Blog Two

Blog Two: 

Menopause from Different Cultural Perspectives

       Menopause. Hearing that word makes me squirm- even as a woman who will inevitably experience it one day herself. I’ve obviously always known I’d go through “The Change” one day… I mean, all women do. I’ve also obviously heard how miserable it can be between the mood swings, hot flashes, depression, insomnia, and horrible night sweats. But not once have I ever thought of why I’ve only heard such negative thoughts and attitudes attached to the word “menopause.” It can’t be all bad, can it? I mean, at least you won’t get that monthly visit from Aunt Flo (who always has the worst timing and brings a slew of unpleasant physical ailments). As I dug into researching the perspectives of menopause in other cultures outside of the U.S., I was quite surprised to learn that menopause is not always viewed as such a negative, gloomy life event. It’s not just the perspectives and attitudes toward menopause that differ- even the way women experience symptoms during “The Change” vary around the globe.

      I was stunned to find out that women in Japan rarely report hot flashes as a symptom of menopause, especially since that seems to be a very prominent symptom for women here in the United States. In fact, the Japanese language didn’t even have a word for the term ‘hot flash’ until recently (Women’s Health Network). The top complaint for Japanese and Chinese women is shoulder stiffness and painful shoulder mobility (Berlin, 2009)- a symptom I’ve never even heard of associated with menopause! I was also surprised to find out that Mayan Indian women actually look forward to menopause as it comes with a positive change in social status. In their culture, the suppression of menstruation gives them a place of power in their communities as “wise women” or spiritual leaders (Berlin, 2009). To them, because menstrual blood gives them the power to create life by having children, it is considered “wise blood”; therefore, when menstruation stops, they enter “wise womanhood” where they “keep their wise blood within” and become powerful healers for their people (Women’s Health Network). I thought this was such a neat and powerful attitude to have toward an experience our own culture often views as something to dread. Likewise, because the Japanese culture values, honors and respects the elderly, they too have a very positive approach to menopause. In fact, the Japanese word for menopause is konenki, which when broken down means “renewal years” and “energy” (Berlin, 2009).

       Why the vast discrepancies in physical symptoms? Researchers believe a lot has to do with lifestyle differences. For example, Japanese women have very few chronic health problems (like diabetes and high blood pressure) due to their healthy diet typically high in soy products, which are high in phytoestrogens and isoflavones (known to lessen hormonal imbalance) (Women’s Health Network). Their culture traditionally values health, diet and exercise, which could point to why they experience menopause so differently than American women- whose diets are typically high in damaged fats and low in fiber. The Mayans, who also experience “The Change” more positively, have an all-natural, herb-based diet quite different from ours (Women’s Health Network). It seems that a healthy lifestyle- particularly a healthy diet- could greatly contribute to a more positive menopausal experience.

       A healthy lifestyle (consistent exercise, adequate sleep, and a well-balanced diet) may certainly affect the way we experience menopause, but our cultures’ attitudes likely contribute to it as well. In the U.S., our Western, youth-idolizing culture can make menopause seem like “an ending” (Pote, 2014). We can’t help but have negative perceptions because of our social environment that values youth. Turn on any television channel and you’re bound to see numerous commercials geared toward women advertising a product to make them act, feel, or look younger. From make-up to diet pills to botox injections to anti-aging skincare products to clothing and shapewear… our country is plastered with messages that we need to feel and look younger. We idolize celebrities who “age well” (ahem… receive state-of-the-art plastic surgery) and view any signs of aging as a negative thing. It’s no wonder we view menopause as shameful and dreadful! While ensuring we live a healthy lifestyle and take care of our bodies is obviously beneficial in many ways besides just possibly alleviating undesirable symptoms of menopause, our culture must change our attitude surrounding “The Change.” Our attitudes obviously shape our phycological experiences with menopause, but could it shape our physical experiences too? Following my research on this topic, I believe we could certainly take a few tips from the Japanese and Mayans who view this time of life as a positive transformation that’s to be celebrated- not just as a hot and sweaty hormone-fueled “end” to our youth.

- Mallorie Anderson

References:

Berlin, E., MD. (2009, February 10). Your Menopause Experience May Depend on Your  

       Cultural Background. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/

       menopause-and-culture.aspx

Pote, K., NCNM. (2014, September 19). Menopause Around the World. Retrieved from  

       https://womeninbalance.org/2014/09/17/menopause-around-the-world/

Network, Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause in Different Cultures. Retrieved from 

       https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/menopause-and-perimenopause/menopause-in-

       different-cultures.aspx