Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, but it is often met with silence and discomfort in many cultures. For expat women, the challenge of navigating menopause can be compounded by the absence of familiar resources and support systems. This can make dealing with the physical and emotional changes even more difficult. What are effective ways to approach this issue?
Challenging symptoms often overlooked
Hot flashes, irritability, urinary issues, and headaches are just some symptoms of menopause highlighted by health experts. These symptoms, which can vary greatly in intensity, are frequently dismissed as just another "female problem," similar to painful periods or endometriosis.
A survey of 1,200 women revealed that 87% feel menopause significantly affects their quality of life, with nearly half experiencing severe symptoms. Despite this, only 37% had consulted a gynecologist. This reluctance may stem from embarrassment, fear, or uncertainty. It's important to recognize that menopause begins gradually, often starting with a pre-menopause period that lasts 2 to 4 years. Additionally, many associate menopause with aging, adding another layer of complexity to how it is perceived and handled.
Menopause: A taboo and a marker of invisibility
In many cultures that prize youth and vitality, menopause can render women feeling invisible as they age. This sentiment is captured with wry insight by American poet Mary Ruefle in "My Private Property": "Whether you were attractive or not, you were used to feeling the gaze of others on you... That time is over; now the gaze of others goes right through you, you are completely invisible to their eyes, you have become a ghost. You no longer exist!"
The perception of menopause varies greatly, both in society and medically. Researcher Cécile Charlap in "The Making of Menopause", observes that menopause is often framed not as a normal phase of aging but as a loss or deficiency, especially in Western societies. Consequently, menopause is seen through a lens that devalues the non-reproductive female body, turning it into an experience of disqualification.
Navigating menopause as an expat woman
For expat women, varying cultural perceptions of menopause can pose significant challenges. In cultures where menopause is seldom discussed, it becomes difficult to openly talk about it or seek professional help. One expat woman recounts her struggles: "Feeling insecure and distrusting, I decided to wait until I could return to my home country for medical consultation. Meanwhile, I began researching on my own, reading books and trying to understand my condition without any support."
Furthermore, explaining symptoms in a foreign language can be daunting, as can understanding medical advice, particularly when it involves hormone treatments that require precise diagnoses based on the severity of symptoms and overall health status.
Differences in healthcare systems also contribute to hesitancy in seeking medical advice abroad. For example, in France, the social security system covers approximately 30 to 65% of healthcare costs, depending on the type of treatment, but this can vary widely in other countries. Essential tests, like bone density scans to assess the risk of osteoporosis, can be costly and are not consistently covered by insurance, which varies widely in terms of the treatments and alternative medicines it supports.
Varied approaches to menopause and practical tips
Experiencing menopause doesn't have to feel like a diminishing of oneself. In fact, one of the benefits of living abroad is the exposure to different cultural attitudes towards menopause, which can help reshape personal views and challenge existing taboos.
Cécile Charlap points out how different cultural perceptions can be, using Japan as an example. In Japanese, the term "konenki" refers to menopause but covers a broader spectrum than in the West, including signs of aging like graying hair and diminishing eyesight. Interestingly, "konenki" applies to both men and women, highlighting a more inclusive and comprehensive approach.
Being abroad also allows access to various global initiatives that offer support and information. For example, Elda Health, which started as a WhatsApp group, has developed into a structured platform offering comprehensive services in English. Additionally, local and expatriate support groups can be a great resource, providing emotional support and practical advice. Such communities often share valuable coping strategies and insights, enriching the expatriate experience and offering guidance even before seeking medical advice.
Regardless of location, some universal tips remain valuable: Health experts recommend maintaining a healthy diet, limiting tobacco use, and staying physically active. They also advise on ways to reduce cardiovascular risks and prevent osteoporosis. Stress-management practices like yoga or meditation can be beneficial, and exploring alternative treatments such as Ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine might offer helpful complementary approaches to managing menopause.
