---
title: A Joyful Menopause
date: 2020-05-13T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/why-we-should-celebrate-the-joys-of-menopause"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# A Joyful Menopause

A celebratory story about the positive aspects of menopause, with thoughts on how to embrace “the change.”

> They often refer to menopause as “The Change,” so let's start changing the story. Let's make “The Change” a beautiful rite of passage, because change can be good and there isn't any way to prevent change from happening anyway.

[Read the full article ](https://www.aarpethel.com/health/menopause-the-change)

SOURCE: AARP: The Ethel • AUTHOR: Rhonda Burgess • LAST UPDATED: June 29, 2020

![Why We Should Celebrate the Joys of Menopause scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) Edward Howell/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menopause & perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menopause-perimenopause)
- [ diverse lived experiences of perimenopause & menopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-lived-experiences-menopause-perimenopause)
- [body positivity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/body-positivity)
- [menopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menopause)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## My Changing Body Image

LL talks about how her skin condition, and her involvement in theatre in high school, both affected her body image.

![Lauren](data:image/png;base64,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)

LL talks about how her skin condition, and her involvement in theatre in high school, both affected her body image.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-my-changing-body-image)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Being in a Relationship When You Don’t Like Your Body

"Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."

![201711youngwoman](data:image/png;base64,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)

"Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-being-in-a-relationship-when-you-dont-like-your-body)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Experiencing Fatphobia after My Miscarriage

EH shares how their experience with fatphobia in medical systems has increased, with doctors focusing on their weight more than their health concerns.

![Elise](data:image/png;base64,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)

EH shares how their experience with fatphobia in medical systems has increased, with doctors focusing on their weight more than their health concerns.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-experiencing-fatphobia-after-my-miscarriage)

[ResourcesWatch

## Conversation with Dr. Jen Gunter: The Menopause Manifesto

An interview with Dr. Jen Gunter on rethinking menopause and her book, The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism.

![Jen Gunter](data:image/png;base64,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)

An interview with Dr. Jen Gunter on rethinking menopause and her book, The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/conversation-with-dr-jen-gunter-the-menopause-manifesto)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Taking Care of My Mental Health During the Pandemic

LM discusses the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental and physical health of many people, especially body image.

![LM](data:image/png;base64,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)

LM discusses the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental and physical health of many people, especially body image.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-taking-care-of-my-mental-health-during-the-pandemic)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Refusing to Live Up To Unrealistic Beauty Standards In Society

LM discusses how her body image has changed throughout her lifetime and the role social media has played in it.

![LM](data:image/png;base64,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)

LM discusses how her body image has changed throughout her lifetime and the role social media has played in it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-refusing-to-live-up-to-unrealistic-beauty-standards-in-society)

[ResourcesRead

## Culture May Influence How Women Experience Menopause

A study suggests that cultural differences shape how many people experience menopause.

![Woman Smiling Leaning on Hand](data:image/png;base64,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)

A study suggests that cultural differences shape how many people experience menopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/culture-may-influence-how-women-experience-menopause)

[ResourcesRead

## The Menstrual Cycle and Women's Health

Our menstrual cycles can tell us a lot about our overall health.

![A calendar with a date circled, pads, pills, and a clock](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our menstrual cycles can tell us a lot about our overall health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstrual-cycle-womens-health)