Menopause is having a bit of a moment, with less stigma and more awareness of the changes it brings.
A recent Senate inquiry made recommendations for public education about perimenopause and menopause, more affordable treatments, and flexible working arrangements.
But like many things in life, the menopausal experience is a continuum. Some women find it difficult and need support, while others experience physical and mental benefits. Although these are rarely reported, we can learn from the available research and, importantly, from people’s lived experiences.
Here are four changes that occur after menopause.
1. No more periods or related problems
Menopause is considered “completed” 12 months after the last menstrual period for women who have previously menstruated (or who were designated female at birth).
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the benefit at the top of the list is the elimination of periods (unless you’re on hormone therapy and still have a uterus). This is especially beneficial for women who have to deal with erratic and unpredictable heavy bleeding.
Finally, you don’t need to keep sanitary protective equipment in every bag “just in case.” No more planning where to go to the bathroom or carrying extra clothes. You can also save money by not buying sanitary products.
It’s also good news for women who experience heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids, a common benign gynecological tumor that affects up to 80% of women. There is evidence to suggest that hormonal changes (for women not on hormone therapy) may lead to a reduction in uterine fibroid size and symptom relief.
Women who suffer from menstrual migraines may see their migraines improve after menopause as hormonal fluctuations begin to subside, but it is not yet clear how long this will take.
For some women, the elimination of periods also means increased participation in social activities that were previously excluded because of menstruation. For example, religious activities or food preparation in some cultures.
2. Regain your body and tone
Throughout their reproductive lives, women in heterosexual relationships are typically expected to be active in using contraception.
Some postmenopausal women say that now that they are no longer at risk of becoming pregnant, they have re-emerged and gained sexual freedom in a sexuality they had never experienced before (despite the availability of contraceptives). There are some too.
One participant in my research on women’s experiences of menopause described the joy of being no longer of childbearing age:
I got my body back, because I can’t get pregnant, it’s not like I don’t enjoy having[a child]or whatever, and it was a decision to get pregnant, but I’m like oh my body. It’s not for anyone but me right now, you know?
For women who choose not to have children, there may also be a sense of freedom from societal expectations. People will stop asking them if they are planning to have children.
3. A new chapter and time to focus on yourself.
Another participant described menopause as an unexpected “acceleration point” for change.
Women said they were more accepting of themselves and their needs instead of focusing on the needs of others. Researchers have long tracked this shift from “living for others” to “living one’s own life.”
Although some women find emotional strength a challenge during this time, they find that their emotional strength facilitates release, allowing them to speak up and be more assertive than at any other time in their lives. Some women feel that way.
4. Improved confidence
A new sense of freedom can boost your confidence during menopause. This is reported in a study based on in-depth interviews with women.
Increased self-confidence can coincide with career changes and even changes in relationships, as priorities and assertiveness change.
life on the other side
It can be hard to think about what’s good about menopause, especially if you’re having trouble with perimenopause, but it can get better over time.
In cultures where women are valued as they age, they portray themselves as actively contributing to their communities. As they grow older, they gain power and respect.
We need to work towards more positive social attitudes on this front. Our bodies change throughout our lives, becoming more noticeable at every stage, including menopause.