By Caroline David-Tostevin
Menopause — a word often whispered, softened, or avoided — deserves to be spoken with the same reverence we give to all natural transitions in life. Each October, World Menopause Day invites us to pause and reflect on this profound physiological and emotional milestone, one that unites women across backgrounds, ages, and experiences.
For many, menopause arrives naturally with the gentle passing of time; for others, it is induced through medical treatment or surgical intervention, often in the shadow of illness. Yet whatever the path, the essence remains the same — a reawakening of self. It is a reminder that womanhood is not defined by fertility, but by the enduring capacity to evolve, to feel deeply, and to adapt with grace.
This stage of life is far more than the cessation of cycles. It is a recalibration — of body, of mind, and of meaning. The physical shifts can be demanding, and the emotional terrain can feel unsteady, but within that transformation lies a quieter, deeper strength. There is wisdom born from the letting go, and renewal born from acceptance.
We live in an age where conversations about menopause are finally emerging from the margins. The silence that once surrounded it is slowly being replaced by compassion, understanding, and advocacy. To speak of menopause mindfully is to honour every woman who has walked through it — naturally, surgically, or medically induced — and to acknowledge that each story holds its own truth.
So today, let us celebrate not only awareness, but also the serenity that comes from embracing change. As this poem reminds us:
World Menopause Day
A change of season, softly told,
Where warmth replaces winter’s cold.
The body shifts, the heart reclaims,
A quieter strength, a softer flame.
For some, by time, the change appears,
For others, brought through loss or tears.
Induced by treatment, choice, or fate,
Yet all emerge — regenerate.
A pause, not end, but life renewed,
A wisdom deep, a calmer mood.
Let every woman stand and say,
“I honour me — in every way.”
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