Why Society Needs to Stop Whispering About Menopause

For too long, menopause has lived in the shadows of polite conversation. A word spoken in hushed tones. A phase of life dismissed as a mere inconvenience. A time marked with euphemisms and side-glances, as though the natural evolution of a woman’s body is something shameful.

Why is it that we, as a society, are so comfortable discussing puberty, childbirth and even erectile dysfunction but when it comes to menopause—a universal experience for half the population—it becomes a taboo subject? It's time to break the silence. It's time to stop whispering about menopause and start talking about it openly, proudly, and without apology.

The Silence Around Menopause Harms Women

The societal hush surrounding menopause does more than just isolate women—it actively harms them. When a subject is deemed unworthy of open conversation, it becomes a breeding ground for misinformation, stigma, and unnecessary suffering.

Think about it: How many women enter menopause completely unprepared? How many are blindsided by symptoms they didn’t expect—hot flushes, sleepless nights, mood swings, and changes to their skin, hair, and libido? How many suffer in silence because they feel embarrassed to speak up, even to their doctors?

The shame isn’t inherent to menopause—it’s imposed by a culture that values youth and dismisses ageing as a decline. Women are taught to see menopause as the beginning of the end, rather than what it truly is: a powerful, natural transition into a new phase of life.

Menopause Is Not a Disease

One of the most damaging narratives surrounding menopause is that it’s a medical condition that needs to be "fixed." Yes, the hormonal shifts of menopause can be challenging, and for some women, medical interventions like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide much-needed relief. But menopause itself is not an illness—it’s a normal biological process.

And yet, our culture’s obsession with youth means we avoid this subject at all costs, often painting it as a problem to be solved rather than an experience to be embraced. This mindset robs women of the opportunity to see menopause as an empowering time—a chance to step into their wisdom, redefine their priorities, and focus on their well-being.

It’s Time to Change the Narrative

To dismantle the stigma around menopause, we need to start with the way we talk about it. Women need to feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgement or ridicule. Open conversations—in the workplace, in families, and in the media—can help normalize menopause and remove the shame associated with it.

We also need to elevate menopause in education. How is it that high school students learn about menstruation and reproduction, but menopause is rarely, if ever, mentioned? If young people were taught early on that menopause is a natural part of life, it would go a long way toward creating a culture that values and respects women at all stages of life.

Additionally, workplaces need to step up. Menopause is not a private issue—it has very real implications for women’s careers, productivity, and mental health. Companies that support their employees through menopause, whether by offering flexible schedules, education, or even menopause policies, will not only improve the lives of their employees but also retain valuable talent.

The Power of Sharing Stories

One of the most effective ways to break the silence is by sharing stories. When women speak out about their experiences, it creates a ripple effect. It shows others that they are not alone.

We need more public figures and influencers to normalize the conversation around menopause. Imagine how transformative it would be if menopause were discussed on talk shows, in podcasts, or even in social media campaigns with the same energy and openness as topics like self-care or parenting., yes, we’re getting better… just!

But it’s not just about celebrities—it’s about all of us. Every woman who speaks openly about menopause, whether with a friend, a partner, or a colleague, is contributing to a cultural shift.

Menopause is not the end of the road—it’s the start of a new chapter. It’s a time of deep transformation, a time when women can step into their power with the confidence that comes from lived experience.

It’s time for society to honour this transition, not dismiss it. Let’s stop treating menopause like a taboo subject and start talking about it with the respect and attention it deserves.

To the women reading this: Speak your truth. Share your story. Refuse to be silenced.

To the men reading this: Be allies. Listen, learn, and support the women in your life.

And to society as a whole: The time for whispering is over. It’s time to start talking—loudly, proudly, and unapologetically—about menopause.

Because when we do, we not only empower women to navigate this phase of life with dignity and strength, but we also create a world that values the fullness of a woman’s journey. And that is something worth shouting about.

What’s your experience with menopause? Let’s start a conversation! Leave a comment below or share this post with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we can break the silence.

With Love & Wild Wisdom

Rose

‘‘ Making Menopause a Movement not a Mystery’’