That the menopause is a challenge for many women is clear from the research by Statistics Netherlands and TNO 2021 [1]. In this report, 173 thousand female employees indicate that menopausal complaints sometimes affect their work. This equates to 55 percent of all female workers in menopause. At 8 percent this happens daily, 9 percent suffers from it weekly.
When we think of menopause, we mainly think of night sweats and hot flushes. Yet many women suffer from lesser-known complaints, such as concentration problems, muscle and joint complaints, irritability, palpitations, panic attacks, depression, decreasing libido and insomnia. Complaints that can last up to ten years and that are very obstructive, both privately and at work. In addition, most women still have their periods, so the link is not easily made with the menopause.
Besides the fact that biological phenomena are decisive in the experience of the menopause, culture also plays a role [2]. In those cultures where women improve socially after menopause, significantly fewer menopausal complaints are experienced. A good example of how menopause is viewed in Asian countries is illustrated by the Japanese word for menopause “konenki”, which means “years of renewed energy” [3].
In Western culture, North America and North-West Europe, the emphasis is on youthfulness, and menopause is mainly associated with loss of youth, decay and old age. Isn’t it surprising that you want to postpone the menopause and are considering taking hormone preparations to enjoy your youthfulness as long as possible?
The question is therefore: how can you, as a woman, take matters into your own hands? And luckily you can do a lot about it yourself!
With a healthy lifestyle you can solve or control many of the complaints. You can also use yoga and breathwork for extra support of your hormone balance. In addition, it is important to shift your focus. Look at the menopause from a different perspective. See the menopause as a new phase of life, of new possibilities, of letting go, of space. A phase of more time for yourself. Here too you can work with breathing techniques to strengthen your positive mindset on the menopause.
Raphaelle
[1] https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2022/20/helft-werknemers-in-overgang-ondervindt-hinder-op-werk
[2] https://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/opgewekt-in-de-overgang~b617c7cb/
[3] psychology magazine
