Of course, some women do have positive experiences of menopause, and it is important not to generalise experiences.
And some cultures also have different attitudes to menopause as a society. For example, the Japanese word for menopause, “konenki”, means renewal and energy.
There, it’s sometimes described as a “second spring” – which nods to a positive transition into a different phase of life.
Dr Megan Arnot, honorary research fellow in evolutionary anthropology at University College London, says: “Many countries still carry a stigma around menopause, similar to the UK, though it seems attitudes here have begun to shift in recent years.”
However, she suggests there are cultures and countries where menopause is framed more positively.
“In many indigenous communities, including Native American and Mayan cultures, menopause is seen as a transition into wisdom and leadership, granting women greater respect and influence […] Similarly, among Indigenous Australian communities, postmenopausal women often become key cultural educators and spiritual guides.”