Isn’t it time we reconsidered menopause as more than just a period of decline? On Forbes magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women list last year, many nominees were over 50. These influential figures included Ursula von der Leyen, 67, President of the European Union; Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, 63; Christine Lagarde, 69, head of the European Central Bank; and Donna Langley, 57, Chairwoman of NBC Universal Entertainment and Studios.
At 64, Sanae Takaichi has recently become Japan’s Prime Minister. A review of the list of women who have won Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, or Literature reveals that most are over 48. This suggests that female brainpower does not diminish at midlife, despite declining estrogen levels.
Challenging the Decline Narrative
Dr. Sarah White, chief executive of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, a not-for-profit organization offering health services to women, emphasizes the need to rethink menopause. “It’s true that some women will really struggle in perimenopause, and we have to wrap our arms around them – but I also worry that we’re stoking the idea that menopause is a time of decline for everyone,” she states.
According to Dr. White, commercial entities often exploit menopause-related insecurities to sell products, perpetuating the notion that menopause equates to aging and decline. “There’s a lot of catastrophizing about menopause coming from commercial entities wanting to sell you something,” she notes.
Social media narratives often skew towards negative experiences, as people tend to share cautionary tales rather than positive outcomes. “We don’t share ‘I feel liberated from managing contraception and having a period every month – and I can’t wait to wear white pants again’,” Dr. White points out. Yet, many women experience a sense of release, especially if they have dealt with PMS or migraines during their periods. Research indicates that women are generally happier in the years following menopause.
Workforce Participation and Cognitive Health
If menopause signifies decline, why are more women working past the age of 55? “The Australian Industry Group recently reported that participation in the workforce by women over 55 had jumped to 64 percent in 2025, from 48 percent two decades ago,” Dr. White highlights.
Menopause can be challenging for some, but linking it to decline seems outdated, especially as we live longer and healthier lives. Encouragingly, research from the University of Western Australia, published in the journal Intelligence, found that overall mental functioning peaks between ages 55 and 60. “It may help explain why many of the most demanding leadership roles in business, politics, and public life are often held by people in their 50s and early 60s,” says Associate Professor of Psychology Gilles Gignac.
Embracing a “Time of Renewal”
In Japan, the word for menopause, “konenke,” translates to “time of renewal.” This perspective aligns with the “second spring” concept from Traditional Chinese Medicine, suggesting a new beginning rather than an end.
This viewpoint also resonates with the grandmother hypothesis, an evolutionary theory positing that menopause is nature’s way of enhancing survival. “Women, wild chimpanzees, and some species of whales are the only female mammals that live long after they finish reproducing, and the grandmother hypothesis is that menopause frees older females to help keep younger generations safe,” Dr. White explains.
Research supports this idea, showing that killer whale grandmothers, like human grandmothers in some hunter-gatherer societies, provide grandchildren with a survival advantage.
Menopause as a Transition
Psychologist Tanya Bowe, based on the Sunshine Coast, helps women navigate perimenopause and views menopause as another phase of womanhood. “Society needs to see menopause as moving into another phase of womanhood, not a loss,” she asserts, likening it to the transition of pregnancy and motherhood.
“Both can be challenging but with opportunities for growth on the other side. I think you can build a deeper connection with yourself after menopause – there’s more space for reflection, and you can develop a stronger sense of self and more confidence,” Bowe suggests.
Preparation is key, much like pregnancy and motherhood. “Women could benefit from connecting with themselves to identify any pre-existing emotional struggles, and what they need to make the transition smoother,” Bowe advises. Many women prioritize others’ needs over their own, which can lead to feelings of depletion and resentment during this time. Effective communication and seeking help from a GP if dealing with anxiety or depression are crucial steps.
Understanding Brain Fog
Neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay, author of “The Women’s Brain Book,” sees parallels between menopause and pregnancy. Just as some pregnant women worry about “baby brain,” some women in perimenopause experience “brain fog.”
“In perimenopause, brain fog is a constellation of symptoms that can be different for different women. Some say they can’t pay attention, others have difficulty recalling names or words. But it’s not an early sign of dementia, and for most women, it’s temporary,” McKay emphasizes.
While the exact cause remains unclear due to a lack of long-term studies, sleep disturbances in perimenopause may impact memory and attention. However, there is evidence that brain cell networks become more integrated, compensating for these changes.
Ultimately, reframing menopause as a time of renewal and opportunity could transform societal perceptions and empower women to embrace this significant life transition with confidence and optimism.
