Menopause Abroad: how menopause is viewed from a
different cultural perspective
When we
think of the term ‘menopause’, it may carry negative undertones for some women. We may first think of the ‘negative’ effects
that it has on women and about the end of their birthing capabilities or of
aging. As it turns out, in a few other
cultures menopause is thought of in a much different way.
One site that
I found titled “Women to Women” describes how women of different cultures experience
menopause. What I learned that’s most interesting from
this site is how women of Japan experience fewer ‘symptoms’ of menopause than women
of western culture do. For example, in Japan, they do not even have
a word for ‘hot flash’. A lot of the
research indicates that having fewer symptoms may be because of their diet and
lifestyle.
This time of
change, that they call konenki is considered a time of “regeneration
and renewal”, with the loss of menstruation being only one small factor in the
bigger picture. Konenki is roughly translated to
‘renewal years’ and ‘energy’. It
is an experience that is welcomed and respected.
What I
learned about rural Mayan Indian women is that they also look forward to
menopause. (Everyday Health, EH 2012). When
they were interviewed, they found that they did not experience any significant
symptoms during menopause. With this
change, women gradually obtain a higher status in their communities, are seen
as spiritual leaders, and as ‘wise women’.
After reading
of the other cultures, it makes me wonder how this natural change became such a
dreadful experience here in the Western culture. I hope this encourages women to see this
maturation in a new and more positive light.
Everyday Health, (2012) http://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/menopause-and-culture.aspx
Women to Women, (2011) http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/menopauseacrosscultures.aspx
Jill,
ReplyDeleteAs a woman approaching menopause the positive attitude of your blog is greatly appreciated. I've always respected and welcomed each stage of my life with open arms and I hope to do the same with menopause. I'm going to find a Japanese ally in my neighborhood and chat with her about "konenki" and her perspective. The later years of a woman's life should be filled with love and respect.
Jill:
ReplyDeleteI have heard the same things as you posted about Japanese women going through "the change". It is interesting that they have fewer symptoms. I wonder if part of it has to do with their diet. Western society tends to make women feel as if it is a curse to go through menopause. I believe it should be a liberating time in a woman’s life. She doesn’t have to go through the monthly cycle or anything associated with it. As a society we could learn a lot from other cultures.
Lucille