AIBU to be upset about reaction to menopause

[pumpkinsquish1]

I have one DD and that was always the plan, just to have one. I found out recently that at the ripe old age of 32, I'm going through menopause. My mum went through it at 53 so I didn't think it would happen quite so early.

I told a friend recently who said 'what does it matter anyway, I thought you didn't want more kids?'. She later went on to say I'm lucky to not have to deal with periods anymore.

AIBU to think this was quite insensitive?

Such sad ignorance on this thread of what early menopause means for your body, for your health, for your long-term medication needs (potentially).

There really is huge ignorance around women’s health, even among women themselves.

I am 32 and don't have or want children, but would find menopause devastating. Not least because it increases the risk/severity of incontinence, along with other physical changes from lack of hormones.

Yanbu, you're friend was insensitive. I went though menopause at 35 and it's a big shock. People just don't know how to talk about it. There's a support group called Daisy for women going through premature menopause on Facebook if you want to join.

It is insensitive but demonstrates a real lack of understanding on her part. Menopause has at least 18 other symptoms associated with it. Periods ending the only decent one

It was very insensitive, OP. Yes they’ve probably said this so you’ll look on the bright side. I hope you get the medical care and advice you need x

There is so much silence on this phase of woman’s lives. If you do a quick google it’s only recently companies are being requested to implement a menopause policy in the work place. Please don’t shame her for not knowing the implications of the menopause when women at the average age, don’t fully understand it either.

There needs to be more discussion, maybe you can help educate her so she can help others? If she’s a friend she should be willing to listen.

I have found it's really hard to get info out of (some) women on their experience of menopause. My mum will talk about anything - I've heard great detail about childbirth, cysts, piles and such. I asked about her menopause last week actually, and she was all weird and vague, just saying hers was "probably" late 40s.

It's a bit like the culture of silence around the birth injuries you risk getting pregnant. It would help if even in say your mid-30s, if you go for any contraception appointments, you got a rundown of what to expect. Or a leaflet.

@NormanStangerson

Such sad ignorance on this thread of what early menopause means for your body, for your health, for your long-term medication needs (potentially).

There really is huge ignorance around women’s health, even among women themselves.

Yes there is.

But it’s not women’s fault.

The current generation of women going through menopause are beginning to effect a sea-change. But it’s coming from women. Not healthcare professionals - who are being dragged kicking and screaming to the party.

I really don’t get why women are being blamed for this well actually, I do.