Sharmee Vaithilingam

Menopause is one of those topics that many people don’t really talk about openly, even though nearly half the world’s population will experience it at some point in their lives. I’ve seen how the silence around this natural transition affects women everywhere, making it harder to get support or even acknowledge what’s happening. Menopause marks the end of menstruation, usually arriving in a woman’s late 40s or early 50s. The process itself can last several years, bringing on a storm of changes, some physical, some emotional. I want to break down the basics and look at how social and cultural attitudes, like those challenged by Sharmee Vaithilingam in India, influence the lives of people going through menopause.

The Basics

Menopause happens when the ovaries slow down and eventually stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This leads to the end of menstrual periods and the ability to become pregnant naturally. The average age is about 51, but it can start anywhere from the early 40s to late 50s. This significant life stage marks a vital transition, often seen as both a challenge and a chance to reflect on personal wellbeing and health priorities. Common symptoms include:

Hot flashes: Sudden, temporary episodes of warmth, sweating, and sometimes a red face.

Night sweats: Waking up soaked due to a hot flash during sleep.

Mood changes: Feeling irritable, anxious, or low more often than usual.

Sleep issues: Trouble falling or staying asleep, often thanks to night sweats.

Vaginal dryness and changes in libido: Making sex uncomfortable or less interesting for some.

Irregular periods: Cycles can become unpredictable before they stop for good.

Not everyone gets hit by every symptom, and for some, it’s just a blip, while for others, it’s years of tough changes. If you want deeper info on the symptoms, Mayo Clinic’s menopause resource is worth checking out. Menopause might also affect other areas of life, like memory or joint health, and the severity and type of symptoms can change from person to person. Making sense of all these changes takes time, patience, and, often, support from both medical professionals and friends.

Hidden in Conversation

Menopause remains a hush-hush subject in many places, so much so that plenty of women feel embarrassed to even mention it. I’ve talked to people from different backgrounds, and this pattern pops up everywhere, from countries like India and Nigeria to the US and Australia.

There are a few major reasons for this global silence:

Cultural attitudes: Some cultures tie a woman’s worth to youth and fertility, so menopause is seen as something negative, almost like a loss of value.

Lack of education: Many people grow up not hearing anything about menopause, so it’s confusing when it hits.

Workplace taboos: In a lot of countries, talking about menopause at work might be viewed as unprofessional, even if symptoms affect job performance.

Family pressure: In some societies, women are expected to stay strong and keep “private” struggles hidden, even from close relatives.

For example, in some Middle Eastern or African countries, women might avoid talking about menopause with anyone, not even their doctors, due to fear of shame or rejection. Even in the United States and Europe, where you’d expect things to be more open, many women still feel like they’re supposed to just tough it out quietly. This ongoing silence doesn’t just affect individuals, but also shapes how societies value the experiences of aging women, impacting public health and family dynamics.

Restrictions and Rules

Restrictions that stop women from discussing menopause aren’t always official laws; they’re usually built into everyday life. Here’s what I’ve noticed from research and conversations:

Social norms: In places like Japan, there’s a cultural value of not complaining, which keeps sensitive topics in the shadows. In Latin America, topics around women’s aging often get brushed away.

Religious beliefs: Religious expectations around purity and family roles can make menopause seem like a taboo or “dirty” subject.

Language barriers: Some languages don’t even have a direct word for menopause, so it’s hard to even mention.

Lack of medical priority: In many public health systems, menopause isn’t treated as a priority, leaving women with few resources or support groups.

The end result? A lot of women just keep quiet about what’s going on, hoping symptoms will go away or that they won’t be judged for what they experience. Societal attitudes can deeply impact the willingness to seek help or to trust medical advice, further isolating those who need support most.

What If Menopause Stays a Secret?

Keeping menopause quiet doesn’t magically erase symptoms or make life easier. Here’s what really goes on when people can’t talk about what they’re experiencing:

Mental and physical isolation: Trying to “just deal” without support can leave women feeling lonely, ashamed, or misunderstood.

Missed medical care: Without open discussions, symptoms like heavy bleeding or bone pain might go unchecked, leading to bigger health issues down the line.

Job impact: Untreated symptoms at work, like brain fog, exhaustion, or hot flashes, can make even simple tasks tough.

Relationship strain: Partners, friends, or family who don’t know what’s happening can misread symptoms as moodiness or disinterest.

On the flip side, chatting openly about menopause with a doctor, a friend, or in a support group can be a huge relief. There are stories like Sharmee Vaithilingam’s, where one person’s courage sparks awareness and helps break down the walls of silence. The more open the conversation, the more support people get, and the less shame everyone feels. It’s heartening to see communities slowly recognize and support those experiencing menopause, but there’s more to be done to make support universally accessible.

Risks and Rewards

Opening up about menopause can bring both rewards and risks. Here’s what I’ve seen and heard from people who have chosen to speak up or keep things private:

Speaking up—pros: Gets you better medical care, creates support networks, and helps younger generations be better prepared.

Speaking up—cons: Sometimes this means facing criticism or isolation from community members who see it as over sharing or breaking tradition.

Staying silent—pros: Short-term safety in not being judged or singled out (but that’s about it).

Staying silent—cons: Stays stuck with confusion, worry, and more severe symptoms due to lack of help.

Some women who share their stories publicly, especially on social media or through organizations, have changed lives for others, but sadly, they sometimes also lose friends or face family pushback. That’s why having allies and safe spaces to share makes a huge difference. Finding understanding friends or joining communities where such conversations are welcome provides an emotional anchor and helps ease the hardest parts of menopause.

Taking Care/Neglecting It

Looking after yourself during menopause is really important. Getting regular check ups, eating well, managing stress, and considering treatment options (like hormone therapy or natural remedies) can all help symptoms stay manageable. Some women benefit from seeing menopause specialists, who can create custom plans based on individual history and needs. Lifestyle tweaks such as exercise and mindful practices can help you feel better in body and mind.

Taking care benefits: Less severe symptoms, better sleep, improved bone health, and fewer mood swings. Many women report feeling more in control and confident.

Neglecting it risks: Ignoring symptoms can let problems snowball into things like osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, or ongoing pain.

A personalized approach with a healthcare provider or a menopause specialist means you’re likely to find a mix of strategies that work for you. Trusted sources like NHS UK: Menopause explain both lifestyle and medical options. Staying informed also means you can make the best decisions for your own health and well-being, especially as the years go on.

Creating Awareness

Women like Sharmee Vaithilingam, who talk openly about menopause and encourage others to do the same, often inspire real change in their communities. By speaking up, they help sweep aside the stigma, but the path isn’t always easy. Some people end up socially isolated if those around them aren’t ready to face the conversation.

I’ve noticed that joining or starting support groups, connecting with open-minded health care providers, or taking part in online forums helps bridge the gap for isolated women. Even one ally makes a surprising difference.

Menopause awareness campaigns, both regional and global, have prompted governments and organizations to roll out support initiatives, like workplace policies and public health programs, but persistent advocacy is still needed for real change across the board.

Helpful Resources

North American Menopause Society – Super detailed science-based guides and FAQs.

Menopause Support – A UK resource for advocacy and community help.

Local women’s health clinics – Often have workshops or group sessions for those who want more info in person.

34 Menopause Symptoms – Explains the range of possible symptoms and home remedies.

What Helps Most

Going through menopause can be rocky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Staying connected, whether it’s just one friend, a healthcare professional, or a whole support group, really helps. Small things like journaling, joining online forums, or reading up on the latest research can keep you informed and remind you that you’re part of a much bigger community. Many women also get strength and reassurance from reading personal stories and expert advice about others’ experiences with menopause.

Making menopause part of normal conversation, instead of something to whisper about, helps everyone feel more comfortable, included, and ready to support each other. With ongoing awareness efforts around the world, like those led by people such as Sharmee Vaithilingam, the future of menopause conversations looks way brighter. Progress might be slow, but every conversation gets us a step closer to making menopause support an everyday reality for all.

You're welcome to call or WhatsApp # 9611123356 to be in touch with Sharmee Vaithilingam!