With International Women’s Day earlier this month and Mother’s Day this weekend, I've been reflecting a lot on the three M’s that impact many women's lives: Menstruation, Maternity, and Menopause. I’ve been thinking about my own maternity journey and what lies ahead for my daughter, Enya. Although Enya has many years to go before she reaches menopause, I want her to feel empowered and equipped with the knowledge she’ll need when the time comes. And in the meantime, I don’t want her to feel dread around it. Forewarned is forearmed.

I decided to write down my thoughts for her, and I’d like to share them here with you as well. These are the things I wish I would have known or that someone would have told my younger self. I hope they offer helpful insight for you, too. Here are 10 things that I believe will help our daughters understand menopause, and make their journeys through it easier.

Don’t be afraid. Menopause is not something to dread.

I know menopause might seem intimidating, especially with how our society has treated it, but please don’t worry. Menopause is not something you need to fear. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience will be different, but with more knowledge, support, and resources than ever before, you’ll have the tools to manage it when the time comes. Don’t let yourself be daunted by it.

It won’t be a secret. You won’t have to hide.

When I went through menopause, it felt like something women had to keep quiet about, something to hide or feel embarrassed about. I can’t imagine how difficult menopause must have been for the generations of women before me. But that won’t be your reality. Menopause will no longer be a taboo subject. It’s something that will be openly discussed, and you won’t have to feel like it’s a secret. This awareness is something I’m dedicating my life to, and it’s one of my gifts to you. I encourage you to talk to your friends and partner (if you choose to have one) about menopause. Your peers will be great supports.

Knowledge is power, so be prepared.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is this: the more you know, the more empowered you’ll be. If you understand what’s happening to your body, you can better prepare for the changes. Educate yourself, learn about the symptoms, and be proactive in taking care of yourself. Knowledge really is power. I knew nothing, except no periods and hot flushes! How uninformed I was.

Men will be more informed too.

Something that will make your experience different from mine is the fact that men will be more informed. Our research shows that more men are interested in understanding menopause and supporting their partners. In fact, 56% of men we surveyed expressed interest in attending workshops or educational programs to better understand what their partners experience during menopause. Additionally, 80% of our respondents feel comfortable discussing menopause, and 70% believe they can provide emotional support. This will make a world of difference. Unlike generations before you, instead of hiding your menopause experience, you will be sharing it.

Menopause in the workplace won’t be taboo.

Workplaces will be better equipped to handle menopause by the time you reach it. Employers will have policies in place to support women going through menopause, and you won’t feel forced to leave work or compromise your career because of it. Currently, one third of women consider giving up their job due to menopause symptoms and 10% actually do quit working. Menopause will be seen as just another part of life, and workplaces will adapt. We’ve already seen incredible strides being made by some of Ireland’s leading companies, and we hope to see this soon on a global scale.

There will be new advances in treatments.

The medical world is advancing when it comes to menopause treatments. By the time you go through it, there will be more options, better access, and no “postcode lotteries”and your GP will be well infomed. for treatment. Advances in science, like ovarian cryopreservation, may even allow women to delay menopause or prevent it altogether. The future looks brighter in terms of treatment options.

It’s not just about hot flushes.

Many people think menopause is only about hot flushes, but it’s so much more than that. There are over 40 symptoms of menopause, including mental/emotional/psychological symptoms, as well as physical and genitourinary ones. Understanding the full range of symptoms will help you approach it with the right mindset, you won’t think that you are going ‘mad’ and you will know that there’s nothing “wrong” with you as your body changes.

The long-term health impacts will be better understood.

Menopause affects more than just your immediate symptoms; it can have long-term effects on your bones, heart, and brain. However, the good news is that medical research is helping us understand these impacts better. With early intervention, women will be less at risk for things like cardiovascular disease (the number 1 killer of women in Ireland), osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. There’s a brighter future ahead with more knowledge and prevention.

Getting your symptoms under control is key.

A positive menopause experience is all about managing your symptoms. It’s not just about getting through it, but about thriving during it. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, therapies, or other supports, taking control of your symptoms will help you feel better, will help you thrive and will help you feel empowered and supported. It’s all about finding what works for you and maintaining balance.

Menopause can be the start of a beautiful new chapter.

Menopause doesn’t mean the end of your journey; in fact, it can be the start of an exciting new chapter. Now that you are grown up, you need me less, and it is a time when I can focus more on myself, my passions, and the things that make me happy. My hormones are balanced and my symptoms under control, so this new stage of life is liberating, and it’s an opportunity to rediscover who I am and what I want from life. I was inspired by my menopause experience to switch careers and start a whole new business! I’m just as determined and hopeful as I’ve always been, and I’m busier than ever. Embrace menopause as the beginning of something special.

Enya, I hope these words offer you comfort and confidence for the future. Menopause may feel like a big unknown now, but with the right knowledge and support, you’ll navigate it with strength and grace. And remember, I’m always here for you, every step of the way.

Please don’t suffer in silence like previous generations, reach out and seek help and support. Contact us and schedule an appointment

10 Things I Want to Tell My Daughter About Menopause