I started The Merry Menopause on International Women’s Day 2019 and the menopause conversation was just starting. Eighteen months on, the conversation is becoming widespread and many are joining in.

 

I look back at my mother’s generation, very few women were talking about this transition. Their menopause was not acknowledged, it was suppressed and denied. Women were not encouraged or supported to talk about ‘the change’ and many suffered tremendously and they suffered in silence. 

 

We are of an age where we can shout about our menopause, express how we are feeling and make sure it’s recognised and acknowledged. We don’t have to go through the turmoil of internal suffering whilst ignoring our physical and mental symptoms, or numb how we are feeling with wrongly prescribed medication. 

 

There are many ‘menovists’ now having this conversation, if my voice and my words don’t resonate with you, find a fit with someone who does. BUT PLEASE don’t bury your head in the sand, educate yourself on this important and powerful stage of your life. Do it for you, do it for the younger women in your life and do it for the generations of women who came before us who were denied this choice. 🙏🏻

 

These are just a few of the questions that you should be asking and you will get the answers by joining the menopause conversation:1

 

💥What is the menopause? 

💥When does it start? – FYI way before your periods stop!

💥How will it affect me?

💥What are the first signs?

💥What is HRT? 

💥What do I say to my GP?

💥How do I talk to my partner/family?

💥How can I keep working?

💥What can I do to take back control?

💥Should I change my diet?

💥Why is my body changing?

💥Why are my thoughts changing?

 

And here are some of my favourite instagram accounts:-

@menopause_dietitian @menopausepilates @mumaste_yoga_wellbeing 

@rebecca_haroutunian @brightonherbalist @Josephine_cobb 

@megsmenopause @megmathewsofficial_ @samtalkssex @menopause_doctor 

@dianedanzebrink @my_menopausal_vagina @theothersambaker @dr.carriejones

@red.school @_masiehill_