5 Ways Women Can Reclaim the Narrative of Menopause
October 18th is World Menopause Day, with the entire month also dedicated to this natural, physical and spiritual phase that is a rite of passage for every woman. Bazaar columnist Clinical Psychologist Dr Saliha Afridi shares how to turn this “second sprint” into an empowering time within one’s life
Menopause, a natural and inevitable transition in a woman’s life, has long been shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma within many societies. Instead of being celebrated as a powerful time of spiritual transformation and a profound rite of passage as it is in many indigenous cultures, menopause is often medicalised and seen as a condition to be treated or a time to be mourned.
The cultural obsession with youth and the deep fear and rejection of aging have further contributed to the loss of meaning of this important life stage for women. However, as more and more women seek to understand the menopause and the narrative surrounding it, there is a growing realisation that this period can be one of the most spiritually enriching time in a woman’s life.
The Spiritual Transformation of Menopause
In some traditions, perimenopause is a time of transition to eldership with menopause seen not as an end but as a beginning – a gateway to a new phase of life marked by maturity, wisdom and spiritual growth. This transition is often likened to a ‘second spring,’ where a woman, no longer bound by the cycles of menstruation and fertility, can fully embrace her inner self and connect with deeper spiritual truths.
In other traditions, it is believed that just as women do not menstruate during pregnancy because their blood is devoted to the creation of new life, so too in menopause, menstruation ceases because the blood is redirected to creating wisdom. This wisdom, in turn, elevates her to the respected role of a matriarch, granting her a higher social and spiritual status within her community. Similar patterns can even be observed in the animal kingdom: orcas and short-finned pilot whales are among the few species that go through menopause.
In these species, elder females take on a central role, using their accumulated knowledge to guide and direct their pods, much like the wisdom of post-menopausal women in human societies.
Thinning of the Hormonal Veil
The hormonal changes of menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen and progesterone, have a significant impact on a woman’s physical and emotional state. The hormones associated with fertility and childbearing are often linked to qualities of giving, nurturing, and sustaining life. When these hormones diminish, it can feel like a significant shift in identity and purpose for many women. However, some traditions often frame this loss not as a depletion but as a transformation.
The energy and focus that were once directed outward – to children, family, and community – can now be redirected inward, toward spiritual development. This shift allows women to reclaim their power and redefine their roles within their families and communities, not just as caregivers but as wise leaders and spiritual guides.
The thinning of the hormonal veil can lead to heightened emotional sensitivity, making women more attuned to their inner world and more open to spiritual exploration. As such, for many women, the menopause is a time of profound introspection. Freed from the demands of child-rearing and career building, women often find themselves turning inward, reflecting on their life experiences and seeking deeper meaning.
This period of reflection can lead to a greater understanding of oneself and a stronger connection with the divine. In this way, menopause serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth, allowing women to shed old identities and embrace a more authentic, empowered self.
Reclaiming the Narrative of Menopause
As more and more women become aware of the spiritual potential of menopause, there is a growing movement to reclaim the narrative surrounding this life stage. Women are beginning to challenge the medicalisation of menopause and the cultural stigma around aging, seeking instead to see menopause as a time of empowerment and spiritual growth.
5 Ways Women Can Reclaim the Narrative of Menopause
1. Redefine aging as empowerment
Women can actively challenge societal stereotypes about aging by redefining what it means to grow older. This includes embracing the wisdom, strength and resilience that comes with age and rejecting the notion that youth is the only valuable or beautiful phase of life. Jean Shinoda Bolen, a Jungian psychologist and author, in her book Goddesses in Older Women: Archetypes in Women Over Fifty, explores the notion that women, as they transition through menopause, embody the archetype of the ‘Queen’ or ‘Sovereign.’
The Queen is a woman who has gone through the menopausal transition and come into her own power, wisdom, and authority. In this stage of life she moves from the roles traditionally associated with fertility, such as the mother or caregiver, to a role where she reigns over her own life with confidence and sense of purpose.
2. Celebrate the rite of passage with rituals
Instead of viewing menopause as something to be endured or managed, see it as a rite of passage to an empowering phase of life. This can include personal rituals or ceremonies to honour the transition, such as connecting to the moon cycles, gardening, crafting a personal altar, keeping a journal or gathering with other women to share experiences.
3. Educate and inform – Knowledge is power
By educating yourself about the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of menopause, you can take control of your experiences and make informed decisions about your health and well-being. By sharing this knowledge with others – whether in conversation, in writing or on social media – you can break down the stigma and misinformation surrounding menopause and empower more women to see menopause as a transformative time.
4. Build a supportive community
A strong community reinforces the idea that women are not alone in this experience and that menopause is a shared, powerful transition. You can join or create groups focused on discussing menopause, attend workshops or retreats that address the spiritual aspects of this stage of life, or cultivate close relationships with friends who understand and respect this journey.
5. Be curious about your evolving self
As you go through the changes of menopause, you might find yourself evolving and becoming curious about new aspects of who you are. This can be an ideal time to explore interests or hobbies you may not have had time for earlier in life. Whether it’s learning a new skill, travelling, volunteering or pursuing a passion project, being open to trying new things can bring joy, fulfillment, and a renewed sense of purpose. Embrace this period of discovery as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and uncover new passions.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s October 2024 issue