In most popular cultures, menopause is seen as the ‘end’. It isn’t even something that is talked about a lot, and when it is, there is a lot of stigma around it. In a society that values womanhood for its fertility potential and a woman’s role as a mother-figure, menopause symbolically diminishes her value. It is the lived reality of many women who have gone through menopause – lack of awareness about what to expect, stigma, embarrassment and a sense of isolation. Such negative attitudes can contribute to a more difficult experience transition.
Menopause is a new beginning for you.
East Asian cultures seem to have a beautifully positive attitude to ageing and menopause. In traditional Chinese medicine, menopause is referred to as the ‘second spring’. It represents a time of renewal, and new beginnings; a shift in focus from fertility to conserving oneself. The Japanese refer to menopause as ‘konenki’, which translates to “the years of transition” or “a sense of new purpose and growth.¨ These cultures have a more positive and empowering perspective towards menopause. They don’t see it as a ‘decline’ or an end. They embrace it as a well-earned opportunity to nurture and nourish yourself. Powered by their wisdom, life experience and confidence, these women are ready to start a new journey!
Embracing menopause can make your experience better.
Research has shown that having a positive attitude towards your menopause transition can actually make a physical difference! Women with a positive attitude are reported to have lower severity of menopausal symptoms. So how do you get this positive attitude, and how do you embrace menopause?
A shift in perspective.
As we write above, there is a perfectly wonderful perspective with which you can view your menopause experience – as a milestone you have earned, and after which you get a chance to start fresh – however you want! It is not easy to rid your own mind of years of ingrained negative bias, and to block out the negativity & dismissiveness that comes from the society around you. But now that you know there is a different way to look at this, be curious and explore this positive perspective further. What could a fresh start mean for you? What can you be doing to take better care of yourself? What have you ignored about your physical, mental or emotional health, and what needs nurturing?
As you work on this shift in perspective, we at Adrita are here to provide you with reliable information, community, tools and support. Learn about what to expect during menopause, and get a detailed health assessment with our menopause specialist. When you know what needs attention, you can take better care of yourself. Use the Adrita mobile app and digital tools to track and monitor your symptoms and see how you are progressing with treatment and self-care.
