This month, I have had many conversations with friends, colleagues and professionals all revealing the same truth that’s as relevant today as it ever was. The stigma of the name “Menopause” which is a natural phase of life that’s still shrouded in silence and stigma. Whether in workplaces, homes, or among friends, the discomfort around discussing menopause often leaves women feeling isolated, feelings of being scared that they are losing their mind or getting dementia. But menopause isn’t just about female fertility as many think; it’s a human experience. We need open, educational conversations to better support each other in life’s natural transitions.
“The Change” – What does this mean in today’s world and with today’s generation of females and males
Looking back at our mothers’ experiences certainly shed light on today’s hesitancy to speak about menopause openly. For them, menopause wasn’t named; it was simply referred to as “The Change.” Symptoms we now associate with menopause such as hot flushes or flashes for my USA connections, mood swings, and fatigue, were often misdiagnosed as mental health issues. Many women were given antidepressants, and some were even admitted and institutionalised, into Mental Hospitals. This is a stark reminder of how misunderstood menopause was and the severity of what females experienced.
My mum, now 80, sometimes calls me after watching a morning talk show when a segment airs on menopause, saying, “Did you know dry eyes can be part of it?” More than once, she’s commented, “We didn’t have this in my day.” I gently correct her, explaining that she and her friends did experience it — it just wasn’t recognised for what it was. Her experience of some of her friends were that they were bad with nerves for years and anxiety and put away into mental hospitals. I remember this vividly when I was around 10-12 years of age, as my mum would go and visit her friend and again the term mental hospital was also used in shame! This silence then echoes in our own discomfort today. If we continue hiding from these topics, how will future generations be prepared?
Education in schools — learning about menopause at the right age
Breaking the silence starts early. Educating young people about the various stages of female health with both perimenopause and menopause included is essential for reducing the shame and stigma surrounding women’s bodies. Starting in secondary school, we can equip young women and men with the knowledge they need to understand the female body’s natural changes. Knowing that menopause will one day be part of life should feel as normal as learning about puberty.
For instance, I know a young woman in her early twenties who will face early menopause after undergoing surgery to remove a large complex fibroid. Her situation highlights the need for accessible education; her only takeaway from this diagnosis is “fibroid removal, then early menopause, what is that.” Yet for her, that may mean not being able to have children. Without context, she’s left with confusion and anxiety. It’s never too early to learn about the multiple journeys women’s bodies go through. Armed with information, young women like her can feel more confident and prepared, even in facing unique challenges.
Educating men to be able to support partners, colleagues, and friends
Education isn’t just for women. Men, too, benefit from understanding menopause and other life stages, as they are better prepared to support their partners, employees, and friends. When men understand what women experience, they feel less uncomfortable and are less likely to make inappropriate or unhelpful remarks. Empathy and knowledge in these areas allow for better relationships in both personal and professional settings. In the same way, many men struggle to discuss their own health challenges openly. Conditions like prostate cancer are often associated with shame or embarrassment, leaving men vulnerable to isolation and depression and after treatment they too have some symptoms like Menopause due to reduced testosterone. When we teach men the importance of open discussion, they’re less likely to internalise fear and more likely to reach out for support. If we normalise conversations around sensitive health issues for everyone, we cultivate a culture of empathy, where individuals don’t feel judged or isolated by their diagnoses.
Embracing humanity — breaking down the stigma to create positive change
We are all humans at the end of the day, and some may face a variety of health challenges, and some may not, but approaching them with empathy, openness, and proactive dialogue can transform how we manage them. Just as we solve work problems by discussing them and finding solutions individually or as a team, we can take a similar approach to health. Menopause and other sensitive issues need to be understood as parts of life’s journey, not obstacles to hide from.
Removing the stigma surrounding menopause, and health challenges more broadly, creates positive change that benefits everyone. In workplaces, friends and colleagues can understand and support each other. In schools, young people can grow up feeling confident about their bodies and prepared for what lies ahead. And in families, we can face life’s changes together rather than in isolation.
When we embrace a culture of positivity, empathy, and care, we can break down walls of fear and judgment. Let’s work together to create a world where every stage of life — whether “The Change,” illness, or recovery — is met with understanding, compassion, and genuine support. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also fosters a society where people feel seen, heard, and cared for in every phase of life.
