The average American woman has heard nothing but jokes and complaints about "The Change" during her entire life. Of course, she has probably heard all about the jokes associated with puberty, but they happen to YOUNG people. Menopause seems terrifying primarily because it is a definite sign that a woman is getting older. Getting older obviously reminds us of our own mortality. But is there anything good about menopause?
No More Periods
Although feminists have done great things in improving the way a woman thinks about herself, they have a tough time convincing women that having a period is something to celebrate. There are feminist and "herstory" books that urge their fertile women readers to not take any painkillers in order to fully immerse yourself in the magic of being female.
Yeah, right. For the majority of women, periods are messy, smelly, inconvenient and excruciatingly painful. Some women become incapacitated by the pain, which they get to look forward to twelve times a year. Pre-menstrual syndrome is, for some women, worse than the period, especially for women who are prone to migraines.
All of this goes away when you go through menopause. Not only will the mess and pain of the periods go away, but all of the pain of pre-menstrual syndrome. This writer has talked to many women who thrive on the freedom and stability that this change has brought into their lives.
Different For Every Woman
There's no reason to be overly worried about how you will react to menopause until you are actually in it. The symptoms and discomfort vary for each woman. Some women go through "The Change" without much of any noticeable changes (other than less and less menstrual cycles). Studies have often shown that if we fear something and dwell on it, we inadvertently make what we fear come about.
Great Excuse
Sometimes, isn't it great to throw a tantrum and then blush and say, "Oh, sorry - I have my period"? Of course, many women really do go through severe mood swings just before and during their periods. Mood swings also happen to women in menopause. You get off the hook for a lot of socially incorrect behavior just because you are going through menopause, as this is considered by society a socially correct time to be moody.
So, there are good things about menopause. It's nothing to be frightened of - and you might be able to get a good laugh from it!
