MENOPAUSE SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS A DISEASE 

Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by coach@lashapebody.com

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, yet it is often misunderstood and treated as a medical condition that needs to be cured. This misconception can lead to unnecessary anxiety and a host of treatments that may not be needed. Instead, Menopause should be viewed as a normal transition, much like puberty, with its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Although both changes — puberty and Menopause — are physiological and absolutely natural, unfortunately medicalization of Menopause still prevails.

Why is this still happening?

Let me share with you some some shocking statistics:

More than 94.1% of Postmenopausal women were never taught about the Menopause and over 60% only started looking for information about it once their symptoms had started

This is a tragedy. 

The fact that the majority of us women have no in-depth knowledge about Menopause, it makes us an attractive target group to market to. 

Knowledge is a power and when a woman has no in-depth knowledge about Menopause — its physical, emotional and psychological impact — she does what she is being told to and often falls for treating her Menopause symptoms out of context, almost always being denied that her symptoms are Menopause related. 

Although Menopause has stopped being defined as an “estrogen-deficiency disease”, sadly Menopause symptoms are still being medicalized.

What we women need is more in-depth knowledge about Menopause, awareness of options for treating the symptoms so that we can make an educated decision about addressing the symptoms when they begin to occur.

Let’s Bring in Some Basic Understanding of Menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It is characterized by the cessation of menstruation and a decline in the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. While it is true that Menopause can bring about a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes (just naming a few), it is important to remember that these are not indicators of a disease but rather signs of the body adjusting to hormonal changes.

Why Menopause Is Not a Disease

1. Natural Life Stage

Menopause is a natural biological process, just like aging. Treating it as a disease ignores the fact that it is a normal part of life that every woman will experience.

2. Societal Misconceptions

Society often portrays Menopause negatively, focusing on symptoms rather than the empowerment and wisdom that can come with this stage of life. This negative portrayal can lead women to feel broken or less than, which is far from the truth.

3. Medicalization

The healthcare industry sometimes encourages the medicalization of Menopause, promoting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments as necessary for all women. While these treatments can be beneficial for some (no argues with that), they are not universally recommended or appropriate. 

Embracing Menopause

Instead of viewing Menopause as something to be “treated,” we should embrace it as a time of transition and personal growth. Here are some ways to reframe Menopause:

1. Education and Awareness

Educating oneself about Menopause can help demystify the process and reduce fear. Understanding what is happening in your body can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being. I advocate for early education and believe that women should start preparing for Menopause in their pre-menopausal years.

2. Focus on Holistic Health

Emphasize a holistic approach to health that includes nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga can alleviate many Menopausal symptoms naturally.

If you would interview women who went through Menopause naturally — without medication and HRT — with manageable or relatively minimal symptoms, you would learn that these women (including me) have made significant lifestyle changes in their pre-menopausal years, have been practicing healthy eating, exercising regularly and practicing the best stress management technique — meditation.

3. Support Networks

Building a support network of friends, family, or joining support groups can provide comfort and understanding. Sharing experiences with others going through the same transition can be reassuring and empowering. Being part of a community of women who made it through Menopause experiencing the highs and lows of this transition can be priceless.

4. Celebrate the Positives

Menopause marks the end of menstruation, which means freedom from periods and the potential for new opportunities and personal growth. Many women find a renewed sense of self and purpose during this time.

Navigating Symptoms

While Menopause is not a disease, some women experience severe symptoms that can impact their quality of life. In such cases, it is important to consult with healthcare professionals who respect Menopause as a natural process and offer personalized, evidence-based solutions. These may include:

• Lifestyle Changes

Implementing changes in diet and exercise routines.

• Alternative Therapies

Exploring herbal remedies, acupuncture, and supplements.

• Medical Treatments

Considering HRT or other medications when necessary, based on a thorough evaluation of risks and benefits.

Conclusion

Menopause should be viewed as a natural, empowering transition rather than a disease. By shifting our perspective, we can celebrate this life stage and support each other in navigating it with confidence and grace. Embracing Menopause as a normal part of life allows us women to focus on the opportunities it presents, fostering a positive approach to this important transition.

It is important that you remember to surround yourself (online or offline) with women who have the knowledge and wisdom of this process. We are here to empower you, give you support and help you, especially if you are at the beginning of your Menopause journey, experiencing early symptoms, fighting with doubts and suffering in silence because your voice is not being heard, your symptoms are not acknowledged and validated.

I strongly believe in WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN… well ultimately we are SISTERS IN MENOPAUSE ❤️

Anna Toth

PS: If you would like to learn more about the ways to ease Menopause symptoms naturally with NO medication and NO HRT, join us — our Facebook community is here for you to help you feel healthy and full of energy again!