What Would Tell Your Younger Self About Menopause?

Aug 04, 2022

If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Perhaps you’d tell her to care less about what others think. To stop stressing over grades. Or simply suggest that she stocks up on hand sanitizer because…just because, don’t worry about it!

But what would you tell your younger self about menopause?

We’ve had the opportunity to ask this very question to women who’ve experienced the highs and lows of menopause, and everything in between. Here’s what they have to say:

1. Find your no.

“Have a strong “no”, so that when you do say “yes” it is with your whole heart. You do not have to do all the things – you can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” -Paula Hines

2. Be honest, and ask for support.

“As a younger person, there were ways I showed up in the world that were performative. I wanted to be perceived as dependable, reliable, and knowledgeable. This led me to not always be honest when I needed help. You need to learn how to ask for support. You need to be open to your own frailty as a human person.” -Omisade Burney-Scott

3. Take charge of your hormonal health.

“Certainly, I think I wouldn’t have waited so long to figure out how things were connected. I would have just been more decisive and proactive. One of the problems was that, by the time it took me to connect the dots, I thought to myself, “Well, I’ve already toughed it out for a year or two. How much longer can this go on?” – Elisa Camahort Page

4. Love yourself first.

“I would tell my younger self to fall in love with yourself first so that you know who you are before you decide who is best for you. Stop and listen to what you really want. Stop comparing.” – Tamsen Fadal

What Else We’re Reading

Is it time to call the perimenopause hotline?

How Stage IV ovarian cancer and early menopause changed one woman’s perspective on what it really means to be “fertile.”

Advice from a gynecologist on how to navigate menopause and birth control.

Five history-defining friendships that prove that when women lift each other up, anything is possible.

Healthy Obsessions

Body and Massage Oil

A lavender-infused, anti-inflammatory body oil formulated for peak zen and ultimate Zzzs. Peep the whole store for sexologist-approved wellness goodies!