I didn’t find menopause unpleasant

Photo of a woman on a bike path

Maria, 56 years old

"I just told myself I had to get through it. I didn't find menopause unpleasant, but I guess it wasn't all that bad in my case. I didn't have any problems with it.“

I could tell that my menopause had started because my periods became less regular. I was about 45 years old at the time. The gap between my periods kept getting bigger. But sometimes the gap was shorter. It was completely irregular. Over time my periods got lighter. I had my last period when I was 51.

It was a great relief to know that I couldn't get pregnant anymore. I no longer had to worry about that happening at that age.

A positive attitude towards life helped me

Menopause wasn't a big deal to me. I just told myself I had to get through it. I didn't find menopause unpleasant, but I guess it wasn't all that bad in my case. I didn't have any problems with it.

Women in generations before mine went through the same thing, some with more problems and limitations than others. I just accepted that it was happening, perhaps because of my general outlook on life. I always try to think positively. I went through menopause with an optimistic and positive attitude. That’s something I may have inherited from my mother. She never talked about it and simply accepted it as a normal part of life. My mother was always a role model for me. She was a very positive woman.

Hard times? Not for me

I also talked to other women of my age about it. After all, menopause is no longer a taboo subject. Other women went through some bad times during their menopause, but I didn’t.

I had hot flashes too, mostly at night. But not very often. When I had them, I found it very unpleasant, especially at work. At first I'd feel very warm, then hot and then I'd break out in a sweat. It was always awkward because I didn’t want other people to notice. But it was difficult to hide because my face changed color during hot flashes. That was really unpleasant. Other than that, I had no problems or pain. I had never had any problems with my periods either, though.

I've had a very good gynecologist for many years now. He told me that I didn’t have to take any medication during or after menopause. I always kept up-to-date and went to talks. Then that big study was done in the States, and it became clear to me that I didn’t want to take any medication. So I didn't take any.

I think I became more independent during menopause. I went to talks and to the theater on my own. My first grandchild was born around that time. I then focused more on my new role. Without being aware of it, I think I tried to adapt to my new life situation.

Acknowledgment

Our real-life stories summarize interviews with people who are affected by the medical condition. Our interview partners have given us permission to publish their stories. We would like to express our sincere thanks to them.

The real-life stories give an insight into how other people cope and live with a medical condition. Their opinions and comments are not recommendations by IQWiG.

Please note: The names of our interview partners have been changed to protect their identity. The photos are of models.

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Updated on January 12, 2023

Next planned update: 2026

Publisher:

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany)

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