MORE than half of women would never discuss menopause symptoms with close female friends, relatives – or even their partners.
A poll of 1,000 women aged 45 and over who are peri or post-menopausal found 55 per cent are too embarrassed to open up on conversations around vaginal dryness, excessive sweating and weight gain.
While 20 per cent fear being judged, 14 per cent thought their symptoms were only happening to them and no one else.
However, 22 per cent wish they could have more open discussions, but don’t know how to approach them.
Anna Richardson, who has teamed with vaginal moisturiser brand Replens to help women open up in conversations around the menopause, said: “There are many ways you can start these conversations and they shouldn’t have to be embarrassing.
“It’s important to open up about your own experiences and if you’re willing to share then hopefully others will be too.
“I’ve curated my top tips on how to start these conversations with loved ones, so it doesn’t feel embarrassing or awkward.
“The goal is to create a dialogue that feels natural and supportive where women can feel heard and understood.”
The study also found 13 per cent have avoided seeking medical help for their menopause symptoms due to being embarrassed.
But as a result, 48 per cent were left with increased anxiety and stress, while 36 per cent had increased physical discomfort.
Instead, 24 per cent read books or articles on menopause management and 22 per cent used herbal supplements and natural remedies.
More than half believe there is a stigma around open conversations about the menopause, but 66 per cent were taught to keep intimate discussions to themselves when growing up.
It was found 49 per cent think they’d have a better understanding of their symptoms if they had more open conversations about them with their friends and family members.
But 35 per cent aren’t likely to initiate intimate topic conversations with a close friend.
A third (31 per cent) who have had a negative experience when trying to have a chat about menopause with someone else were left feeling unsupported.
However, 15 per cent said a celebrity speaking out on menopause issues helped them open up about their own experiences.
While 45 per cent of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com said it helped normalise the topic for them.
Anna Richardson, added: “Being informed about menopause can help you feel more confident when discussing it which is why it is useful to educate yourself.
“When talking to others experiencing menopause, show you care and understand and give them the opportunity to say how they feel.
“The menopause is a normal part of life and there are positives, so why not shift some focus on the empowering aspects of menopause, like the blessing of ageing, gaining wisdom and living a life free from periods.”
1. Vaginal dryness
2. Decreased libido
3. Heavy bleeding
4. Hot flashes
5. Excessive sweating
6. Weight gain
7. Night sweats
8. Mood swings
9. Irregular periods
10. Fatigue
1. Ask open ended questions – As with all good conversation, show interest in the other person, and ask open questions to encourage connection and trust. A good opener might be ‘You know your body best. Tell me what changes you’ve noticed recently?’
2. Lead by example – I’m a big believer in opening up about your own experiences. If you’re willing to share, then others are more likely to as well.
3. Use the media! – Reference TV shows, podcasts, articles or books to kickstart the conversation, this will make it much easier to highlight things that may feel awkward to discuss
4. Empowering YOU – The menopause is a normal part of life. Don’t forget to highlight the positives and shift some of the focus to more empowering aspects, like the benefits of ageing, the power of wisdom and living a life free from periods!”
5. Be Direct – I’m a fan of being direct. Sometimes, straightforward questions like “Have you noticed any vaginal dryness and constant trips to the loo? Loads of my mates are talking about it” can open up the conversation in a practical way. Don’t be afraid to use it.
