Menopause: A Right of Passage to Wisdom and Cultural Enrichment
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, often perceived solely through a clinical lens. However, this approach can overlook the nuanced complexities of the transition and may even lead to polarised views among women. By exploring menopause through the Bio-Psycho-Social model, we can recognise it as a shift marked by the possibility of wisdom, resilience, and cultural significance. In this blog, we'll delve into menopause as an opportunity for personal growth, empowerment, and cultural contribution while acknowledging the challenges it may bring without dismissing the experiences of women who face difficulties during this time.
Menopause through the lens of the Bio-Psycho-Social model:
Socially, the perception of menopause and its associated experiences is deeply influenced by each woman's personal and cultural background. Family narratives, cultural norms, and the experiences of other women close to her can all shape how she views this stage of life. Silence, shame or taboo surrounding menopause within her family or cultural context, as well as memories of negative experiences from older female relatives, can significantly impact her perspective.
Biologically, perimenopause involves a transition and hormonal transformation that is closely tied to an individual's physical health at the onset of the transition. Higher levels of inflammation in the body during this time can lead to more intense and troublesome symptoms, potentially prolonging the duration of perimenopause.
Psychologically, each woman's personal history, including unresolved traumatic events accumulated over her lifetime, plays a significant role in her experience of perimenopause. This cumulative stress, known as Allostatic Load, can contribute to heightened inflammation and influence her perception of menopause. The higher the allostatic load, the more likely an individual is to have a negative or catastrophising experience of the process, compounded by societal stigma and shame surrounding menopause.
Lowering the allostatic load and developing effective coping mechanisms for stress reduces inflammation, promotes overall health, and facilitates a smoother transition through menopause. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly during this transitional period, women increase their capacity to explore and share cultural narratives surrounding menopause with other women. Those who draw and adopt a positive outlook on the process are the true pillars of any society. Their strength and kindness form the foundation of a healthy community. Despite the potential unpleasantness of menopause as a physiological process, these women emerge from the experience healthier, calmer, and wiser, ready to embrace the next stage of their lives with grace and resilience.
Transforming Roles:
Menopause signifies a transition from the role of child-bearer to that of culture-bearer. Despite prevailing societal norms that often undervalue older women, menopausal women possess the opportunity to challenge these stereotypes and reclaim their cultural significance. By sharing their experiences and insights among themselves and younger generations, they assume pivotal roles as bearers of culture, enriching society with their knowledge and wisdom.
A Right of Passage:
Menopause transcends mere biological milestones; it embodies a profound journey of personal growth and cultural enrichment. This transition encompasses psychological, biological, and cultural dimensions. By embracing the wisdom, resilience, and cultural significance inherent in this process—despite its occasional elusiveness—women emerge as empowered individuals, poised to embrace the subsequent chapter of their lives with grace and dignity.
