Why aren’t medical professionals more prepared to help?
And why, once we know that we’re in menopause, isn’t there more clear direction on what we should do once we get here?
When I was pregnant with my first child, I pretty much knew exactly what to expect. I’m willing to bet most women of my era felt the same. Between family members, friends, my OB and my trusty copy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,“ I had the roadmap with all its possible ups and downs laid out for me month by month. Though it was still a period of uncertainty, it was a beautiful, magical and transformative time.
But menopause is different. There’s nothing beautiful or magical about it. It’s sweaty, smelly, confusing, frustrating and emotional. And historically, it’s not something anyone talked about. Like sex, politics and religion, menopause was considered a taboo topic. In fact, if you ask your moms, aunts and grandmothers, most will likely tell you they simply suffered alone in silence.
I’m not content to follow that same approach. As a classic extrovert and borderline over-sharer, I’d much rather face this phase of life with candor, humility and humor. I’m also a former journalist who was trained to seek out the truth. It’s these factors that drove me to pen this column as a contributing columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune.
I am not a doctor or any sort of medical professional. I am not a therapist or coach. I am simply a woman in some phase of menopause trying to find answers and build a community of support for others along the way.
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