Menopause is all part of the natural cycle of life. It’s often stereotyped as something negative, when in fact, it represents something hugely positive – the start of the next chapter of your life. With it comes your chance to transform; to be free of things that may have held you back before. You are older, wiser, and more vital and vibrant than ever. It is a physical and emotional liberation - your chance to be empowered like never before.

And on that note, and to mark World Menopause Day, we have gathered together a collection of inspiring, empowering words from women who have been through it – and have only good things to say when out the other side. We’re starting with some wise words from three Irish women: Model and Stylist Mary Dunne, Edocrinologist and female health advocate Dr Mary Ryan, and Catherine O'Keeffe of wellnesswarrior.ie, who will be speaking with Heyday founder, Ellie Balfe at the Menopause Week Webinar, hosted by Catherine, this coming Tuesday.

A new beginning

Ellie says, “One of the (many) reasons I started Heyday was to open up the conversation around menopause, and midlife in general. I knew I was on the edge of perimenopause myself at 45, and when I was trying to learn about it, there was so little information around. And most of what I could find was negative. I wanted to read and hear from women who have been through it, and who saw it as the liberating transformation I felt it could be. Yes, transformations are notoriously painful and awkward whilst underway, but they offer a clearing - a shedding of the old - and I think that’s as exciting as it gets! You get another go at life, it’s like hitting refresh.

Building the Heyday platform has been enlightening already, I am learning so much from many wise, magnificent women around me. There should be no more silence surrounding it, let’s talk about the brilliance of ageing - midlife is one of life’s best upgrades in my eyes!”

Model and Stylist Mary Dunne embarked on a modelling career in her sixties and saw the menopause as her chance to embark on a totally new adventure.

“The Menopause is a time when you can reevaluate your life and reinvent yourself, personally. The freedom it’s brought me is just tremendous. And what I would also say is you need to surround yourself with your tribe, friends, or people to support you, because you're going through the menopause and it can be scary too. But I feel it now; at my most transformative. I feel it now and I’m sure I’ll feel it in 10 years time, as I learn more and more about myself in life.

The point is, in the menopause, you can transform into a vibrant, independent, strong, beautiful woman.

“ Just take the time to make the right choices, in particular in regards to self-care and the transformation will automatically happen.”

A Second Spring

Dr Mary Ryan adds that the menopause is the second stage of your life and is something to be embraced, while explaining that there are still many resources out there to help women through the more challenging moments of it.

“Menopause is a normal physiological process for most women but it is only in this decade that we are discussing it. Our ancestors suffered terribly through a lack of knowledge about this, though now there is so much help for women going through it. Rest is key around perimenopause and menopause so that your hormone control centre can cope.

There are also natural medicines like Cleanmarine Menomin, HRT and medications to help with peripheral nerve pain and there are gels and pessaries for vaginal dryness. Remember, menopause is your Second Spring, a chapter to be embraced.”

Ongoing conversation

Catherine of wellnesswarrior.ie says that progression needs to be made if menopause is ever to be truly normalised.

“Menopause is being discussed but discussion must be reinforced by education - this must be across all of society, including men and women. To progress, we need to normalise menopause as the natural inevitable life event that it is - every woman will go through it and must be supported through this time. That’s support from a partner, children, friends, employers and above all society as a whole.

Menopause is not just hot flushes and mood swings; there is so much more that needs to be taken into consideration.

In Ireland, it’s imperative that our healthcare system and doctors receive the required training to support women through this time - informed choice is essential. But at the end of the day, it opens a chapter in your life that can bring tremendous empowerment, freedom and excitement. “

More brilliant words on Menopause

Kristin Scott Thomas’ words (above) on menopause in the brilliant Fleabag are some of our favourites.

“So many women I’ve talked to see menopause as a blessing. I’ve discovered that this is your moment to reinvent yourself after years of focusing on the needs of everyone else.” – Oprah Winfrey

“What I would say is that change is part of being human. We evolve and should not fear that change. You're not alone. It’s as natural as having a child—it really is; it’s part of life. Physically, it’s part of how we’re made; hormonally, it’s how we’re constructed; chemically, it’s how we work. Like anything in nature: The seed is planted, it grows, it comes to fruition.” – Kim Cattrall

“Perimenopause and menopause should be treated as the rites of passage that they are. If not celebrated, then at least accepted and acknowledged and honoured.” – Gillian Anderson

“The freedom that comes from no longer being fertile is huge.” – Cynthia Nixon

“[Barack] didn’t fall apart because he found out there were several women in his staff that were going through menopause. It was just sort of like, ‘Oh, well, turn the air conditioner on.’” – Michelle Obama

“Actually, the next phase of your life is really exciting. You start thinking, “OK, now is my time. My God, I’ve raised a family and now I can start thinking about where I want to be in the next period of my life.” – Davina McCall