5 Positive Aspects of Menopause
Menopause means the end of menstruation and a woman’s fertile period. If you look for information on the subject, most of what you will find talks about unpleasant symptoms and problems. In general, people see it as a difficult time in a woman’s life.
The truth is that this view of menopause is actually old-fashioned and even prejudiced. Society is obsessed with youth. Not because it’s the best stage of life, but because it is supposedly the most productive. Capitalism raises it up because young people are the most active consumers and the most dedicated workers.
Menopause reminds us that time is passing. It announces that a new stage is beginning. This stage, like any other stage, has negative aspects as well as positive ones. You win some, you lose some.
It always depends on how you see it and the attitude you have about the transformation. In fact, there are many positive aspects of menopause. Here are seven of them.
“The best news about menopause is that we are in a time in history that women are able to live long enough to experience it.” [translation]
-Estelle Fuchs-
1. Say goodbye to PMS
Menstruation is a beautiful process that women have lived with since the dawn of time. It reminds us every month that we are fertile and healthy. From that perspective, it is perfect. But sometimes, this biological wonder comes with significant discomfort.
Some women deal with PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). PMS means terrible mood swings and extreme sensitivity. Anything that anyone says to you cuts right to the heart, and you can’t avoid it. Not to mention the migraines, cramps, and bloating. But with menopause, you get to say goodbye to all of that!
2. You don’t have to worry anymore about getting pregnant
One of the most life-changing things that can happen to a woman is an unwanted pregnancy. People can say what they’d like, but pregnancy always affects the woman more than the man. The dilemma of an unwanted pregnancy can be stressful and even traumatizing.
This is another anxiety that will disappear with menopause. You no longer have to worry about taking the pill. No more stress over a late period. It’s okay — you aren’t fertile anymore. Consequently, you have more freedom to make decisions about your body.
3. The way you experience sexuality changes
Your sexuality changes significantly precisely because you no longer have to worry about getting pregnant. And it isn’t true that your sex drive automatically drops during menopause. In fact, the opposite is often true.
Even if you aren’t as passionate as before, sexuality starts to have a different meaning for you. You will probably be more sexually spontaneous. You might feel like trying new things before you get older. And because now you are more sure of yourself, you might end up having some of the best moments of your sexual life.
4. You sleep less and you are more active
Studies show that with menopause comes a decrease in sleep. You don’t sleep as much as before. You will surprise yourself by getting up earlier than you used to. That means that you have more time for activities during the day.
You should take advantage of your renewed energy to do things that interest you. As an older adult, your children probably have their own lives and you have more time for yourself. With more free time and energy, it’s the perfect time to do that thing you’ve always wanted to do but never could.
5. You can re-define yourself
Menopause marks the end of an important part of a woman’s life cycle. As with any significant transformation, it is a great time to reflect. It’s a myth that all women at this age become unbearable and difficult.
It depends on your personality and your prior experiences. Of course, there might be some mood swings, but they aren’t definitive. What determines how it goes for you is how you value what you have lived.
In general, woman re-define themselves at this stage in life. They set new goals, they change their routines, and they approach life differently. For many women, it is a wonderful time when they finally get around to goals that have been on the back burner for years.
As you can see, menopause comes with some big changes. But it is you, and only you, who can give meaning to these changes. The most important thing is that you accept it and see it as a natural stage of life. As with all changes, it comes with new lessons and opportunities for growth.
