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Talking about menopause remains difficult for many women. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, or vaginal dryness; these are topics and symptoms that still too often remain behind closed doors. Yet millions of women in the Netherlands experience menopausal symptoms, often without the right support or knowledge. The menopause taboo is still very much alive, both at home and in the workplace. Why do we remain silent about something that has such a significant impact on daily life? Something that many younger and older women are wrongly ashamed of.
Periphery and menopause are more than just hot flashes
The transition marks the end of a woman's fertile phase of life. The period surrounding the last menstruation, the menopause, is often accompanied by hormonal fluctuations that can cause a variety of symptoms. These include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Fatigue and sleepless nights
- Mood swings
- Concentration problems
- Loss of libido
- Osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease in later life
Yet, menopause is still often trivialized. As if it is 'part of the deal' and you just have to get through it. This way of thinking contributes to the taboo surrounding menopause and makes it harder for women to seek help. This is certainly a risk, as Dutch people often wait a long time before asking for help and seeking advice.
The taboo surrounding menopause: why is it talked about so little?
Several causes can be identified for the persistence of the taboo surrounding menopause:
- Shame and misunderstanding : Many women feel uncomfortable or weak when they admit to their complaints.
- Lack of knowledge : There is still a great deal of ignorance regarding menopause and treatment options, both among women themselves and among doctors.
- Lack of openness in the workplace : Complaints are not always taken seriously by employers and/or colleagues, causing women to withdraw or even drop out.
Research shows that, on average, women in the Netherlands do not discuss menopause until after five years. That is precious time during which symptoms accumulate, relationships come under strain, or job satisfaction declines. A negative taboo prevails. The consequence? Women do not dare to talk, perpetuating the taboo.
Why knowledge about menopause is essential
Knowing what is happening in your body makes a difference. When women understand that their menopausal symptoms stem from hormonal changes, the realization grows that there are options. Not everything has to go away on its own or be accepted. That starts with breaking the taboo and providing the right information.
Doctors hear in practice that many women think they are 'making a fuss' or 'need to push through,' while they are actually struggling with serious symptoms that limit their daily functioning. Think of exhaustion, mood swings, or a loss of zest for life. These are not figments of the imagination; they are hormonal processes that can indeed be addressed. Fortunately, there are increasingly more books and articles drawing attention to this subject. This type of reporting can certainly contribute to greater openness.
Hormone therapy is a treatment option that should be discussed.
Although hormone therapy is widely used in some countries, there remains a relatively cautious attitude in Dutch politics and the medical community. This is partly due to old research results that have since become obsolete. Nowadays, there is more international consensus, and safe forms of hormone therapy are recommended, provided that therapy with bio-identical hormones tailored to the individual situation is chosen. There are certainly conceivable situations in which hormone therapy is not desirable; however, much knowledge has simultaneously been gained that makes comparison and personalized care simpler and safer.
Hormone therapy is therefore not suitable for everyone, but it is important that women know that it is an option for many. This can provide relief, especially for women with severe menopausal symptoms. Nevertheless, a lack of awareness regarding the possibility of this treatment remains a major problem. Knowledge and a good conversation with your GP or gynecologist can make all the difference. Do you feel that your doctor isn't listening enough? Then ask for a second opinion. You have a right to this; don't keep it to yourself.
Recognition and support: what women really need
What do women going through menopause need most? Acknowledgment. Understanding. And space to talk without judgment. Menopause is not a disease, but a life stage in which extra support is welcome. It is essential that partners, employers, and healthcare providers also learn to listen better to the signals. A gynecologist can offer a solution here, as can reliable information about treatments such as bioidentical hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments. The right path looks different for every woman.
The taboo also exists in the workplace.
In the workplace, the taboo surrounding menopause is often even stronger. Women do not dare to discuss their symptoms for fear of misunderstanding or loss of status. Yet, it is precisely during this phase of life that it is important to receive proper support. Companies that are open to the subject actively contribute to the well-being of their employees. Consider:
- Adjusted working hours
- More flexibility with sleep problems
- Coaching or guidance
- Internal information session on menopause and work
A woman who feels seen at work often remains more productive, motivated, and healthier. Thus, employers can, so to speak, actually earn more money by giving women more space. Women's productivity is certainly not necessarily lower compared to male colleagues.
Recognition from practice
Every day, some women continue to suffer from symptoms without having received proper guidance. The impact of good guidance is significant. It helps women regain control over their health, energy, and well-being. By sharing your feelings and experiences with an expert, you can bring order to the chaos. And that brings peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions about the menopause taboo
Why is there still a taboo surrounding menopause?
The taboo stems from shame, ignorance, and societal expectations. Women often feel weak or insecure about their complaints and do not dare to discuss them, not even in the workplace.
What can help break the taboo?
Good information, recognition of menopausal symptoms, and open conversations make a big difference. When women know that their symptoms are normal and can be treated, they are more likely to seek help. Google provides information, but not all sources are objective or supported by facts. Stay alert and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What role does the workplace play in this taboo?
Knowledge regarding menopause is lacking in many workplaces. Women experience less understanding or support, causing them to call in sick more often or even drop out. Openness and policies can prevent this. Waiting for the House of Representatives to introduce new legislation takes too long; be assertive and make agreements with your employer. There is often more understanding than many employees suspect, provided you adopt a constructive attitude towards your manager.
The menopause taboo is still very much alive. If you are going through menopause, there is no point in waiting for years. You need to stand up and take action. This is how you discover how knowledge, lifestyle changes, bioidentical hormone therapy, and support help women regain control of their lives and health.
Would you like more information about supporting menopause? Then click here.
