Menopause is not the end—it's the beginning of a deeper self-awareness

“Menopause is not the end—it's the beginning of a deeper self-awareness”

A Psychological and Biological Journey of Women Beyond Forty

Written by: Rathin Ghosh, Clinical Psychotherapist & Counselor

(Based on research and real clinical experience)

Introduction: A Silent Passage

Every year, millions of women across the world undergo a transformation that is rarely seen but deeply felt. Their bodies shift, their minds waver, and their identities tremble in silence. This is the journey of menopause.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), around 47 million women reach menopause each year. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 1.2 billion. Yet, despite its massive impact, the mental health crisis of this demographic remains largely ignored.

1. Menopause: More Than the End of Periods

Many understand menopause as the cessation of menstruation. But this is not just a physical event—it marks a deeper existential transformation in a woman’s life.

The Three Phases:

Perimenopause: The beginning of irregular periods and hormonal fluctuations

Menopause: Officially confirmed after 12 months of no menstruation

Postmenopause: A prolonged period of physical and emotional adaptation

2. Biological Turbulence and Its Mental Echo

2.1. Hormonal Roller Coaster:

Decline in estrogen and progesterone impacts not just fertility but also emotion regulation, memory, sleep, sexual desire, bone health, and cardiovascular function.

Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA are disrupted, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional numbness.

2.2. Physical Impacts:

Weight gain and bone thinning

Vaginal dryness and reduced libido

Sleep disturbances

Increased blood pressure and heart risks

Each of these changes triggers deep psychological responses—often a sense of losing control over one’s own body and identity.

3. Psychological Breakdown: “I am not who I used to be”

3.1. Depression:

According to Freeman et al., Journal of Affective Disorders (2014), 20–25% of menopausal women experience clinical depression.

Many women report feelings like:

 “I don’t feel attractive anymore.”

“I am no longer needed.”

These aren’t mere thoughts—they echo from the depths of their psyche.

Erik Erikson’s theory of "Generativity vs. Stagnation" explains that in middle age, individuals seek purpose through contributing to society. If they feel obsolete, it can lead to stagnation, despair, and depression.

3.2. Anxiety and Insecurity:

Fear of health complications

Uncertainty about relationships

The irreversible awareness—“I can never be a mother again”

3.3. Erosion of Self-Worth:

According to Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory, if a person feels they have no control over their life, their confidence collapses.

Women often say:

“My body is not listening to me. I feel alien inside myself.”

4. Does Society Understand a Woman’s Transition?

In many societies, menopause equals the end of womanhood—as if a woman’s only value lies in her reproductive ability. This mindset leads to:

Ridicule: “You’re old now”

Denial of sexuality: “You shouldn't think about this at your age”

Emotional invalidation: “You're just overthinking”

These cultural stigmas destroy a woman’s internal world. Many suffer in silent breakdown.

5. What Does Menopause Truly Call For?—A Rebuilding

According to the Psychodynamic Perspective, menopause signals a profound reconstruction of the self.

This is a kind of psychological rebirth, where the old identity disintegrates to give rise to a newer, deeper version of the self.

She is no longer just a mother, wife, or daughter—she becomes her own eternal companion.

6. The Way Forward: Healing the Body, Mind & Identity

6.1. Biological Support:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Balances estrogen and progesterone to stabilize mood

Calcium and Vitamin D supplements: Preserve bone health

Dermatological and sexual health support: For dryness and discomfort

Regular exercise and yoga: Boosts endorphins, reduces weight and anxiety

6.2. Psychological Therapy:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Restructures negative thought patterns

Mindfulness & Meditation: Reduces anxiety, enhances emotional regulation

Self-compassion techniques: Teaches women to speak kindly to themselves

Support groups: Decreases isolation through shared experiences

Couples Counseling: Encourages open discussion on intimacy and emotional change

7. Beyond 50: Not an End, But a Renaissance

A menopausal woman is not losing her youth—she is gaining wisdom, insight, and inner strength.

If the society, family, and medical system recognize this phase, she can emerge as a “Wise Woman”—a guide to the next generation.

8. 7 Golden Strategies for Mental Wellness in Menopause

✅ Understand and accept your changing body and emotions

✅ Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes daily

✅ Open up emotionally with family

✅ Dedicate personal time—read, listen to music, be in nature

✅ Speak openly with your partner about intimacy

✅ Engage in creative and social activities

✅ Seek clinical counseling if necessary

Conclusion: This Journey Need Not Be Painful—If You Embrace Yourself

Menopause is not a disease—it’s a transformational phase.

If society respects a woman’s pain, if the family stands beside her, and if she learns to honor her body and emotions—this passage becomes not a curse, but a celebration of inner strength.

Menopause is not my end. It’s my beginning, in a different form.

Written by:

Rathin Ghosh

Clinical Psychotherapist & Counselor

Feel Good Now – Ask Me How

If your mother, sister, friend, or colleague is going through this—stand by her. Share this article.

#MenopauseAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #WomenEmpowerment #WiseWoman #PsychotherapyInLife