Menopause because talking about it (and not only between women)

Menopause is still talked about too little and a revolution is needed so that it is no longer seen only as the end of fertility, but the beginning of a new fruitful age

Menopause (which is not a disease, but a physiological moment) is that period coincides with the term of women's fertility and there are a series of symptoms that unite most (But not all of them, it is clear) of women. For these symptoms, however, there are useful remedies to also guarantee a good quality of life. Menopause generally comes around 45-55 years of age, but it can also be early or late. It is not a sudden event, but it is characterized by a prior period in which there are alterations within the menstrual cycle, menstruation can be closer, more abundant, or more spaced with each other. All this because it decreases the amount of estrogen in the blood following the stop of the ovar activities. This decrease in estrogen can cause different symptoms among which:

- hot flashes;

- night sweats;

- palpitations and tachycardia;

- insomnia;

- anxiety, irritability, decrease in mood and ease of fatigue;

- headache;

- drop in libido and sexual desire;

- increased risk of cardiovascular and osteoporosis diseases.

Faced with such a change, many women cannot accept this new phase of life, their body that changes and the sexual desire that falls. But are we sure that menopause is always the cause of everything?

I deepened this theme with Doriana Cecconello, known on Instagram as a menopause bastard (by profession Social Media Manager), a page where Doriana speaks of menopause in an ironic way and gives advice to women on how to manage this period. 

Doriana, tell me about your experience with menopause.

So, I am 57 years old, almost 58, I have been in definitive menopause for five years and I certainly went into crisis on an emotional level, but physically I have not felt particularly different from before, I have to say it. Certainly the menopause led me to a period of my life in which I understood that the years passed, but unlike many other women, who also wrote to me on my profile, I think I was lucky because on a physical level I didn't have Absolutely no type of change, if not vampire- that I still have now- and fluent mood, for the rest I must say that it has been light enough as a change.

So let's say the aspect of menopause that has been more unexpected is the psychological one  

An emotional, psychological change there is necessarily because you have some humoral ups and downs. For me it was a very strong thing, at the beginning I think I have also suffered a little depression. There are many taboos: Many people think that with menopause it ends everything, many women neglect because they think it no longer worth it. It is a thought that also have many men and this thought comes from the past, from our mothers who have transmitted to us this negative conception of menopause. 

 

What do you think should change in society to change this negative narration of menopause?

Surely start talking about menopause to our children in a positive way. Many women attribute their problems related to sexual desire for menopause: 90% of the women I talked to reported this problem to me, but I wonder, did you have it before? In the event, we go to the gynecologist and there is a solution, we do not always blame menopause: very often it is a matter of mentality that leads us to guilty menopause, when in my opinion it is not so. 

Have you also noticed a change in relationships in general, or from a social point of view, after menopause?

Yes, let's say that the transition to this new age group is one of the strongest experiences that a woman can experience in life, then I have heard many experiences of women who feel alone. A woman told me she feels particularly alone, she had no sisters, she didn't have a mother and complained that she couldn't talk to anyone about it. This too is a matter of mentality, This conversation should also be extended to male children, partner and men in general.

Would you like to add something else on the theme of menopause?

In my opinion we should speak more about menopause because it is still very underestimated as a period of life. More initiatives should also be made on menopause, ad hoc activities. 

In conclusion, menopause is a transition phase in the life of a woman who, unfortunately, is often surrounded by taboos and negative stereotypes. However, it is essential to recognize and enhance the contribution of women during this period and beyond. Menopause women should not be seen as less active or not capable, but rather as individuals with a huge wealth of experience, knowledge and potential to offer to society. It is important to dismantle the incorrect concept that menopause marks the end of the vitality and relevance of women.

On the contrary, this moment of transition can be considered as aopportunities for women to reinvent themselves, to explore new passions, to undertake new challenges and to continue to contribute in significant ways to society. 

Giving value to menopause women means recognizing and celebrating their resilience, their wisdom and their ability to adapt. It also means promoting a culture that challenges the stereotypes related to age and that enhances the diversity of female experiences. When women are supported and enhanced during menopause, they not only improve their individual perspectives of health and well -being, but a more inclusive, equitable and full of resources are also created. In conclusion, it is essential to promote a vision of menopause that recognizes and famous the continuous value of women in society. Menopause women deserve respect, support and opportunities to continue growing, contributing and inspired others with their vitality and wisdom.

Antonella Patalano