Let me tell you a quick story. Recently, I was standing in line to vote with two of my sorority sisters. I’ve known one of them for years, while I was just getting to know the other. As we waited, the conversation turned to one of my favorite topics—running! Naturally, I couldn’t help but share a few stories about my running adventures.

At one point, my longtime soror smiled and mentioned my social media handle, “The Menopausal Marathoner.” Then, with a chuckle, she added, “But let’s just call her ‘The Marathoner.’ I don’t want to use the word ‘menopause.’”

We all laughed and kept chatting until it was time to head to our voting booths. But later that evening, her comment stuck with me. Why didn’t she want to say the word “menopause”? Did it make her uncomfortable? Did it feel like an admission of age? I haven’t asked her yet, but I suspect she’s not the only one who avoids saying the word out loud.

“Menopause is real. It’s normal. And every woman will face it at some point.”

Here’s the thing, Sistahs: Menopause is real. It’s normal. And whether or not we say the word, every woman will face it at some point. So, why not embrace it?

Let’s Talk About It

The word “menopause” comes from the Greek words men (month) and pausis (pause). Simply put, it marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. There are three stages:

1. Perimenopause – the lead-up, when symptoms like irregular periods begin.
2. Menopause – when your cycle officially stops for 12 months.
3. Postmenopause – the years after menopause.

Most women notice symptoms in their mid-40s, though some experience them as early as their mid-30s. And the duration? It varies wildly—from two years to fourteen, with an average of about seven.

“Guess what? We can’t avoid menopause, but we can choose how we approach it.”

The symptoms, as many of us know, can range from mild to disruptive: hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, and reduced libido, to name a few. But guess what? While we can’t avoid menopause (barring extreme measures), we can choose how we approach it.

A Changing Conversation

Here’s some good news: The workplace is catching up. Forward-thinking companies like BMO, Pfizer, Cummins, and Lululemon now offer menopause-related benefits and support. Many are partnering with organizations like the National Menopause Foundation to address the impact of menopause on their workforce. After all, a healthy, supported workforce is a productive one.

“Avoiding it only reinforces the idea that menopause is something shameful. It’s not.”

If these corporations are saying the word, why can’t we? Avoiding it only reinforces the idea that menopause is something shameful. It’s not. It’s a natural phase of life—just like puberty. And just as we’ve learned to talk openly about other health topics, discussing menopause can empower us with knowledge, solutions, and solidarity.

Say It Loud, Say It Proud

Let’s normalize saying the word “menopause.” Share your experiences, talk about the symptoms, and demand support where it’s needed. The more we bring menopause into the open, the more we can push for research, understanding, and resources to help us thrive.

“Discussing menopause empowers us with knowledge, solutions, and solidarity.”

As Destiny’s Child once sang, “Say my name, say my name.” Let’s say it: MENOPAUSE. Say it with pride, because you’re navigating this stage of life with strength, grace, and resilience. 

Thriving through it, Sistahs!