--- title: Menopause Stories date: 2024-05-02T00:49:00-04:00 author: Missy Moyer canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/menopause-stories" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Menopause Stories By Brownen Parker-Rhodes In this video, women talk about their experiences of menopause, including negative physical changes and how going through menopause shifted their views on aging. > Very rapidly my periods got heavier and heavier and heavier. It was the summer. It was a really hot day. And I was in the shower. And I’m having my shower and I’m washing my hair and then I looked down and the floor of the bath, you know, my feet and the base of the bath was just red. It was like someone had just tipped red paint in the bottom of the bath. It was just a sea of red. ![](/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) - [perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/perimenopause) - [aging](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/aging) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults. ![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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) This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease) [ResourcesRead ## 2020 Report: Caregiving in the United States A report on the demographics of caregivers in the United States, the nature of care work, caregiver stress/health, the financial impact of caregiving, and more. ![Pexels ron lach interracial grandson caretaking white grandma scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A report on the demographics of caregivers in the United States, the nature of care work, caregiver stress/health, the financial impact of caregiving, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/2020-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states) [ResourcesRead ## Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long-Term Care Community A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders. ![Georg arthur pflueger elder care unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-guide-to-finding-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-long-term-care-community) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Sharing What I Learned about Perimenopause Nina shares how her experience with perimenopause led her to co-found Women Living Better, a resource that demystifies the menopause transition. ![Nina_Coslov](data:image/png;base64,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) Nina shares how her experience with perimenopause led her to co-found Women Living Better, a resource that demystifies the menopause transition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-the-very-early-perimenopause) [ResourcesRead ## Affordable Housing Initiative for LGBTQ+ Older Adults This site includes a resource library for housing for LGBTQ+ older adults and access to various reports on LGBTQ+ aging. ![cottonbro-studio-6929471](data:image/png;base64,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) This site includes a resource library for housing for LGBTQ+ older adults and access to various reports on LGBTQ+ aging.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/affordable-housing-initiative-for-lgbtq-elders) [ResourcesRead ## Ageism and Heterosexism in African American LGBT Lives This article tells the stories of LGBT African Americans, their very real problems around coming of age, and how those experiences shaped their lives as they grew older. ![Growing Older Final](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEHklEQVRIiV2WW3LsNgxEzwHpTWV9WUTWGovofIAa+0aFqhlJFBpvtH//9Y9S1qq1197r62vvr/31tfbea6+1VlVZSysWVjQYKopaqlWuH2GVJaVVEH5f/nGXn9f5PMjvx////n9XNvKHvIryoyjzI3ye/IIWxqMevz6fzLVjkJiRORyCc64DzM0ozX31C6Dee6FDhfge2NSrYVSb2Nhj0e8oNZGESA+YIBbVLCHYtNeViXXtVICY1KjO603Ha3hL3bg1NESaRBVD1TVZsZmHE/Her0aisX6bH2wj5po/2j/CxwPYvABiU2Ah1M7qN1VSHa+gkWB0giOHNJ4fP4IaVq5beDHqRinsVIs3JtWp0X4iIdGGItDhwAmHnNjQojFegAm6UWsqUrJTDY6FNz52ymicikmP+ZzwwJOBoScOnb0ugFLHkoeICjvV4+gApJrqaLxhjMEe7fE7POE7OdhAU8XXpARKSuqksIhFdmzkNn79JGAaKKKBE0/4Dt/Nv+G7ecjkucJkxRdg6TKFArurhbeKmmp+AJxOiAee+PSL0XyHM1YXZxEoWGYXz2HDmfbc8YyRsVJ3in2qAMG+woGnX4DmgZD1mr9kyS62PN5K5U0yvoqmMuMdlljT4fP24AnXlSRYSTLm8yVP8ZiDhxSyZ+wEY32033ouSnzLu2//TxOczhM7KRHW4ct861M5+piFlbDbFuudRRinFHTGueOFqpMX7sxLpyFTu+TRUznHY44eUsE9EQzGcJt9dFtVJRaasHCF1SwZqyE0n3HVx1McPdLa0MXZIXxGseDVv6yyVl3LY8OGHXZnyzZnvsu0HDE5dNnNORyswAfgXWgXoMq1ZlFWTZlBJvTlU3m81ndS4GA0OfTHg+BOPmN/RuOrvWrVnt2q1Soh3XSnD12JkZyZ9Y2GM+10d0bHAcD8cqCsssq9xokCV1F9DUmnFzlQqc5DkywGA5o0fWY+6r7qhVv3VdRyLdeqvW8WOlbnBTAnLDjRXiZpk5VU3oac5VG408RJBBfgJmBfKTXhzBppWCOhsPLd3TRkJdWZtsl5+ce+3CHXg6KKVazl2n7tWsuaMm2LtkObQx5Y8aTsYydd40Tf1gyk6J3JbpwBMVRqvRRquVctBfqkolvO60Tdxn/ops0k/lbU5T57mvLuH2py8EeIXKWhpdCWZRa9krpRL/tkXJv1Ap27xnb6Zpg7ge7SqMsG93LpnKjogkWKvjKbZMjKIanpybfux4PLfm6IarTzi2vOAGL4Zi96cYpTadND2OhOD+O6D0LA/VLFnxWjXt7qxw/neJFi6yl2sYtTOaYvY0roAfjQtexbn7yj6APzK1wiUlCm7Lq7ZaRImTKhe/gYL0MGPh68POqH23wWgVIMTbgL4gITyfvnsuB3KtwxyH/yAGxouyGr6QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) This article tells the stories of LGBT African Americans, their very real problems around coming of age, and how those experiences shaped their lives as they grew older.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-and-heterosexism-in-african-american-lgbtqi-lives) [ResourcesRead ## Ageism Ignores and Insults the Competence of Adults This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence. ![pexels-kampus-production-8422703](data:image/png;base64,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) This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-ignores-and-insults-the-competence-of-adults) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Coping with Perimenopause JF discusses her perimenopause symptoms. She explains her difficulty with the healthcare system and finding a perimenopause specialist. ![My Story- Coping with Perimenopause](data:image/png;base64,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) JF discusses her perimenopause symptoms. She explains her difficulty with the healthcare system and finding a perimenopause specialist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-perimenopause)