What nobody tells women about this powerful transition

For many African women, menopause is something we are expected to go through.

You endure the hot flushes. You lose sleep. Your periods become unpredictable; your mood changes. Your body feels different.

And you are often expected to carry on as though nothing is happening.

In many African communities, menopause is still surrounded by silence, embarrassment and misconceptions. Some women are told to pray through their symptoms. Others are made to believe that changes in their mood or behaviour are simply part of getting older. Some live with uncomfortable symptoms for years without knowing that they are experiencing a natural biological transition that can be managed.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is officially reached when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

The years leading up to menopause are known as perimenopause. This stage can begin in the early 40s and, for many women, is when symptoms become most noticeable.

What Does Menopause Feel Like?

Menopause does not look the same for every woman.

Some women experience very few symptoms. For others, the changes can affect their sleep, relationships, work and overall quality of life.

Common symptoms include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Irregular periods before they stop completely
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes, irritability, anxiety or low mood
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Changes in weight and body composition
• Reduced bone density, which can increase the risk of fractures
• Changes in sexual desire

Knowing what is happening to your body can make a significant difference.

Why Are So Many Women Suffering in Silence?

Talking about menopause can be uncomfortable in many African homes and communities.

Vaginal dryness or changes in sexual desire may feel too private to discuss with a doctor. Mood changes may be dismissed as a woman becoming difficult or unreasonable. Hot flushes may be blamed on the weather.

These attitudes can prevent women from asking questions or seeking help.

There is also a responsibility on the healthcare system.

Women need healthcare professionals who understand menopause, listen to their concerns and explain the treatment options available to them. A woman should not have to accept years of discomfort simply because menopause is considered a normal part of ageing.

Normal does not mean you have to suffer through it.

What Can Help?

There is no single approach that works for every woman.

Hormone replacement therapy, commonly known as HRT, can be very effective for many menopausal symptoms. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Women with certain medical conditions, including some cancers or a history of blood clots, may need alternative options.

Non-hormonal treatments are also available and can help some women manage symptoms such as hot flushes.

Lifestyle changes can support long-term health too.

A balanced diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can all contribute to better bone and cardiovascular health.

For vaginal dryness, moisturisers and lubricants can provide relief and make sex more comfortable.

The important thing is to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about what is appropriate for you rather than relying on assumptions, hearsay or self-medication.

This Is Not the End

Menopause is not the end of a woman’s vitality.

It is not the end of her sexuality.

It is not the end of her purpose.

For many women, life after menopause can bring a new sense of freedom. There may be no more periods, no concerns about contraception and, for some, fewer responsibilities around raising young children.

It can be a new chapter.

But women should not have to navigate that chapter in silence.

We need more honest conversations about menopause in our homes, workplaces, communities and healthcare systems.

Women deserve to understand what is happening to their bodies. They deserve to ask questions without shame. And they deserve access to appropriate care when they need it.

Menopause is a natural part of life.

Suffering in silence should not be.