Menopause Awareness Day: Embracing Change and Empowerment!

It gives me great pleasure to launch my blog and publish my first article about menopause on a day that holds special meaning – October 18th, the Day of Menopause Awareness. Lets celebrate and support not only the women who are going through menopause but also those navigating perimenopause, along with people who support them. Lets empower one another! Together, we can break the stigma, challenge the silence, and create a compassionate, empowering space for women in every phase of this journey. We are phenomenal women, and by standing united, we ensure that no woman goes through this experience alone.

Breaking the Stigma

Why is it so hard to talk about perimenopause and menopause? For generations, these natural life stages have been shrouded in stigma. In many cultures, ageing and menopause are still viewed as something to hide, something shameful. The taboo around menopause fosters a culture of silence, which only deepens the isolation that many women feel as they experience these changes. I grew up in a culture where, according to Russian Orthodox beliefs, women were considered unclean during their menstrual periods. Although you would be allowed to attend the church during menstrual period, you would not be allowed to receive Holly Communion or perform certain other acts, such as drinking holy water or kissing icons (don’t ask!). Many cultures and religions have similar beliefs. The feeling of uncleanliness associated with something as natural as menstruation is deeply integrated from an early age and stays with you throughout the life.
How can we then accept and embrace our bodies and understand that what we are going through is natural and there is nothing unclean about it. This stigma has real consequences. Without open conversations, many women miss out on the information and support they need to navigate this stage of life. That’s why today is so important – it’s a day to raise awareness, to speak out, and to normalise the conversation. We must challenge the notion that menopause is something to endure in silence and instead see it as a stage that deserves understanding and respect.

Educating for Better Health

Education is key. It has been previously shown that over 90% of women have never been formally educated on menopause at school and over 60% of women sought information only when started experiencing symptoms. In the UK, teaching of the menopause became compulsory in schools as part of Relationships and Sex Education from 2019. This is certainly a step in the right direction to ensure that next generations will grow up more informed and prepared to navigate the changes that come with ageing. However, the older generations who did not benefit from such education, are often the ones most affected, having faced these transitions without the support. For them, perimenopause and menopause often remain shrouded in confusion, silence, and stigma. By equipping girls with this knowledge early, not only prepares them for the physical changes ahead, but also helps them accept their beautiful bodies and appreciate the incredible things they do. The knowledge will ensure that they grow up in a world where menopause is not feared or misunderstood but is instead seen as a natural part of life. Being a women is wonderful (although it does not always feel that way), and the education will help women to embrace their natural cycles and the stages of life with confidence, self-love, and pride, leaving very little room for fear or shame. It is time to close the knowledge gap and ensure everyone, no matter their age, can approach this phase of life with confidence and understanding.