In a nutshell: it’s like your body deciding to throw a surprise party and forgetting to send you an invite. So let’s just dive straight in; your ovaries, the unsung heroes of your reproductive system, suddenly decide to hit the brakes on egg production. Those regular visits from Aunt Flo? Think of them as ancient history [perhaps a relief for some].

Along with bidding farewell to periods, menopause brings a slew of changes, touching every aspect of your being. Physically, you may find yourself grappling with hot flashes that turn your body into a personal sauna, night sweats that have you changing sheets daily, and mood swings that make even the most temperamental toddler seem like a model of emotional stability. Your skin might lose its youthful glow, and those extra pounds seem to have found a new home around your waistline.

Mentally and emotionally, the rollercoaster of hormones can leave you feeling like you’re riding shotgun on a wild journey through your psyche. From moments of unbridled joy to bouts of sadness, it’s like your emotions have been cranked up to eleven. Suddenly, you’re questioning everything—from your career choices to your relationships to whether or not you remembered to lock the door. 

While menopause may throw you a curveball or two, you can take control and manage your menopause to help you thrive rather than merely struggle and survive. 

When does this whole menopause rollercoaster usually occur? It is pretty different for everyone. Most women start experiencing symptoms in their mid – late 40s, while others might not see signs until their early 50s and some might even start to see the arrival of some symptoms in their 30s. Regardless of when it shows up, menopause doesn’t discriminate. How you experience menopause is out of your control, the symptoms can be extreme whilst for others, they can barely be noticeable. 

But I want to flip the script and start owning our menopausal journey and giving it the platform it deserves. Because guess what? It’s just another chapter in the epic saga of womanhood, and we’re writing the script as we go. Here’s to welcoming the change and demonstrating to everyone that menopause is not a source of shame—it’s a reason for celebration.