EP. 02 | Menopausa (com Sónia Morais Santos e Lisa Ferreira Vicente)

Menopause: Understanding the Journey

Introduction to Menopause Discussion

• The podcast introduces the topic of menopause, highlighting its discomfort and the need for new responses.

• Hosts Sónia Morais Santos and Dr. Lisa Ferreira Vicente join Jéssica Ataí to discuss menopause's phases: before, during, and after.

Personal Experiences with Menopause

• Sónia shares her personal journey, mentioning she is in perimenopause rather than full menopause.

• She explains that perimenopause precedes menopause and involves irregular menstruation; one must be a year without menstruation to be considered in menopause.

Societal Perceptions of Menopause

• Sónia discusses societal stigma around menopause, linking it to women's traditional roles tied to motherhood.

• She emphasizes the importance of breaking this stigma as women increasingly take on diverse roles beyond motherhood.

Defining Menopause

• The discussion clarifies definitions: spontaneous vs. surgical menopause; surgical occurs when ovaries are removed.

• It highlights that hormonal changes continue even after entering menopause; ovaries still produce hormones but at reduced levels.

Symptoms and Awareness

• Dr. Lisa explains that perimenopause is characterized by symptoms like irregular periods and hormonal fluctuations.

• They note that many women may not recognize early signs of perimenopause until they experience significant changes in their menstrual cycles.

Contraception Considerations

• Women under 50 who enter menopause may still require contraception for up to two years due to potential hormonal fluctuations.

• There are cases where women have become pregnant post-menopause onset, underscoring the need for awareness regarding fertility timelines.

Personal Reflections on Symptoms

• Sónia reflects on her past experiences with hot flashes, initially attributing them to summer heat rather than hormonal changes.

Menopause: Understanding the Challenges and Conversations

Personal Experiences with Menopause

• The speaker shares a personal account of experiencing severe anemia due to heavy bleeding, which left her bedridden for a week. This highlights the physical toll menopause can take on women.

• She emphasizes the importance of discussing menopause openly to normalize it and provide necessary information, as many women suffer in silence.

• The speaker notes that many women are unaware of what to expect during menopause, leading to distressing symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and loss of libido.

Family Dynamics and Communication

• Discusses how family members may struggle to understand the changes a woman experiences during menopause. Open conversations within families about these changes are crucial.

• The term "people in menopause" is suggested instead of just "women," acknowledging diverse identities and emphasizing that partners also need understanding regarding these changes.

Addressing Sexual Health Concerns

• Highlights that each woman's experience with menopause is unique, leading to different questions and concerns about sexual health and relationships.

• Shares an anecdote about a woman who faced challenges with lubrication during intimacy; this illustrates how biological changes can affect relationships despite emotional connections.

Biological Changes During Menopause

• The speaker explains that even if someone feels mentally well or has a good relationship, biological factors like low estrogen levels require attention for overall health.

• Compares needing treatment for low libido to needing glasses for vision; both require acknowledgment and action rather than avoidance.

Emotional Impact and Societal Perceptions

• Discusses how lack of libido can occur at various life stages but is particularly challenging during menopause due to societal pressures on women's bodies.

• Mentions body image issues related to weight gain or redistribution during menopause, drawing parallels with postpartum experiences regarding sleep deprivation and self-image struggles.

Importance of Awareness and Support

• Stresses the need for awareness around menopausal symptoms so women do not feel isolated or misunderstood; knowledge empowers them to seek help effectively.

• Encourages sharing experiences among women facing similar challenges while cautioning against dismissive attitudes from those who do not experience significant symptoms themselves.

Seeking Help

• Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledges seeking psychological support when feeling overwhelmed by mood swings associated with hormonal changes.

Understanding Menopause and Its Impact

Emotional Changes During Menopause

• The speaker discusses how they have become more tolerant and sympathetic, indicating a shift in mood that should not be confused with depression or anxiety.

Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

• Many women experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of sadness, which can lead to misdiagnosis as these symptoms may stem from hormonal changes rather than mental health issues.

• A significant number of women are prescribed antidepressants or anxiolytics when they might only need treatment for hormonal symptoms.

Individual Experiences of Menopause

• The speaker emphasizes that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience; there are various types of menopause due to individual differences among women.

• There is a stigma surrounding menopause, often leading to discomfort in discussing it openly. This stigma can make women feel marginalized during this natural phase of life.

Breaking the Taboo

• The speaker notes the importance of sharing experiences about menopause to reduce its taboo nature. Women often feel less alone when they discuss their stories.

• An anecdote illustrates how societal perceptions can make discussions about menopause uncomfortable, highlighting the need for normalization in conversations around this topic.

Societal Perceptions and Stigmas

• The fear of being labeled negatively during menopause contributes to women's reluctance to discuss their experiences openly.

• Despite societal stigmas, many women maintain active lives during menopause, challenging the negative connotations associated with aging and hormonal changes.

Age Misconceptions

• There's a common misconception that all women enter menopause at 50; however, some may experience it much earlier (under 45), which adds complexity to workplace dynamics as well.

• Companies are beginning to address menopausal issues as many affected women hold leadership positions. Admitting menopausal symptoms can lead to misunderstandings regarding competence.

Positive Perspectives on Menopause

• It’s important to foster a positive narrative around menopause by recognizing that many women remain vibrant and productive during this stage of life.

Celebrating Milestones vs. Menopause

• Society celebrates milestones like menstruation and pregnancy but tends to overlook or treat menopause negatively, creating an emotional disconnect for many women facing this transition.

Addressing Negative Connotations

• The discussion raises questions about why talking about menopause carries such negative connotations—whether it's rooted in machismo or insecurity within society's views on aging.

Historical Context

• Reflecting on past generations reveals that discussions around menstruation were also shrouded in secrecy; similar patterns persist today regarding menopause.

Understanding Menopause: A Conversation on Women's Health

The Importance of Discussing Menopause

• Emphasizes the need for literacy in positive information regarding menopause, similar to how young women are prepared for menstruation.

• Highlights that younger generations will eventually experience menopause and advocates for open discussions about it to ensure a smoother transition.

Personal Experiences and Societal Perceptions

• Shares personal reflections on approaching menopause at age 38, noting curiosity among women who have not yet experienced it.

• Discusses emotional changes during this life phase, including a shift towards maturity and less obsession with physical appearance.

Physical Changes and Health Management

• Talks about the importance of maintaining physical health through discipline, especially as hormonal changes occur during menopause.

• Mentions the role of strength training in combating muscle loss associated with aging and improving libido.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

• Points out that many women are unaware they are entering menopause until symptoms arise, often attributing them to stress or other factors.

• Stresses the necessity of adapting exercise routines to accommodate menopausal changes, particularly focusing on abdominal strength.

Historical Context and Evolving Perspectives

• Notes that many women may be caught off guard by menopausal symptoms due to a lack of prior knowledge or discussion around the topic.

• Explains that some women may experience early symptoms before age 50 but often do not connect these experiences with menopause.

The Role of Medical Guidance

• Describes instances where women learn about their menopausal status unexpectedly during medical consultations.

• Addresses denial among some women upon receiving news about entering menopause, highlighting common myths surrounding this natural process.

Changing Attitudes Towards Menopause Treatment

• Reflects on historical perspectives where menopause was viewed as a natural phase without much intervention compared to modern approaches emphasizing quality of life improvements through treatment options.

• Discusses how past generations managed menopause without support or medication while current advancements offer better management strategies.

Hormonal Treatments: Past vs. Present

• Reviews the history of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which was widely prescribed until concerns arose in the early 2000s leading to decreased usage among doctors.

Menopause Discussions and Personal Experiences

The Growing Openness About Menopause

• There is an increasing trend of individuals feeling less afraid to seek help regarding menopause, partly due to more open discussions about various topics, including menopause itself.

• A personal anecdote highlights how a friend was inspired to discuss her own experiences with menopause after seeing shared stories, indicating the power of community support in addressing taboo subjects.

Personal Reflections on Motherhood and Menopause

• Women who have chosen not to have children often feel fulfilled in other aspects of life; however, upon reaching menopause, they may confront feelings of loss related to their reproductive capabilities.

• The speaker reflects on having four children and the emotional impact of realizing that she will never experience pregnancy again, revealing deep-seated feelings tied to motherhood and identity.

Medical Insights on Menopause Management

• Hormonal therapy during menopause can be beneficial for up to ten years post-menopause onset if started early enough; it can reduce risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.

• There is a need for accurate information regarding menopausal symptoms as misconceptions about risks (e.g., cardiovascular issues or breast cancer from hormone therapy) persist among women.

Common Symptoms Experienced During Menopause

• Different cultural backgrounds influence the types of symptoms experienced during menopause; European women commonly report hot flashes while Asian women may experience more joint pain.

• Symptoms such as dryness in mucous membranes (mouth, vagina), decreased lubrication, and changes in libido are discussed as common experiences during this phase.

Emotional Well-being During Menopause

• Sleep disturbances are prevalent during menopause and can lead to fatigue, concentration difficulties, and mood changes that might be mistaken for depression.

• It’s crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between menopausal symptoms and mental health issues like depression when prescribing treatments.

Menopause and Sexuality: Building a Positive Perspective

Understanding Menopause and Its Impact

• The discussion emphasizes that insomnia experienced by individuals is not necessarily linked to menopause, suggesting that those who have always had insomnia will continue to do so regardless of menopausal status.

• It is highlighted that desire, including libido, can be actively constructed. Individuals are encouraged to take initiative in their sexual lives, similar to how they approach other areas of life.

• The conversation aims to debunk myths surrounding menopause and sexuality, stressing the importance of mental construction in feelings and actions related to these topics.