A Relief to Some - Witchcraft to Others;

A Relief to Some – Witchcraft to Others; a Look at the Menopause Process Around the World

Let’s face it, Menopause happens to all women- eventually- and brings with it numerous physical, emotional and psychological changes. This process might be met with feelings of relief, peace and acceptance-or depression, anxiety and illness.
How a woman accepts this inevitable time in her life depends largely upon the cultural and societal norms that prevail in her day to day life.
For instance, it’s been shown that European women seem to fear the decline of their mental health during Menopause, while Jewish women take very little issue with the process as a whole. Arab women seem to fear the loss of love from their spouses, once their ability to bear children declines, yet in several studies, Japanese and Filipino women seem to weather Menopause rather easily.
Why is this-and what makes it so?

Women’s responses to the Menopause process vary significantly from culture to culture. The more the culture in question views Menopause as a natural occurrence in a woman’s life- and not a disease process to be conquered, cured or overcome- the easier and more enriching the Menopause experience will be.
The more Menopause is viewed as a ‘loss’ -of youth, vitality, beauty- the more likely that a woman will experience pain, illness and emotional issues as she makes the transition.

To prove this phenomenon let’s take a closer look at various cultures and how Menopause and aging in women are perceived:

Most Western Cultures, where birth control is prevalent and the cultures are rather ‘youth driven’, (such as the US and Australia) find Menopause to be a ‘loss’ that is to be mourned, and/or battled at all costs. Studies conducted in these countries reveal more negative physical and emotional symptoms accompanying the Menopause process.

In studies conducted in Australia, findings were high: almost 80% of women suffer with various Menopause-related ailments, while women in non-Western cultures seem to have a much easier time with the transition.
So, why this startling difference?

Is it just a genetic phenomenon? Something strictly related to diet and/or lifestyle? You just might be surprised...

The African approach to Menopause varies depending upon culture and also the childbearing history of each woman. Throughout Africa, menopause is seen mostly as a blessing. It affords equality between men and women for the first time in a woman’s life- and can be a very welcomed transition, as childbearing comes to an end.
The downside to Menopause in Africa:
Spotting or bleeding after Menopause is often viewed as a mark of Witchcraft, and that opens up an entirely different, undesirable can of worms!

In Italy, Menopause is thought to be the ‘Third Age’ and is approached positively-as a totally natural part of a woman’s life. Physical symptoms may get to these Italian women a bit, but their peace with the process helps them prevail and thrive-all the while maintaining their sexuality.

In Japan, Menopause is viewed as a very positive occurrence, as this particular culture is rather Age-friendly. Women moving through Menopause in Asia are viewed as having increasing worth; gaining honor in society instead of being pushed aside.

Sikh, Mayan, East Indian, Filipino and Asian women all share positive Menopausal experiences. The common denominator surrounding the Menopause process in these cultures seems to be this: Women- in these countries, once menstruation and childbearing cease- gain importance, recognition, respect and parity in what are predominantly male-dominated cultures. This then frees them for the first time in their lives- and on many planes. The women in these cultures are actually transitioning TO something, rather than away from something.
-This appears to be key in having a healthy Menopause experience.

As we are within, so are we without…
Society dictates a woman’s self esteem, and self perception. This is most unfortunate- but true. In societies where aging is considered a loss, handicap or journey toward death, Menopause has proven to be a rather bumpy ride for women.
On the other hand, in cultures where it is viewed as being a natural, normal process- and a time of true freedom- Menopause proves to be a rather easy time of transition- and a time of self-growth and self-actualization.
-Never has the saying ‘Change your thoughts, Change your Life been more true!

This article is by Carrie E. Pierce and Menopauserus.com- originally published on linkedin
Carrie has worked exclusively in the skin care, health and beauty industries for over 25 years. She’s a licensed Aesthetician, former Hollywood film and TV makeup and special effects artist, is certified in Color Analysis and has built a solid, international reputation in the field of holistic, menopausal skin care.
She’s a recognized speaker and published writer- having written numerous articles in women’s health and beauty publications, is Founder and President of Menopauserus.com and is co host of the radio show ‘Magnificent Menopause and Beyond’. It’s Carrie’s mission and her passion to help make Menopause ‘The Change for the Better’- for women everywhere!

A regular contributor, Birgit Spahn, natural therapist with Seriously You, has written on how she can help you handle your response to menopause:

It's Time to Welcome Menopause with a Smile

Approaching menopause is not easy. I know as I’m going through it right now.

The hot flushes, coupled with the typical fears of saggy boobs, memory loss and ‘middle-aged spread’ have been wreaking havoc on my mind lately. I had a moment the other night while I was apologizing to my daughter’s new boyfriend at the dinner table as I was flapping my arms around in the air to fan myself - I was about to comment on the temperature of the room but my lovely daughter beat me to it “Mum’s just going through menopause” as though everyone should feel sorry for me.

I decided at that moment to face my fears, accept the moments of perspiration and embrace my new lifestage. When I pondered this more and more I struggled to find logic in why we, as wise, wonderful women fear the loss of PMT, contraception and sanitary pads? Menopause is a time to welcome the freedom that comes with saying goodbye to these things forever!

Although I now understand that a lot of us women begin to wonder if we will age faster or get fat – this does not have to be the case. With the help of bio identical hormones and natural herbs we can help restore your vitality, look beautiful and radiant, reduce, and even eliminate hot flushes, and leave you with an energized, happy and relaxed body with no more aches and pains. How could we possibly not be happy to have reached menopause.

Reaching this next chapter in life can bring on a great amount of apprehension. But with assistance and support, this transition can be painless, and should be welcomed – after all, we’re going to age regardless of how we view the process so we may as well enjoy it!

And if you’re already taking HRT to try to battle the symptoms, we can work with this too. As with anti-depressant medications, we would never suggest a cold-turkey approach, but would guide you on a course to come off these chemical steroids forever and feel wonderful in the process.

So, if you’re in the throes of menopause, coming up to it or know someone who is, then contact us at Seriously You and we will help you through it and out the other side to a far brighter future.
info@seriouslyyou.co.nz
SERIOUSLY YOU
74 Jervois Road
Herne Bay
Auckland
(09) 360 5143