Stigma of Menopause

[ConfusedAdultHumanFemale]

Hey I am new here - trying to learn all the acronyms.

I have just been thinking a lot recently, do you guys feel that there is a stigma about going through the menopause? I feel like there is a stigma about taking HRT and just wondered if anyone else feels the same way

I don’t feel a stigma but I think it’s an area that is largely ignored. I guess it can make people uncomfortable because they don’t know what to say.

All health problems attract stigma.

People who go thru menop without problems don't have anything to say (didn't have a problem).

Maybe I seek the content, but I feel like there is candid frank no-stigma talk about menop & HRT absolutely everywhere, anywhere I want to look.

Not a stigma really, no. I think there's a lack of knowledge about it though. Lots of women probably approach their late 40s knowing very little about it, and often seem to be fobbed off by doctors once they get symptoms.

No stigma here.

Maybe if you are mostly around younger people? Mostly people I know seem to chat quite freely about it, comparing patches & pills etc.

Thank you guys! I do spend most of my time with 20-30yos so that would make a lot of sense..

Maybe I am looking in the wrong places - I'm hoping the mumsnet will allow me to get some more info. I've had a lot of adverts for 'home remedies' recently and unsure of how to take them

Not a stigma as such, but what pisses me off greatly is those women who have went through it with no problems, commenting that it's no big deal, to those of us who are plagued with symptoms. I've had this a lot. Menopause rage makes me want to tell them to fuck off.

My mother uses the term "menopausal" as an insult. Always has done. So I thought there was a stigma attached. I was also woefully uninformed about it, since she never discussed hers.

Now I find myself in peri (not hellish, but not a walk in the park) I have informed myself much better and obtained HRT from a private GP. I have also decided that I refuse to buy into the stigma. I don't go around shouting from the rooftops "I'm in peri" any more than I went around shouting "I'm having my period" but if there is any need to refer to it. or some issue on social media comes up that invites a menopause reference I am quite open about it.

It depends doesn't it?
Everyone laughs about hot flushes, but mention vaginal dryness and watch how quickly a room clears!
I think there is still a tendency to value women for their youth and older women are often disparaged and that can make growing older seem pretty unappealing and the menopause is part of that.

I feel in a way yes there is A bit of stigma. When I first joined my current workplace a guy a bit older than me and single kept blaming anything I did on menopause obvs his dm had been struggling when he was younger or perhaps watched too much Les Dawson on tv!
Now going through it I do feel a slight stigma however I do work with teens and 20 somethings.

I would most strongly encourage ALL of you who are just reaching menopause, or who are a couple of years since last period, to speak to your GP about going onto HRT, if you haven't already.

If you've had no bother from menopause symptoms, that's great but you still should seriously consider HRT for the good if your future health.

It's too late for me. I was one of those people who "sailed through" menopause with few problems other than hot flushes for a few years. I thought I had done well to avoid HRT. I've learned, too late, that it would have been of great benefit to me but I was never offered it because I never needed to see a doctor about any symptoms.

HRT protects your bones from the catastrophic rates of loss that can occur in the decade following menopause. I'm now 12 years post-menopause and have severe osteoporosis.

Don't be like me. Save your bones while you've still time! Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Do lots of weight-bearing and strength exercises (jumping, running, skipping, dancing, weight-lifting etc) - and check if you're suitable to take HRT. Look after your bones, mumsnetters!

I’m 52, had a hysterectomy a few years ago but retained overlies. Probably through the menopause now but I couldn’t live without hrt.

I have 3 friends who turned 50 last year. All 3 have told me separately that she is suffering from crippling anxiety. When I suggest that this may be linked to menopause, each shuts me down furious. Too young, couldn’t possibly be there yet. So I’m guessing there is a stigma.

80smum I have.Thanks for reminding us though.I had an eating disorder yrs ago so don't need any damage to my bones.
I agree my dm didn't have her and said it didn't suit her.Now we know the huge benefits on our heart and bone health.