Why can’t women even bring themselves to talk about their bodies? How can we elevate the conversation around women’s health care to break these taboo topics? Let’s find a way to rise up and get the attention we need. Women’s bodies should be honored and celebrated!
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As a health coach, it’s my job to help break the taboo of speaking about women’s health care. But all the marketing gurus tell me that there are three dirty words I shouldn’t use because they make women feel bad about themselves.
What are the three dirty words in women’s health?
Perimenopause, Menopause, Midlife
There they are. I’ve said the words at the center of so many women’s health care issues. That wasn’t so hard, was it?!
First of all, every time I type perimenopause, I get the red squiggly line under it because the computer doesn’t recognize it as a word. Seriously. It’s that bad of a word. (What year is it again?!)
And then there’s menopause. You know, that completely normal part of being a female human. But I’m not supposed to talk about it because it makes people uneasy. It means we’re getting “old.” We’d rather just stick our heads in the sand and pretend like we’re 25 forever.
It’s even more challenging, though, because so many people are unclear about the difference between perimenopause and menopause. If that’s you, you’re not alone. Educating yourself about the difference is the first step to putting your knowledge to work for you.
As far as midlife goes, I’m just calling a spade a spade. Perimenopause is the ten years prior to menopause, and the average age of menopause is 51 ½. The reality of many of us living beyond 105 just isn’t that great. So, yeah, I’m in midlife.
(And I don’t think it’s a bad thing.)
Finding a health care provider who understands women’s bodies in midlife is critical to your health!
I’m not in the business of sugar-coating things. But I’m also not in the business of being a doomsdayer. I just want to educate women so they have the knowledge to make informed decisions about their women’s health care options. Being an educated, empowered, body-wise woman means that you understand what is happening with your body. And you feel confident to make proactive, wellness-oriented decisions.
The reality is, perimenopause and midlife and our post-menopause years are actually THE POWER YEARS. There’s so much to look forward to. A new normal of hormonal balance awaits!
I honor those of you who see perimenopause and post-menopause NOT as women’s health problems but as a natural midlife transition.
The more we normalize the language around women’s health, the better it is for all of us.
So let’s stop thinking about perimenopause and menopause as women’s health problems and start thinking about how we can elevate the conversation around natural stages of women’s lives. We all deserve better.
Are you ready to continue this conversation? Are you interested in becoming an educated, empowered, body-wise woman? Be able to make informed choices for your women’s health care!
If you’ve asked yourself any of these common questions about perimenopause, you’re who I’m talking to!
Are you ready to get informed about the health issues that are so common in midlife? And why they don’t have to happen to you? And how you can be a proactive, informed action-taker regarding your women’s health care?
The good news is that so many of the horror stories about perimenopause, menopause, and midlife are the result of lifestyle choices. There are a lot of small changes you can make to work WITH your body in midlife.
Learn how to
- exercise for perimenopause power,
- eat to support your midlife body, and
- practice self-care like you KNOW you’re worth it.
You’ll be surprised by how common experiences aren’t necessarily normal. And that small changes can reduce unpleasant symptoms.
Totally agree. It’s a normal part of being a woman for sure. I don’t get why there’s so much stigma around it nowadays! X
Keep the conversation open, Ayla, and we can all be part of the solution that will benefit the next generation.
I guess I just hang atound with a lot of women in mid-life just like me. We don’t have a problem talking about the issues. That probably wasn’t the case 20 years ago.
Lucky you, Pam! Keep those friends close. You can learn a lot from each other.
I don’t know why there’s such a stigma around these issues. It’s all a natural part of being a woman and all women go through it at some point. Such a great post!
Thanks, Tami. The more we can bring it out in the open, the better things will be for all of us. Keep being an inspiration lady!
I think in general people shy away from talking about women’s health. From infertility to menopause and everything in between. I’m 42 and I WANT to know what’s going to happen and when – if only I could control it!
Hey there, Yolanda. Riiiiiight?! Why wouldn’t people want to know what’s going to happen? It’s so baffling to me that some people prefer ignorance. In my coaching I talk a lot about controlling what we can and making peace with the rest. The good news is that there are a LOT of factors that determine our health & wellness, and we’re in control of many of them.
Hi from another midlife blogger! It’s always great to find someone else. I try to avoid the Puritanical types myself!
Hi Marya, Welcome! Glad to know you’re also carrying the mantle of midlife proudly. I agree that we want to talk with people who want to listen. Not everyone is ready for reality!
Oh no! I don’t want to think about this yet, but I know it’s on the way very soon. Ack! I haven’t had kids yet!!! All panic aside, this information is great. There seem to be a number of issues that women deal with that are kept so hush-hush, and need to be talked about more. So, thank you for being an advocate of speaking up!
Hey there, Brit! To everything there is a season……no rush! And I like to think that it’s only the lucky among us who live long enough to experience perimenopause and the third age. Sure beats the alternative!
I just heard about perimenepause recently and now I’m teriffied of it!
Hey Erin…no need to be terrified! Just arm yourself with high-quality information, trust your body, and ask for support when you need it.