Power Unleashed: Embracing Peri/Menopause Like a Boss
A Q&A with Cree Lambeck, Clinical Director and Owner of Cherry Tree Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
The Menopause Revolution - We Need to Talk
"I'm here to see my gynecologist." Cut to black.
Hands up - who remembers this mic drop moment?
You guessed it, BARBIE! Best. Line. Ever. The audience erupts with laughter while our wide-eyed littles turn to ask their parents “What’s a gynecologist?” YESSSSSS! These are the conversations we need to be having - thank you Greta Gerwig. (She added this line so that girls wouldn’t be embarrassed about their own bodies but it taught my son something too!)
And thank you, Dr. Jen Hunter, our own Canadian-born gynecologist covering women’s health issues and schooling us all in normalizing bodies and how they work!
“Women are gaslit into believing that their bodies - the very thing that allows them to hack the big brain-small pelvis equation - are problematic and that consequently they themselves are problematic. We’re dirty, silly, fat, gross, weak, or we’re simply complainers. We are forced to make do with a medical system largely designed around the needs of men and we have our medical concerns dismissed as “not that bad” or we are told they are fabricated.”
As we refuse to suffer in the shadows any longer, conversations about menopause are ramping up and of course, women are leading the way.
Join us in a conversation about peri/menopause, how it’s affecting you, how to understand and treat its symptoms and use this powerful phase of life to strengthen our relationships with ourselves and others. Talking about what was once considered a ‘taboo’ subject removes the fear, opens up understanding about our own bodies and behaviours and educates the masses on a normal phase of life that impacts half of the population yet in too often still veiled in mystery and plagued by widespread misinformation. Let’s stop suffering in silence and share our experiences about this powerful topic.
Demystifying Menopause
While we possess a wealth of knowledge about events like puberty and pregnancy, accompanied by available education and support, there exists a significant gap in open dialogue, fact-driven awareness, and societal traction when it comes to menopause. These gaps encompass not only the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, but also the years that follow, referred to as postmenopause. As a result, numerous women/individuals navigate this journey without a comprehensive understanding of the transformations occurring within our own bodies, as well as how shifting hormone levels can contribute to long-term health considerations. Clearly we have not been adequately educated or prepared for this remarkable stage in our lives. It’s worth asking: why not??
It’s time to reduce the shame and secrecy around peri/menopause and come out of the shadows.
Did you know? Fast Facts about Peri/Menopause:
There are more than 10 million women in Canada over the age of 40. They represent one-quarter of the population. Their needs related to menopause have been overlooked.
Canadian women typically spend nearly half of their lives in various menopausal stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
Menopause commonly occurs in women aged 45 to 55, with 1 in 100 women facing this stage before the age of 40, and 1 in 1,000 before the age of 30.
Unmanaged menopausal symptoms lead 10% of women to discontinue working.
Approximately 75% of women grapple with menopausal symptoms that disrupt their daily routines.
25% of women contend with severe menopausal symptoms.
Q: How do you know if you are entering peri/menopause?
Let’s take a moment to decode “The Change”.
PERIMENOPAUSE
Perimenopause, also known as the menopausal transition, is the period leading up to menopause. It encompasses the years before menopause when a woman's/peron’s body undergoes hormonal fluctuations, and we may experience symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and other changes in our menstrual cycle. Perimenopause can begin several years before menopause and usually starts in the mid-40s, though it can vary from person to person. It officially ends when a woman/menstruating person has gone 12 months without a menstrual period and has reached menopause.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause is a natural biological process in a woman/person’s life, signifying the end of our reproductive years. It is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, indicating that the ovaries have ceased producing eggs, and the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone have significantly declined. Menopause typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s, with an average age of around 51 in Canada.
“You’re gonna start getting sad, and mushy, and complicated.”
Q: What are some of the most common symptoms of menopause?
Have you experienced the inferno of hot flashes? Mood swings that feel like tidal waves? ADHD like behaviours? Fatigue so strong you wonder if your brain fog could be blocking a memory of a recent marathon you ran?
Other not-so-enjoyable symptoms of peri/menopause may include (but are not limited to):
Irregular periods
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Changes in libido
Problems with focus, memory and concentration, feeling scattered, inattentive
Questioning your own identity
Heightened emotional responses
Irritability
Body aches, muscle soreness and tension
Q: Is there anything good about peri/menopause?
Absolutely! This can be a time of empowerment for as we enter a phase of life where we get to call the shots.
WISDOM: Menopause often brings a heightened sense of wisdom and self-assuredness. With age and experience, many women/menstruating people find we have a better understanding of ourselves and life in general.
SELF-DISCOVERY: Menopause can be a time of self-discovery and personal growth. It's an opportunity to reevaluate life priorities and explore new interests.
FREEDOM: With the end of menstruation and often child-rearing responsibilities, menopause can bring a newfound sense of freedom. We may finally have more time for ourselves to finally see what’s been simmering away on the back burner all these years.
BODY POSITIVITY: Some may experience a boost in body confidence and self-acceptance during menopause. We may embrace their changing bodies and prioritize self-care.
ENHANCED RELATIONSHIPS: As we gain wisdom and self-assuredness, our relationships, particularly with partners and peers, may improve. Menopause can strengthen connections with loved ones.
FOCUS ON WELL-BEING: Menopause often prompts us to prioritize their health and well-being. This may include adopting healthier lifestyle choices and seeking professional guidance.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT: With reduced childcare demands and a stronger sense of self, we may notice that we excel in our careers during menopause.
NEW BEGINNINGS: We can view menopause as a fresh start. We may embark on new adventures, pursue unfulfilled dreams, or embrace a more carefree lifestyle.
COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT: Menopause can foster a sense of community and solidarity among women and individuals experiencing similar changes. This shared experience can lead to new friendships and support networks.
EMBRACING CHANGE: Menopause teaches us to adapt to change and uncertainty. This adaptability can be a valuable life skill because let’s face it - like it or not, life is change.
The experience of peri/menopause is unique for each woman/menstruating person, and not all will experience the same benefits. However, these positive aspects are some of the potential silver linings of this significant life transition.
Q: How does menopause impact transgender individuals?
Menopause experiences can be diverse. Inclusivity and sensitivity are crucial, acknowledging that not all who experience menopause identify as cisgender women.
It's essential to acknowledge the experiences of transgender individuals and bring all of these voices to the table.
Access to inclusive and accessible healthcare for transgender individuals experiencing menopause can be challenging and there is a need for informed and respectful medical care.
There are supportive communities for transgender individuals who are navigating menopause. Share resources, support groups, and organizations that offer help during this life stage.
The emotional and psychological aspects of menopause in the context of gender identity can include hormonal changes and the need for mental health support.
A more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of menopause and its impact on gender diverse individuals will help us all.
“What the patriarchy thinks of menopause is irrelevant. Men do not get to define the value of women at any age.”
Q: How Can We Own Our Own Health?
The Menopause Foundation of Canada is your source of resources, everything from downloadable symptom trackers to inclusive workplaces to supporting partners through menopause and much more.
We don’t have to hide our hot flashes or lurk in the shadows and we certainly don’t have to walk alone through this complex phase of our lives. Lean into the sisterhood, talk about it, ask for help, educate each other, and build a circle of care. Together, we can close the knowledge gap around this important topic that impacts half the human population.
What is your menopause manifesto?
Need more? Check out these great resources below as we continue the journey of empowerment, body awareness, inclusivity and embracing change. Build your circle of support!
BRIA - The Stresses of Perimenopause
The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter
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SOURCES:
CBC.ca “Menopause is coming out of the shadows. Many women looking for answers say it's about time”
