Menopause is a natural and significant stage in a woman’s life. Many women have heard of menopause, but they may not have enough information about the impact it can have on the body, mind, and emotions. Even today, in many societies, menopause is not considered a topic for open discussion. As a result, many women end up facing their experiences and difficulties alone. However, menopause is not a disease; it is a natural life journey that should be understood, accepted, and supported when necessary.
At first, I also knew very little about menopause. In our society, many issues related to women’s health are still not openly discussed. Many women feel uncomfortable talking about menstruation, hormones, and bodily changes. Yet, at some point in life, every woman needs to understand the changes taking place in her body.
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life when menstruation permanently stops due to hormonal changes in the body.
The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone as women age. As a result, periods may first become irregular and eventually stop altogether. Menopause commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although every woman’s experience is different.
Menopause is not only about the end of menstruation. Hormonal changes can affect the body, mind, and emotions in many ways.
Possible Symptoms of Menopause
Sudden feelings of intense heat (hot flushes)
Excessive night sweats
Difficulty sleeping or waking up frequently during the night
Persistent fatigue and weakness
Mood swings
Irritability or increased emotional sensitivity
Increased anxiety or restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling more forgetful
Heart palpitations
Headaches
Joint and muscle pain
Weight changes
Dry skin or changes in hair
Reduced self-confidence
Changes in sexual health or discomfort
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms. However, if these changes are affecting daily life, it is important to seek medical advice and support.
My Own Menopause Journey
My journey was not easy. When menopause entered my life, I experienced many changes both physically and emotionally. At first, I did not realize that many of these experiences could be related to menopause.
The physical changes were challenging, but so were the emotional ones. There were times when I felt extremely tired, forgot things almost immediately after saying them, felt restless, lost confidence, had little desire to socialize, preferred to be alone, felt as if life had lost its meaning, and sometimes even felt like I no longer recognized myself. When I compare the person I was before menopause with who I am now, the difference feels immense.
I then made an effort to understand the subject. I carried out extensive research, read articles, listened to health experts, and watched interviews with medical professionals. Gradually, I came to understand that knowledge reduces fear, and accurate information can make life easier. That was certainly true in my case.
I live in the United Kingdom. Here, the National Health Service (NHS) provides women with menopause-related healthcare services, advice, and support. Through my own experience, I learned how important it is to speak with healthcare professionals and seek help when needed.
It has now been two years since I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). In my personal experience, it has helped me significantly. It has enabled me to manage many of the difficult aspects of menopause and regain a better quality of life. However, HRT is not the right treatment for every woman. Every woman’s health condition is different, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
A Message from My Experience
I would like to say to all my sisters: please do not suffer in silence and isolation. If menopause is making your life difficult, speak to your GP or healthcare provider, discuss your concerns openly, and seek the support you need.
Menopause is not a disease; it is a natural chapter in a woman’s life.
Paying attention to your lifestyle is very important during this time. Regular exercise, yoga, walking, healthy eating, adequate rest, and taking time for yourself can make a significant difference.
When I began sharing my experiences and knowledge with other women, I realized that many of them needed more information on this subject.
That is why I started creating awareness videos about menopause on social media. Whenever I have the opportunity to attend community events, I try to speak openly with women about this topic. My goal is not simply to tell my own story; it is to ensure that no woman has to endure her struggles alone because of a lack of information.
Family support is extremely important during this period. In particular, a husband’s role can be invaluable. Understanding the changes brought about by menopause, showing patience, and providing support can make a woman’s life much easier.
Sometimes, even a simple sentence such as, “How is your treatment going?”, “Is there anything I can do to help?”, or “I am here for you,” can provide tremendous strength to a woman who is struggling.
We should not treat menopause as something to hide; rather, it is something to understand. Every woman’s health, dignity, and happiness matter.
The most important lesson my menopause journey has taught me is this: using the knowledge I have gained to make life easier for others has become my greatest purpose.
Menopause Awareness in the United Kingdom and Nepal
In the United Kingdom, menopause awareness campaigns have made significant progress in recent years. At the global level, the International Menopause Society introduced World Menopause Day on 18 October each year, beginning in 2009, to promote accurate information about menopause.
In the UK, public discussion and awareness around menopause increased significantly during the 2010s. In 2019, Diane Danzebrink launched the #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign, highlighting the need for menopause education, healthcare professional training, and workplace support.
Later, in 2021, television presenter Davina McCall played a major role in raising awareness through her documentary Sex, Myths and the Menopause, which brought women’s experiences and challenges into the national conversation.
In Nepal, open discussion and awareness regarding women’s health issues have also increased in recent years. However, many women still lack sufficient information about menopause symptoms, treatment options, and available support.
Whether in the United Kingdom or Nepal, menopause should not be viewed as something to hide. It should be recognized as a natural stage of life that deserves understanding, acceptance, and access to appropriate support.
