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The menopause conversations have been heating up. No pun intended. Did you see the menopause ad during the Super Bowl? Whether you like it or not, you have to agree more and more people are openly sharing their menopausal experiences and seeking support from peer communities. And more and more companies are paying attention.

Of course, there’s a long way to go, especially regarding racial equity, funding, and legislative and corporate support.

While menopause can be a liberating time for some, it can also cause feelings of insecurity, primarily because of the long-standing taboos and shame, especially for those who feel like they’re no longer able to meet the societal expectations of youth and beauty.

So being vulnerable during this phase is an understandably tall task for many. No one wants to expose themselves to the possibility of emotional harm due to the lack of understanding and harmful narrative passed down.

Yes. Vulnerability can be a scary and uncomfortable feeling. However, it’s important to remember that it’s also a source of strength and growth. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open ourselves up to new experiences and new relationships. We also create the opportunity to be honest about our struggles and seek support from those around us.

One way to embrace vulnerability in menopause is to connect with other women who are going through similar experiences. Joining a menopause support group, either in person or online, can be a powerful way to share experiences, learn from others, and find a sense of community. Talking to friends and family members about your experiences can also be helpful, as they may be able to offer empathy and support.

Another way to embrace vulnerability is to practice self-care. That can look like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more confident and in control, even when you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.

Remember, vulnerability is a normal part of the human experience. We all experience times of struggle and insecurity from time to time, and menopause is just one example of this. By embracing your vulnerability, you can find strength and support and move forward with confidence and grace.

In this podcast episode, non-profit executive and social justice advocate Sonya Shields supersede shame and taboo and shares her menopausal journey, including self-care practices she utilizes to thrive during this transitional time.

Sonya shares:

• 02:33: About Sonya
• 04:37: Hormones in her thirties
• 05:32: The forties and fifties
• 09:14: Where she found support
• 10:04: What her mother said about menopause
• 11:20: One of her concerns about menopause
• 12:15: The narrative she received about menopause
• 14:33: Best advice about menopause
• 17:10: How our medical society views and treats patients
• 18:23: What young women today think about menopause
• 19:40: What she believes will enhance getting older
• 21:10: How she navigated the workplace during menopause
• 26:15: An example of how vulnerability can lead to much needed conversations
• 28:28: The thing she’s never lost her desire for
• 31:05: What we’ve always been told about menopause and what we’re retelling ourselves
• 33:39: Her self-care rituals for navigating the menopausal phase
• 35:21: The impetus for her current conscious, mindful way of living
• 39:52: What she would want her patients to know if she was a doctor

Additional Resources For Support:

• Take the Menopause Quiz: Find out if you might be experiencing (peri) menopause
• Menopause blog posts: Various posts that cover symptoms and more
• The symptoms checklist: A list of symptoms you can check
• The menopause question list: A list of questions to ask your healthcare partner
• Private Facebook Group: For people experiencing the menopausal phase

Disclaimer

Let’s (peri)MenoPAUSE and prosper.