Summary of Key Points
In China, there are over 280 million women going through menopause, yet they remain largely silent online—rarely discussing their experiences. Related discussions often revolve around complaints from children or advertisements for health products. This silence stems from the continuation of menstrual shame, cultural inertia, and family pressure, leading to physical and mental suffering (such as hot flashes and depression), as well as career setbacks (a phenomenon known as "hot resignations"). Underlying these issues are misconceptions (e.g., that the symptoms will pass on their own or that hormone therapy is harmful). Improvement requires self-management, medical intervention, and support from social systems.
1. Why Don't Women in Menopause Want to Talk? — The Shame and Pressure Behind the Silence
The silence of menopausal women is not due to the topic being niche; rather, it's a result of fear or a sense of unnecessary discussion:
- Continuation of menstrual shame: Shyness about menstruation during adolescence extends to reluctance to talk about menopause—the belief that "physical privacy should not be discussed" is deeply rooted.
- Family pressure makes them pretend everything is fine: They belong to the "sandwich generation," responsible for caring for both elderly parents and dependent children, with 91.4% of their stress coming from family. Family members often misunderstand their emotional fluctuations as signs of mental instability, so they avoid revealing their vulnerability to prevent adding to the family's burden.
- Cultural inertia: Many believe that menopause is a natural phase that just needs to be endured without discussion.
2. The Cost of Silence: Physical and Mental Suffering
The fact that women do not talk about menopause does not mean the issues are insignificant; its effects are more severe than imagined:
- Physical symptoms: A wide range of issues affect every part of the body, including joint pain (70%, with 25% experiencing severe discomfort), hot flashes and night sweats (lasting an average of 2.6 years), urinary problems (dryness, frequent urination), and poor sleep (four times more common than in younger women).
- Long-term effects: Declining estrogen levels can accelerate osteoporosis, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and lead to cognitive decline (a condition known as "brain fog").
- Mental health: The risk of depression triples. Chinese women are more prone to irritability than those in Europe and America, and family misunderstandings (e.g., thinking they are simply having a bad temper) further contribute to their distress. Women with a history of depression have a nearly fivefold increased risk of developing depression during menopause.
3. The Invisible Retreat from the Workplace: "Hot Resignations"
Menopause represents a second career bottleneck for women (the first being childbirth), with many forced to leave the workforce:
- What are "hot resignations"? Women resign or refuse promotions due to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia.
- National comparisons: In Japan, 9.4% of women leave their jobs due to these symptoms; in the UK, 6% have already done so. In China, the transition is more subtle—women may switch to less demanding roles, retire internally, or quietly give up promotion opportunities.
- Reasons: The workplace lacks understanding (no one realizes their physical discomfort), and changes in their roles (children leaving home and parents needing care) make them feel useless, leading them to choose to withdraw from the workforce.
4. How Many People Are Held Back by These Misconceptions?
The silence is fueled by misunderstandings about menopause, which even affect the women themselves:
- Misconception 1: "It will pass in a few years?" The average age of menopause in China is 49, but the period can last 4-8 years. Some women start experiencing symptoms in their 40s and continue to struggle until 55—this is not just a matter of enduring it.
- Misconception 2: "Menopause is a disease?" It is a natural physiological transition, but its symptoms should be taken seriously, as they can significantly impact sleep and work performance.
- Misconception 3: "Hormone therapy is harmful?" Internationally, hormone therapy is recognized as the most effective for moderate to severe symptoms (estrogen supplementation relieves discomfort), yet its use in China is only 1-3% (3.78% in Shanghai). When used during the "window period" (within 10 years of menopause or before age 60), the benefits outweigh the risks when prescribed by a doctor.
5. Finding a Solution: A Joint Effort from Individuals and Society
Addressing this issue cannot rely solely on women:
- Self-management: Start by adjusting your lifestyle—quit smoking and drinking, limit coffee intake, supplement with vitamin D and calcium, and exercise three times a week (e.g., brisk walking or yoga). These steps can improve overall health, but for severe symptoms, medical consultation is necessary.
- Don't be ashamed of seeking help: Seeing a doctor is not a sign of weakness. Severe symptoms (such as insomnia or depression) require timely medical attention; hormone therapy or traditional Chinese medicine can provide relief (90% of women in Shanghai who used hormone therapy saw improvement).
- A more supportive society is needed: Learn from countries like the UK, where companies offer flexible working hours, adjust office temperatures, and train managers to understand menopause. Nordic countries have incorporated menopause into occupational health programs, allowing women to avoid a silent retreat from the workplace.
Conclusion: Facing the Issue Head-On
Menopause is not an insignificant topic; it affects the physical and mental well-being of 280 million women. Instead of enduring in silence, let's talk about it more openly—share with friends, seek medical help, and raise awareness of the needs of this group. After all, health is far more important than maintaining a facade.
(Reference: "Expert Consensus on Self-Management of Menopausal Syndrome 2025," multiple domestic and international studies)