Menopause - A Fresh Start, Not a Farewell: How Women Can Navigate This Life Phase Strengthened
Do you know what I hear over and over again in my work as a sex counselor and menopause expert? "I suddenly feel like a stranger in my own body," "Is this the end of my femininity?", or "Why is nobody actually talking about what this really feels like?"
And do you know what? I can understand those thoughts so well. Because menopause is no walk in the park. And yet, it holds a power that we see far too rarely: the opportunity for a complete fresh start.
Let me tell you: This phase is not an end. It is the beginning of a new freedom. An invitation to get to know yourself, your body, your sexuality, and your life in a way you perhaps never have before.
What really happens during menopause?
Let's start very down-to-earth: Menopause is not a disease, but a natural biological transition. Your body gradually adjusts its production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This shift can be accompanied by typical "side effects": hot flashes, restless sleep, mood swings, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, but tinnitus is also a secondary symptom that many are unaware of. The list is long, and it is different for every woman.
Some sail through it gently; others feel as if they are on a stormy sea. Both are normal. What is important to me is this: You are neither "defective" nor "old." Your body is doing what it is meant to do. It is worth looking at this time with curiosity and compassion for yourself.
Menopause as a turning point
For many of us, the years between 40 and 60 are a time when we take stock anyway. Children are grown, relationships are settled or crumbling, we have given much professionally, parents need more attention or even care, and suddenly the question arises:
Who am I actually, when I am not just functioning for others?
This is where the gift of this life phase lies. You are allowed to reinvent yourself. You are allowed to let go of what no longer serves you. Old roles, expectations, feelings of guilt. And you are allowed to give yourself permission to take your needs seriously.
Encouragement for navigating menopause with strength
1. Get informed and dispel the myths
Did you know that there are over 30 different symptoms that can be associated with hormonal changes? Unfortunately, this is spoken about far too rarely. Educate yourself: What is normal? What needs attention? And what support options are available, from herbal remedies to bioidentical hormone therapy?
My tip: Talk to your gynecologist. And if you notice that your questions are not being taken seriously, find someone else or a menopause expert. You have the right to good advice, and above all, let yourself know that you are not alone in this.
2. Be loving with your body
Perhaps your body feels like a stranger right now. Perhaps you are more critical than usual. But now is the time to become an ally with it. Movement helps enormously, and not to be "fit" or "slim," but to feel yourself again. Nourishing nutrition and small mindfulness rituals can also work wonders.
Ask yourself: If I were my own best friend, how would I treat myself right now?
3. Talk about sexuality, and yes, that is part of it too
A taboo I often talk to women about: Sex. Many experience changes during menopause – loss of desire, dryness, feelings of shame. Please believe me: This does not mean that your sexuality is over. It is changing and can be just as (or even more) fulfilling in this new form than it was before.
My tip: Do not be afraid to use aids like lubricant or vaginal creams. And if the topic is weighing on you: Sex counseling can help you discover entirely new paths.
4. Put yourself in the center
I know: We women are masters at taking care of things. Children, partners, jobs, parents. But now is the moment to put yourself first. That is not egocentrism; that is self-care.
Ask yourself: What do I want to let go of? What do I want to allow myself?
5. Let the old go and make room for the new
Now is the moment to shed dead weight: relationships that aren't good for you. Roles you never fit into. Beliefs like "I have to be perfect" or "I shouldn't take myself too seriously."
What if you allowed yourself to simply be YOU, with everything that makes you who you are?
My most important advice to you
You don't have to go through this alone. Talk to friends. Get advice from experts. And remind yourself again and again: Menopause is not a loss. It is a departure. An invitation to take control of your strength, your desire, and your life, with more self-confidence and freedom than ever before.
You are not less of a woman. You are more YOU than ever.
If this topic is on your mind or you have questions you don't feel like asking anywhere else: As a sex counselor & menopause expert, I support women through this exact phase of life. Here, everything is allowed: from the first hesitation to very concrete tips for more well-being and pleasure.
Photos: Anri Coza
