Unleashing the True Power of Menopause

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz's perspective on menopause is both enlightening and empowering, painting a picture of menopausal women stepping into a phase of unprecedented power and influence. She begins by noting her own journey into the specialization of menopause within her medical practice, spurred by her work with young breast cancer survivors. Over time, this niche grew, leading her to create the Menopause Bootcamp and publish a book to address the significant lack of resources for women in this demographic.

Menopause: More Than a Biological Transition

Gilberg-Lenz refers to menopause as the "puberty of midlife" and an "opportunity of a lifetime," suggesting that it should be celebrated as a transformative period rather than mourned as an end. This transition represents not just a cessation of menstrual cycles but the culmination of a lifetime’s worth of experiences, knowledge, and personal growth.

She challenges the notion that menopause is an evolutionary mistake, highlighting the "grandmother hypothesis." This theory suggests there is a distinct survival advantage to having older women in a community. In the Hadza tribe of Northern Tanzania, for example, menopausal women are vital as they gather resources, ensure the safety of the younger members, and transmit wisdom, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and success of their groups.

Freedom from Reproductive Constraints

With the end of reproductive capabilities, women experience a significant shift in how they are perceived and how they perceive themselves. Gilberg-Lenz points out that being free from the monthly cycles allows women to escape the feeling of being at the mercy of their biology. This liberation comes with mixed emotions—relief from the physical and emotional toll of menstruation and grief over losing a certain version of themselves.

Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

As menopausal women become free from societal pressures to maintain youthful beauty and sexual appeal, they find themselves in a position of immense freedom and potential. Gilberg-Lenz notes the cultural stir around celebrities like Pamela Anderson, who appear in public without makeup, challenging traditional norms of beauty and femininity.

She argues that a woman who is no longer focused on her reproductive role and who owns her experiences, opinions, and power is incredibly threatening to a patriarchal system that relies on her conformity. This type of woman, with developed personal agency, is dangerous to structures that have historically exploited her roles in reproduction and domestic life.

The Menopause Moment and Societal Change

The rise of the #MeToo movement and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a significant shift in how menopausal women find community and voice their experiences. Gilberg-Lenz describes how the internet has helped women from her generation, the Gen Xers, to connect and engage with others in unprecedented ways, amplifying their stories and struggles.

The politicization of reproductive rights and the historical exclusion of women from medical research highlight the systemic issues that continue to impact women's health. However, menopause offers a unique opportunity for creativity and liberation, suggesting that the narrative around menopause as a form of decline is actually a tool to maintain control over women who have become "ungovernable."

Conclusion

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz’s insights offer a powerful testament to the potential of menopause to be a transformative and empowering experience for women. By redefining this phase of life, she encourages women to embrace their power, challenge societal norms, and contribute to their communities in meaningful and impactful ways. This perspective not only shifts the narrative around menopause but also signals a broader call to action for women to reclaim their roles and redefine their value in society.