Chapter 1: The Reality of Menopause

Menopause is often misunderstood, leaving many women feeling isolated during this significant life change.

I want to clarify that this is not a sign of madness; it's like entering a second puberty.

As I navigated through my postmenopausal phase at age forty-nine, three years after my final menstrual cycle, I had already experienced the tumultuous period of perimenopause starting at forty-one. My life felt like a series of hot flashes, and I found myself utterly alone in my struggles.

In our society, menopause remains a taboo subject. It's seldom discussed openly, and often only acknowledged in clinical settings when symptoms manifest, such as heart palpitations. Unfortunately, healthcare providers may dismiss these experiences, attributing them to hysteria rather than acknowledging the real challenges women face.

I vividly recall the ordeal of sweating through multiple outfits daily and frequent trips to the restroom as my body expelled heat in every possible way. The extreme symptoms led to a rapid seven-pound weight loss in just one week, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood.

Hormones significantly influence our lives, and when they become imbalanced, the journey can be truly challenging. The brain fog, mood fluctuations, and peculiar experiences that accompany menopause often go unrecognized by those around us, leading to feelings of isolation.

A wise herbalist I knew emphasized that we should encompass all stages of this transition: "Menopause is menopause. It's all of it." It's crucial to normalize these discussions. By combining herbal remedies and traditional medical approaches, we can find some relief from the mental, emotional, and physical toll that menopause can take.

Just like puberty, menopause is a significant life transition that deserves attention and understanding. Even as I write this, the term "perimenopause" is often overlooked or unrecognized, despite being a legitimate medical term.

When I began to openly share my experiences, I noticed a shift. Friends, both older and younger, began to approach me for guidance as they encountered their own perimenopausal symptoms. This exchange of support was invaluable, allowing us to connect and navigate this challenging transition together.

Being a Crone, a wise woman, is a beautiful stage of life. It provides a fresh perspective that I wish society would celebrate and appreciate. We can create meaning through shared experiences, supporting one another as we embrace this new phase of life.

I encourage you to engage in these conversations; you might find it enlightening.

Harper Hazelmare (she/they + we/our/ours) is a non-binary, queer, disabled botanical artist, writer of cautionary tales, and keeper of a community apothecary. Their art has been published in "Lived Collective" and "The Shallot" magazines and exhibited in Chicago and New York. Harper's current book, "Snapshots: Stories for the Nearsighted," is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Section 1.1: The Importance of Open Conversations

Open discussions about menopause can demystify the experience and provide essential support for those navigating this transition.

Subsection 1.1.1: Why We Need to Normalize Menopause

Chapter 2: Insights from Experts

Exploring expert opinions can offer valuable insights into the menopause journey.

The first video, "What I Wish I'd Known About Menopause | Liz Earle Wellbeing," shares essential insights into navigating this transformative phase.

The second video, "Navigating 'The Change': What Every Woman Should Know About Menopause | Pelin Batur, MD," discusses critical information every woman should be aware of regarding menopause.