When people think of October, they often think about the Halloween season and the temperatures beginning to cool down. But this month is so much more than just those two things. October is also World Menopause Month, which highlights both perimenopause and menopause, giving women the chance for their voices to be heard. This month is so important for women everywhere, because it helps start conversations surrounding women’s health, which is often seen as a taboo topic. October highlights the importance for women’s health education and shows that having these conversations can lead to wider knowledge and more extensive healthcare for women.
Unfortunately, menopause is not a topic that most women know about. Studies show that 90% of women were actually never taught about this in school, and 60% did not know enough about it in general. These statistics show that menopause and perimenopause education is widely lacking in women, leading to confusion and doubt about their own bodies. Women’s health as a whole is largely put on the backburner, but when it comes to menopause women need to be more informed. The lack of transparency is not only causing women to misunderstand their bodies, but is putting their health at risk.
“Perimenopause and menopause in general deserves a spotlight because it is so underrepresented when it comes to women’s health. Unfortunately, a lot of women are left in the dark when it comes to how their bodies will change during this phase of their lives, so that’s why this month is so important. It helps bring awareness and gives women the space to feel heard,” says Proov CEO Amy Beckley.
October is all about unlocking the door on women’s health. Breaking these barriers and de-stigmatizing healthcare is where it all starts. Having open and honest conversations about all aspects of women’s health will help create a more universal avenue of education. Both schools and healthcare organizations can provide more resources to make this education more accessible to women everywhere. When people hide behind these barriers, it leaves women feeling unsure of their bodies.
Perimenopause in particular deserves a spotlight. One of the most confusing things about this phase in a woman’s life are all the symptoms she has to live with. From irregular periods, hot flashes, hormone imbalances and vaginal discomfort, there is a lot going on in a woman’s body and there needs to be more resources for her to get help. Women cannot manage their symptoms if they do not have the proper education to do so. This World Menopause Month can create more avenues and awareness for women to get the care they deserve.
“The best thing we can do during this month is to talk about perimenopause and highlight resources women can use to manage their symptoms. Whether it is practicing more holistic methods or using at-home testing, there are options for women. We can’t let women’s health education be put on the backburner, and this month gives us the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of menopause,” Beckley says.
Bringing awareness to menopause does not have to be something that takes up a lot of your time. Having open conversations and sharing accurate information is a great way to break down those walls of stigmatization. When people have these conversations it helps normalize women’s health and influences organizations to invest in more research, education and resources.
Women are often left out of the equation when it comes to their health, and it is time to start listening to their questions and concerns. Women deserve to feel taken care of, and that their health is valued. Menopause is a phase that women will spend the majority of their lives living through, so there needs to be more transparency on all levels. The solution is simple, and this World Menopause month we can help women get the insight they need to make informed decisions for their health.
