Hi, I am a communications practitioner, nutrition advisor and yoga teacher and I’m gathering thoughts and reflections about peri-menopause and menopause - women's real life experiences and thoughts. Some submissions of which may be quoted anonymously in a future paper or publication. Participation is voluntary.
I am currently in peri-menopause and have found that human voice or friend, and even medical expert to talk to about it - a slight challenge. Hearing other people’s stories, even though everyone’s experience is different, helps to humanise this process. That is why I am inviting people to share their experiences- more so to humanise this process, hence this post and my work.
I am inviting women to share a letter – either penned to themselves or others – a personal, frank, honest and authentic tribute, memory or moment about their journey—physical, emotional, mental, or social. You may write as little or as much as you feel comfortable. Submissions can be anonymous.
This will be a letter (or a postcard :)) based on real life, and I am looking for frank, candid, authentic, humorous - if you so wish - accounts. And I don't mind the swearing!
I’ve dropped some ideas below of topics that might spur you on – you do not need to use these as a guide as you may know what you want to write already, but also not be limited to this list:
- The Relationship with Myself – separating the ‘me’ from ‘menopause’
- Symptoms and Challenges
- The Power In Change
- Elements and Associations with being in Control / Out of Control
- Relationships (partners, children, family)
- Work Life
- Healthcare
- Sex Life
- Growth, Resilience and Empowerment
- One Moment I'll Never Forget - is there a story that you'll always tell?
Your voice matters, and your story may help others feel seen or to understand what is happening at this time of life.
Here are some prompts to get you started:
- When did you first realise you were experiencing peri/menopause?
- What surprised you most?
- What support did you wish you had?
- Has menopause changed how you see yourself and if so how?
- Has it changed your body, mind? Your relationship to others?
- How have you managed this experience?
- What elements have you enjoyed or disliked?
- What would you tell a younger woman or your younger self or your older self?
Please note you do not need to answer these they are just prompts. It is just a letter to yourself, your partner, your children, parents or just the universe. I want this to be a written, joyous, frank and humorous celebration.
If you would like to share your letter, please email
[email protected]
Note & Disclaimer
- Participation in this project is voluntary. By submitting your thoughts or letter, you acknowledge that your submission may be used anonymously in a future written work, though inclusion is not guaranteed.
- Perimenopause and menopause are deeply personal experiences. Contributors will be protected through anonymity unless they explicitly request otherwise. If you wish to be identified, you may choose to provide a first name, pseudonym, or no name at all, and an optional location.
- Submitted letters may or may not be included in the final work. If used, they may be quoted in full, in part, or contribute anonymously to thematic analysis.
- This is a long-term project and may take up to two / three years to develop. At this time, a specific publication outlet has not been confirmed.
- Reasonable steps will be taken to protect confidentiality and privacy.
- You may withdraw your submission at any time prior to publication by notifying the contact email provided. Once content has been published, withdrawal may no longer be possible.
- Submissions remain the intellectual property of the contributor; however, by submitting, contributors grant permission for their words to be reproduced as outlined above.
This work is shaped by the courage and honesty of women who shared their menopause journeys. Thank you.