To honor all the ways we menopause and to celebrate World Menopause Month, you’ll meet four women who are at various stages of their journey, from peri through to post, and learn about their experiences and top tips and tricks for navigating midlife.

This week, we chatted with Dr. Wendy Walsh, America's Relationship Experts and Radio Host

______________________

Please introduce yourself in whatever way you see fit?

Hi, I’m Psychology Professor and Radio Host, Dr. Wendy Walsh. I specialize in the science of love and interpersonal relationships.

Do you remember any person in your life going through menopause before you? What were your impressions?

My mother must have gone through menopause but it was never discussed. I had never even heard the word! Of course, I was certainly subjected to the mood swings!!!

How did you know you were in perimenopause?

Can we say this here? Late periods that were, um, loooong, and big and chunky. Yikes!

How did you feel when this change happened?

In a word, I was like, WTF? I immediately ran to my doctor.

Have your feelings about menopause over the years changed? 

I read a lot of Evolutionary Psychology and understand that we are one of the few species on the planet that even has menopause — one-third of a woman’s life where she is young, wise, energetic, and… sterile – and Mother Nature created that so we can be great grandmothers and guardians of the social order. Menopausal women build corporations, found charities, run for public office.

What’s helped you / how have you gotten support through menopause?

ALL my friends are in it together. We exchange information all the time. For instance, my gal pals whispered that we will reduce those hot flashes when we kick that wine habit. Sad, I know.

What’s something that’s gotten better since perimenopause? 

Freedom!!! Freedom to not have to deal with periods or PMS or cramps. It’s great.

What do we still need to do to move the conversation around menopause forward? What would you like to see happen?

This should be seen as a culmination or an emancipation. Menopause isn’t a medical condition. It’s a graduation that may need some dietary or product support. Frankly, this is the best time of my life so far.

Tags: Community menoday2022