SRI ELAKIYA. P
II EEE
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the struggles faced by women who are in their late 40s and early 50s as they navigate the challenging transition into menopause. Imagine a woman meticulously checking her calendar while juggling between her personal and professional commitments, always being cautious and staying prepared. Behind this meticulous planning lies a deeper, often unspoken issue: managing the physical and emotional challenges of menstruation and menopause.
Why do so many older women endure these difficulties in silence? Many choose to hide their pain, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This silence has serious consequences. This silence often results in neglect and neglecting women’s menstrual health after 40 leads to inadequate care, support, and declining mental health.
Helen Clare, a prominent advocate, highlights the issue saying that she has come across women who were taking extended sick leave because they didn’t feel like they would be able to manage their bleeding. This stark reality underscores the need for a shift in how we approach women’s health.
We must break the stigma and start supporting women through this critical phase. It’s essential that we educate ourselves and others about the journey from menstruation to menopause, offering understanding and empathy. It’s time to break the silence and make women feel comfortable. More than understanding or empathising all women need is a space – a space that gives them the needed support and comfort. We as a society should be that ‘space’. Together, we can dismantle the taboos surrounding menstrual health and menopause, creating a society where every woman’s experience is met with care and affection.
Let’s be the supportive bridge that helps women navigate their journey with dignity and love. By doing so, we can ensure that the path from menstruation to menopause is marked by empathy, support, and genuine understanding.
