Shifting the Narrative Around Menopause

A time of transformation, not decline

For too long, menopause has been painted as an ending—a slow decline into invisibility, discomfort, and loss. But here’s the truth: menopause is not an ending; it’s a beginning. It’s a transition into a powerful new phase of life, one where wisdom, confidence, and self-awareness take center stage. The Japanese called KONENKI - a renewal of energy, a second spring. It’s a fabulous description - positive, fresh and anticipated, not old, negative and dreaded.

It’s time to change the way we talk about menopause. Let’s swap out outdated narratives of suffering and struggle for a fresh, empowering perspective. This is a time of transformation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s the book end to puberty - we didn’t dread that, it was a launch into being a woman, well, we are relaunching ourselves now through menopause. Who is the new you???

The science of mindset: How perception shapes experience

Research has shown that women who view menopause positively report fewer symptoms and better overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of Women & Aging found that a woman’s beliefs about menopause directly influence her physical and emotional experience.

Why? Because our brains are powerful. A negative mindset triggers stress responses, increasing cortisol levels, which can make symptoms like weight gain, anxiety, and fatigue worse. But when we shift our perspective, we engage the brain’s ability to adapt and thrive—boosting resilience, improving hormone balance, and reducing the severity of symptoms.

Reclaiming your power: The Menopause transformation

Instead of seeing menopause as a loss, let’s reframe it as a rebirth. Here’s how:

1. From Aging to Evolving

Aging is not a sentence—it’s a privilege. With menopause comes the freedom to redefine yourself, free from the pressures of fertility, external expectations, and the need to prove yourself to the world. Say goodbye to FOMO and worrying about what people think of you. Who cares now?

2. From Hormone Havoc to Hormone Intelligence

Yes, hormones fluctuate, but that doesn’t mean you’re at their mercy. Understanding the role of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol allows you to work with your body instead of against it. Supporting hormonal balance through nutrition, movement, and stress management is an act of self-empowerment, not defeat. Education and knowledge bring power to menopause.

3. From Invisible to Invincible

Society may have conditioned us to believe that after a certain age, women fade into the background. But history proves otherwise. Some of the most powerful, influential women—Oprah, Maya Angelou, Meryl Streep, Michelle Obama, Jodie Foster—have thrived in their post-menopausal years. This is your time to step into your power, not shrink away from it.

Shifting societal perceptions: Menopause as a strength

Cultural attitudes toward menopause vary drastically. In many Indigenous and Eastern traditions, menopausal women are seen as wise leaders, healers, and knowledge-keepers. Meanwhile, Western society often reduces menopause to a collection of symptoms to be “fixed.” It’s time to challenge this outdated view and embrace menopause as a natural, even sacred, transition. You’re not broken, you don’t need fixing. You’re a woman going through a transition, just like as a child, you transitioned to being a woman.

How do we change the conversation?

Talk about it openly. The more we normalise menopause, the less stigma surrounds it.

Educate younger generations. When we teach younger women about menopause early, they approach it with awareness, not fear. They deserve to understand what is going to happen to them. We learn about puberty in school don’t we?

Celebrate menopausal role models. Seeing thriving, vibrant post-menopausal women reminds us of what’s possible. It’s now our role and responsibility to show younger generations how cool and fabulous 50+ is!

Practical ways to step into your power

1. Own your narrative

Words matter. Instead of saying “I’m suffering through menopause,” try “I’m navigating a powerful transition.” Exude positivity and self love.

2. Prioritise radical self-care

Menopause is an invitation to listen to your body like never before. Prioritising rest, movement, and nourishment isn’t selfish—it’s essential and you deserve it. You’ve put everyone first for years so now look out for yourself.

3. Find your community

You are not alone - about 46.5 million women enter menopause each year! Surround yourself with women who uplift and inspire you. Seek out menopause-positive spaces, whether online, in-person, or through books and podcasts. Remove toxic relationships from your life, they don’t bring anything but negativity.

4. Challenge ageist narratives

Call out misinformation when you see it. Celebrate aging as a badge of honour, not something to fight against. You’re not old, you’re full of wisdom and fun.

Final thoughts: Menopause as an awakening

This isn’t the end of vitality, beauty, or purpose—it’s the beginning of a richer, deeper, more authentic life.

You are not disappearing. You are rising. You are stronger, wiser, and more unstoppable than ever.

Let’s shift the narrative. Let’s own this transformation. Let’s redefine what it means to thrive in menopause and show the world that we’re not ready to be wall flowers just because we can no longer have kids!