Not so long ago, menopause was discussed quietly, if at all. But today, people aren’t just talking about it openly, they’re throwing menopause parties to commemorate this new stage of life.
Why now? One possibility is that Generation X has reached (menopausal) age.
“We were questioned,” said Julie Kucinski, co-founder of Wile, a wellness brand for women over 40. “When we started experiencing perimenopause and menopausal symptoms, we asked, ‘Why is this topic being glossed over? Why aren’t there better services? Why aren’t there better brands? Why aren’t there more conversations?’
Celebrities are also helping to remove the stigma associated with menopause. Michelle Obama, Drew Barrymore, Maria Shriver and Oprah Winfrey have discussed the topic publicly. “I’m going through it and I know all my friends are going through it. And there’s very little information,” Obama recently told people magazine.
Even businesses are jumping on the menopause bandwagon, offering employees support groups and access to experts. Some companies, like Avon, even offer menopause-friendly work policies, such as flexible schedules and paid time off.
With the influx of menopause products onto the market over the past few years and the increase in education and discussion around menopause, women “see this as a time to take ownership of their own,” Kusinski said. “In our survey, middle-aged women said they still have a lot to do. They still have a mark they want to leave.”
Celebrating a new stage of life
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in women celebrating midlife, whether it’s a menopause party, a 50th birthday, or even a divorce party,” said Jillian Leslie, co-founder of Catch My Party. Menopause Popular order for parties. Pinterest and other social media sites are awash with menopause party ideas, from womb-shaped piñatas to menopause trivia. “Today, many women view achieving these milestones as an achievement rather than an embarrassment.”
Some celebrations focus on humor and fun, while others focus on education and sharing stories.
“I know the taboo associated with menopause can intimidate women from getting the information they need to live happy, healthy lives,” said Ellen Dolgen, founder of the Menopause Monday Party, an event that includes discussions around Social activities during perimenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. -menopause. “Women support each other, have their favorite drink in hand, are more approachable and less threatening.”
Dorgan begins each gathering by sharing her journey. Then, the floodgates opened, she said. “Everyone [shares] their story and team [becomes] A support system.After the party, they [have] rely on each other, [is] My goal,” she said.
For others, a menopause party is an opportunity to escape from painful or difficult times.
“I have been in perimenopause for 10 years and the bleeding was out of control,” said Sheila Burke of Cleveland, Ohio. When she entered menopause, she was “over the moon” and invited four close friends to celebrate. They met at a local store on Friday afternoon to toast the end of her period over wine and cupcakes.
Ginya Benner of Marshall, Mich., entered menopause in her early 40s. Menstruation caused inconvenience to Benner when she frequently traveled for work. “When I realized I was going through menopause, it was the best day ever,” she said.
For her menopause party, she threw a sleepover. “I thought about those boring games at baby showers and bridal showers, and I wanted something different,” she said. Her friends played irreverent games and gave her lots of prank gifts.
“We had a lot of laughs,” she said.
Alyssa Jones – Author Queen Newsletter, which aims to improve the experience of perimenopausal and menopausal women, recently published information about hosting your own perimenopausal party.
Jones said it was more of a “it sucks, so let’s have some fun” event. “You’re about to go through a system-wide transformation. I decided I needed to throw myself a party.”
Jones invited eight friends to a Bridgerton-themed dinner party, which she hosted with the help of a costume designer friend.
“I need to talk to other women about this experience, have fun and get gifts,” Jones added.
