Is menopause the same for everyone around the world?

Attitudes to Menopause Around the World

Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process for women and anyone who has periods. Yet, each person’s menopause is different.

The basics of a natural menopause are the same: hormone changes lead to the ending of monthly periods.

But attitudes to menopause vary widely around the world and even some symptoms seem to be more dominant in some places compared to others.

In some cultures, menopause is lauded as a time of renewal and celebration, while in others it is seen as a time of decline or slowing down.

Where you live, and how menopause was viewed as you grew up can affect how you see your own menopause.

We cover this in detail in my Become a Menopause Coach diploma course because attitude, and mindset can play a huge role in how people experience menopause.

To give you an idea of what I mean, here is a brief insight into variations in menopause in just a handful of countries. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences too. Send your stories to hello@womenofacertainstage.com

India

In India, menopause is often seen as a time of renewal and celebration, something akin to a rebirth or second puberty. Some women are encouraged to take time off from their daily routines to focus on their health and wellbeing and to take time to reconnect with themselves, nature and to reflect on life.

Women celebrate their new stage of life, sometimes even with ceremonies to mark the transition.

Wisdom and the experiences associated with a long life are revered and menopause is seen as an integral part of that.

If you have been exposed to this approach to menopause, you might well see it as something to celebrate.

China

In China, menopause has traditionally been seen as a time of decline.

The traditional view is that women take on a more passive role in society and focus on taking care of their loved ones. Menopause is seen as a time of loss, due to the end of fertility.

If this is the approach to menopause that you have seen in your life, you might find it harder to believe that your menopause can be a new beginning.

Japan

In Japan, menopause is seen more as a time of transition; one which is a slow and gradual process.

It is associated with a changing balance rather than merely the time when monthly periods stop.

There are many theories as to why Japanese women tend to experience fewer symptoms during the menopause; I wonder if the key here, is that their approach to menopause is one of maintaining balance overall?

United Kingdom (UK)

In the UK, there is a lot of work still to be done around the narrative on menopause.

Menopause is seen as a natural part of the aging process, filled with unpleasant symptoms and is often approached with a groan and a wry sense of humour. At the same time, growing older isn’t necessarily associated with wisdom.

Women are encouraged to seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms, but are also encouraged to continue living their lives as normal. If you’ve grown up in the UK with this mix as your background, you might, understandably, approach menopause with a sense of trepidation.

What does this mean for you?

While we can’t change the background or culture that we grew up in, it is useful to see how menopause is approached differently by different groups of people and in different locations.

We can see that menopause isn’t affected entirely by one thing or another. Rather, it is a combination of a wide range of factors, all of which impact how we experience menopause.

I believe it is useful recognise the different attitudes to menopause around the world in different communities and to take the time to learn from the wisdom of those who have gone before us.

By cultivating a positive mindset and keeping this understanding of variety around menopause, women can maintain optimal health and wellbeing and enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant life.

To learn more, do sign up to my next free Menopause The Basics course – taught online so you can learn about what menopause is, and how you can help yourself. A natural follow on for those working in large groups is to consider training as a Menopause Champion. Find out more here.

Or you might like to find out about Become a Menopause Coach – perfect if you want to be able to help clients and colleagues create a personal plan to successfully navigate their menopause.

And as always, do let us know what you'd like to hear more about in our blogs.

Your coach, trainer and speaker,

Lauren

Photo credits:

Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash

Photo by Akshar Dave🌻 on Unsplash

Photo by Akshar Dave🌻 on Unsplash