Blog 8- Menopause

Menopause has been seen as a condition that must be fixed. We view the symptoms of menopause as the end to a youthful life and the beginning of the end. We need to change this view and celebrate women and the freedom menopause brings.  There needs to be more education rather than more confusion on ways in which women can manage their symptoms. Women experiencing menopause and their views of “going through the change” are how we begin to change society's view. If we, as women, look at menopause as the beginning to the end and this horrible thing we all must go through, then society will as well. Women should celebrate their independence from monthly menstruation, children, and certain responsibilities. It is a time to be free and enjoy life and not deal with all of the schedules and responsibilities women had in their 30s and 40s.  The media is, in my opinion, helping some with the view that aging isn't such a bad thing. With more and more older women dating younger men and looking better in their 50s than 20s we are beginning to appreciate the middle age. Aging isn't all bad. Education, as with everything, is the key to women understanding and appreciating the changes in their bodies. If they do not know why they are feeling certain symptoms then they cannot make lifestyle changes or medication changes necessary to address them.  Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can remediate some of the hot flashes and depression women feel. Medication is not always the answer. Not to sound like a broken record, but the only way women will know this is through education! It's the key!!