Global Views

Included on this page are 20 essentials covering global views on menopause. These essentials cover various cultures, including South & East Asian, Indigenous & Traditional, Middle Eastern & African, and Western & European. Their different views on, and treatment options for, menopause are explored, offering alternate perspectives on menopause around the globe.

1. In China, menopause is seen as a natural decline of yin (feminine energy), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends acupuncture and herbs to balance energies.
2. In India, menopause marks a phase of freedom as religious associations with menstrual impurity are removed, and Ayurvedic medicine is used to balance the body’s doshas.
3. In Japan, menopause is called “konenki” symbolizing positive rebirth and renewal, and women receive gifts and participate in ceremonies to commemorate this milestone.
4. In South Korea, menopause is rarely discussed openly with women managing symptoms through traditional Korean medicine options like dietary changes and herbal remedies.

5. In Indigenous Australia, postmenopausal women become key cultural and spiritual educators, sharing wisdom, cultural practices, and traditions with younger generations.
6. In Mayan communities, the end of menstruation elevates a woman’s status, allowing her to participate in spiritual and community leadership roles and activities previously restricted.
7. In Native American communities, there is no single word for menopause, and they see women entering a sacred transition, bringing wisdom and leadership to the community.
8. In Nepal, menopause is not discussed openly, and health awareness campaigns are increasing in urban areas to educate, foster open dialogue and break down taboos.

9. In Egypt, natural and herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms have been noted in Ancient Egyptian texts, highlighting their early recognition of menopause, with many still used today.
10. In Iran, menopause is viewed culturally as a natural transition, with women using traditional herbal remedies to manage symptoms that have been passed down through generations.
11. In Islamic societies, menopause results in positive role changes and greater social freedom for postmenopausal women, as they no longer need to observe strict gender roles.
12. In Kenya, while some tribes see postmenopausal women as respected elders, there is a stigma associated with menopause for other Kenyan women, as it signals the end of fertility.
13. In Nigeria, menopause is seen positively as it marks the end of menstrual discomfort, with women seeking understanding and support from religious and community groups.
14. In Sudan, they embrace women having many children for as long as possible, so early menopause comes with shame, as a woman can no longer bear children at a young age.

15. In Brazil, while menopause awareness is growing and holistic health care is gaining popularity, menopause largely remains taboo and is labeled with being old and aging.
16. In Ecuador, menopause and old age are taboo as youth and beauty are revered, and the word “bochorno” not only means hot flash, it also means embarrassment and shame.
17. In France, there is an emphasis on youthfulness, with women seeking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage menopause symptoms, and cosmetic treatments to manage aging.
18. In Italy, the importance of maintaining an active and fulfilling sex life around menopause is emphasized, with openness on seeking health and wellness advice postmenopause.
19. In Russia, menopause is seen as a transition into a respected wise elder status, bringing certain freedoms from societal expectations related to femininity and childbearing.
20. In the United States, there is a focus on natural and holistic menopause management, with an emphasis on lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and community support.

To learn about menopause, visit the Menopause 101 page.