Cultural Attitudes Towards Menopause

A global look at attitudes towards menopause

Let's chat about a topic that's part and parcel of life for women—menopause (and perimenopause). At 53, finding myself in the perimenopausal stage has sparked my curiosity about how this phase is viewed and experienced not just in the UK but across the globe. It's interesting to note that while menopause often gets a bit of a negative spin here in the UK, other places have a much more positive outlook on it.

In the UK, the conversation tends to focus on the less pleasant aspects—think hot flushes, mood swings and the feeling that women have become invisible at this stage of life. It's almost as if there's an unspoken agreement that menopause is a downhill step. But is that really the whole story? Let's take a look at how other cultures view this stage of life.

A Peek at Europe

First, let's head over to Europe. The attitude here varies, but there are plenty of positive takes. In Scandinavia, for instance, there's a more open and positive dialogue around menopause. It's seen as a natural part of life, with a focus on managing symptoms in a way that supports overall wellness.

Down in the Mediterranean, the strong family bonds create a supportive atmosphere where menopause is less of a taboo and more of an accepted life change. It's not about what's ending, but what the next chapter brings.

In France, Menopause is seen as a time of sexual freedom and sexual peak, as women are no longer in the caring mother role, but now have the freedom to explore sexuality as sex is no longer linked to fertility. Because of this, many French women say their sex lives are better after menopause.

Tribal and Indigenous Menopause Views

Looking at tribal and indigenous cultures offers a completely different perspective. Here, menopause is often celebrated—a sign of a woman stepping into a phase of respect and wisdom.

Native American cultures, for example, often hold postmenopausal women in high esteem, valuing them as community leaders and keepers of knowledge. Their later years are seen as a time of strength and authority.

In some African tribal cultures, menopause marks a joyous transition to a status of maturity and respect, where women often assume key leadership and advisory roles. It's a celebration of growth and new possibilities.

The Japanese 'koneki'

In Japan, menopause—or "konenki" as it's called there—has a bit of a different vibe than it does in many Western cultures. Konenki translates to something like "season of renewal," which kind of puts a whole new spin on it, doesn’t it? Over there, it’s seen not just as a series of physical changes but as a welcomed stage of personal growth and transformation. They're less about the hot flushes and more about finding your new groove.

Interestingly, many Japanese women report fewer menopausal symptoms, which some think might be thanks to their diet rich in soy, fish and other goodies. It's not all about prescribed medicines but more about keeping everything in balance—kind of like keeping your inner garden zen. And there's a real respect for this phase of life, viewing it as a natural shift rather than a medical condition to battle.

Approaching menopause with positivity

Lessons from Afar

What's striking about these perspectives is their positive outlook and respect for this life change. It's a powerful reminder that menopause can be seen as a time of opportunity and empowerment rather than a period of loss.

Tips for a Positive Outlook

So, how can we bring some of this global wisdom into our own experiences with menopause?

• Look for the joy in daily life: a shared laugh, a peaceful moment, or a perfect cup of tea can brighten any day - learning mindfulness can help - book a free session here

• Create a support network: connecting with friends or joining a community where you can share and learn together makes everything more manageable - join the Virtual Menopause Cafe I co-host with the Thrive - Menopausing to Thrive Facebook group

• Learn and grow: understanding what's happening and exploring different ways to manage symptoms can transform fear into confidence - join my online Mindfulness for Menopause 6 Week Course

• Appreciate your body: now's the time to enjoy what makes you feel good, be it a brisk walk, a dance around the kitchen, or a yoga or meditation class - enjoy a nurturing day of compassion and relaxation at my next Mindfulness for Menopause Day Retreat

• Start with positivity: A morning affirmation or a hopeful outlook can set a strong and positive tone for your day - download my guided meditations to start your morning positively.

A World of Possibilities

Exploring how different cultures view menopause has been an eye-opener. It's clear that this transition period doesn't have to be an ending but rather can be the start of a rewarding and vibrant stage of life.

Let's take a leaf out of the global book and approach this time with laughter, an eagerness to learn and to share our wisdom and life experience. I'm definitely with the French and the Japanese on this topic, so here's to seeing menopause not as a hurdle but as an opportunity for growth, adventure, community, and joy.