10+ Women Reveal Truth About Living With Menopause (2025)

• “Menopause was like awild rollercoaster ride forme, but italso opened upawhole new world ofpossibilities. Istarted taking improv classes because, hey, ifI was going tohave unpredictable mood swings, Imight aswell learn how toroll with them onstage! Itwas terrifying and exhilarating atthe same time.
  And you know what? Itwas liberating. Istopped worrying somuch about what others thought and started living inthe moment. Ieven started a‘Menopause Misfits’ group with some friends where we’d try out new things together, like trapeze lessons and karaoke nights. Welaughed, wecried, and wesupported each other through itall.
  Menopause taught metoembrace the chaos and find joy inthe unexpected. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely anadventure worth embracing.”

• “Iused todread the idea ofmenopause, but nowI see itasachance torediscover who Iam. I’ve always been abit ofahomebody, but lately, I’ve been pushing myself totry new things. Ijoined alocal hiking group, and it’s been amazing. I’ve met somany wonderful women who are also going through menopause, and we’ve formed alittle community.
  Weshare tips, laugh about our symptoms, and encourage each other tokeep exploring. I’ve even started writing ablog about myexperiences, which has been therapeutic and surprisingly fun. It’s like I’m onajourney ofself-discovery, and menopause isjust one part ofit.
  So, ifyou’re feeling overwhelmed, try tofind something that brings you joy, even ifit’s something small. You might besurprised athow much itcan change your perspective.”

The Funny Side ofMenopause

Many women admitted they’ve found humor inthe aging process and the quirks that come with menopause.

• “Weight gain gave meboobsI never had. People inmycollege classes nolonger think I’m hot. Adult women want tohook upwith my21-year-old son. Idon’t understand popular music anymore. Mymouth has more lines than amap. Iam into knitting. Itotally ‘get’ elastic waistbands now!
  Ihave bald patches thatI cover with hair powder; Mydaughter andI lovingly refer tothese patches as‘the bald.’ Iam old enough tosee teenagers dressing likeI used towhenI was hot. Mydaughter isgetting the amazing bodyI once had. Iam witnessing myerstwhile beauty blooming inmykids.
  Ican’t see without glasses. Ino longer pass asanything BUT myage. Idon’t know who any ofthe current celebrities are. Ieat nothing but yogurt. Iwork out and yield 0results. Ifall asleep watching TV. Idon’t swear anymore...” ©djinnib00/ Reddit
• “Agrowing interest inbirds should belisted amongst hot flashes and night sweats asasign ofperi and menopause. ‘Oh, look... isthat acardinal? Let megrab mybird book and apair ofbinoculars!’” ©Solodog2/ Reddit
• “Iyell atpeople who misbehave inpublic. Iknit andI loveit. Ihave tochange glasses all the time tosee different distances. Mycheeks look like ahamster’s and now are same level asmychin.
  Ican grow anice beard. Ido not know any ofthe songs inthe charts. Iwear full cover soft bras.” ©igomilesforacamel/ Reddit

• Myfriends andI had a“Menopause Mission” that turned into acomedy oferrors. Wewere all fed upwith our symptoms and jokingly talked about raiding the pharmacy. One thing led toanother, and suddenly wewere there, trying tolook casual inour sweats and sunglasses.
  While one ofus distracted the pharmacist, the rest ofus grabbed supplements like wewere onasecret mission. But wequickly realized itwas silly and bought everything instead. The pharmacist gaveus adiscount for our “enthusiasm,” and weleft laughing.
  Itwas aridiculous but fun way todeal with menopause, and itremindedus that sometimes, the best way tocope istolaugh and lean oneach other.

Aging often comes with its own set ofquirks, and for many women, these quirks are both hilarious and relatable. One Reddit user shared alighthearted take onthe everyday challenges ofgetting older:

• “Getting older islike asurprise package you never ordered. First off, mymemory plays hide and seek—it’s more hide than seek these days. Iwent tograb myphone the other day tocall someone and ended upfinding itinthe fridge. Apparently, mybrain thinks it’s aleftover sandwich.
  And don’t get mestarted onmaking weird noises whenI standup. Iused tojust stand, nosymphony involved. Now, it’s like acreaky door orchestra.
  IfonlyI could charge myjoints like aphone, I’d begolden. Growing old: where finding your glasses isaworkout, and naps are the highlight ofthe day.” ©rectangularformula47/ Reddit

For numerous women, menopause ushers insignificant physical changes—some ofwhich are less than desirable. However, alongside the challenges, there isanincreasing feeling ofembracing these changes with acceptance.

• “Today I’m cleaning out old clothes storage boxes. Iwas trying onsome old bras, and they all look like teeny triangles likeI knew myboobs got bigger the last few years, but itfeels like I’m being pranked, these bras are sofreaking small!” ©aVoidFullOfF***s/ Reddit
• “I’ve always had large breasts, and they’re still withme, andI still can’t stand itbecauseI hate wearing bras and wishI could get away with not. I’m now solidly apple-shaped, despite having been alovely hourglass most ofmylife.
  Myhair isthinning right atthe front ofmyhairline atmyforehead, which ispretty hard todisguise, especially sinceI have the habit ofpushing mytaking glasses upinmyhead, whereI promptly forget about them untilI need them and can’t find them.” ©Itzpapalotl13/ Reddit

For many women, menopause triggers significant physical changes, not all ofwhich are welcome. Yet, amidst the challenges, there isarising tide ofacceptance.

• “I’ve always been athick woman and have always worn elastic wheneverI could get away withit. And honestly, I’m saggy, baggy, veiny, ashy, wrinkly.... But Ifeel beautiful more days than not compared tomy30s-40s whenI was mired inchild-rearing.
  Ido whatI feel like tohelp myappearance, but lord knowsI don’t doall that Ican, but I’m finally okwithit! When Ihave alittle bit ofextra money, Iwill have alittle bit offace liftingI want done, but that’s aboutit! Ithink wefinally accept ourselves more, and it’s freeing.” ©Beautiful-Nothing685/ Reddit

According toseveral women, one ofthe most empowering aspects ofmenopause isthe emotional transformation itbrings. With the absence ofestrogen’s influence, many discover anewfound freedom tospeak their minds and areduced concern for societal expectations.

• “Ireally like, inaway, the lack ofestrogen. Estrogen made mekeep mymouth shut too many times. Iam full onmeno for over 11years now.
  The other day, aguyI barely know saw apicture ofmymarried, mid-30’s daughter. Itwas the kind ofpicture you’d put onajob board. Hesaid one word: Yummy.
  Ilack estrogen. Hegot adressing down, noexcuses accepted, blocked and kicked out ofmylife. Heisa61-year-old married man, and hewill NOT bring that attitude aroundme.” ©Maiya_Anon/ Reddit

• “Iremember feeling soalone and scared atfirst. The hot flashes and mood swings were relentless, andI didn’t know how tocope.
  But thenI started opening uptomyfriends and family. Ifound out that mysister had gone through the same thing, and she was ahuge source ofsupport. Wetalked onthe phone for hours, sharing our experiences and tips.
  Ialso joined anonline menopause forum, which was agame-changer. Itwas socomforting toconnect with other women who were going through the same thing. Weshared stories, laughed about our symptoms, and supported each other through the tough times.
  Slowly, Ibegan tofeel more empowered. Ilearned tolisten tomybody and take care ofmyself. Istarted practicing yoga and meditation, which helped memanage myanxiety and stress.”

“Now IGet toBe anEccentric Old Lady!”

Despite the difficulties, many women discovered humor and even joy throughout their menopause journey. One woman perfectly encapsulated itbysaying:

• “OMG yes! Iget that! Idon’t care about dancing inpublic, stating myopinions orlooking ‘perfect’ togoout ofthe house.” ©djinnib00/ Reddit

• “Oh, Iabsolutely loved my‘eccentric’ phase during menopause! Atfirst, Iwas embarrassed bythe symptoms—the hot flashes that turned meinto ahuman furnace, the mood swings that had melaughing one minute and crying the next, and the insomnia that made mefeel like anocturnal creature. But thenI decided toembrace itand have some fun withit.
  Istarted wearing outrageous outfits thatI would have never dared towear before. I’d pair abright floral dress with striped socks and clunky boots, andI felt like awalking piece ofart. Myfriends called methe ‘Menopause Picasso,’ andI lovedit!”

Menopause isashared experience, yet itremains largely unspoken about. The women ofr/Menopause highlight that while the journey can bechallenging, itisalso rich with humor, empowerment, and astrong sense ofcommunity. Asthe community’s description putsit: “’Menopause isn’t really that bad’... said nowoman ever.”

Whether it’s finding humor inelastic waistbands, boldly confronting sexist remarks, orreveling inthe freedom tobeunapologetically oneself, menopause isajourney that deserves tobeshared.

• Last week, mydaughter-in-law sat medown with avery serious look onher face. “Idon’t know how tosay this, but...” she hesitated, eyes darting tomystomach. Iblinked. Was she about tolecture meonmylove for stretchy pants?
  Then, inahushed voice, she asked, “Are you... pregnant?” Ichoked onmytea. Pregnant? Atmyage?
  Ilaughed sohardI almost peed (which, let’s behonest, isanother lovely side effect ofmenopause). But she wasn’t joking. Apparently, she had noticed my“mood swings,” my“weird cravings,” and how I’d been fanning myself like anoverheated Victorian lady.
  “Oh, sweetheart,” Iwheezed between laughs. “That’s not ababy. That’s just myhormones throwing arave.” Welcome tomenopause—where the symptoms are suspiciously similar topregnancy, but instead ofababy atthe end, you just get... older.

• Myhusband sat medown, his expression full ofdoubt. “You’re distant, moody, and sometimes you disappear for hours. Are you cheating onme?” Iblinked, caught off guard. “Cheating? Are you serious?” Helooked frustrated. “Please behonest.”
  Itook adeep breath, trying tocalm myself, “I’m not cheating. I’m going through menopause.” His confusion was clear. “Menopause?” herepeated.
  Inodded, feeling vulnerable. “Yes, it’s been tough. The mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia... Ididn’t know how totell you.”
  His face softened, and hetook myhand. “I’m sorry. Ishould have been more understanding.”
  Tears filled myeyes asI squeezed his hand. “Ishould have talked toyou sooner.”
  Hepulled meinto ahug. “We’ll get through this together,” hepromised.
  Inthe following weeks, myhusband became mybiggest supporter. Hejoined meatdoctor’s appointments, researched menopause, and practiced relaxation techniques withme. Westarted taking walks together, which helped improve mymood and energy.
  Astime passed, Ibegan tofeel more like myself. The symptoms were still there, but they were more manageable with his support. Our relationship grew stronger, and welearned tocommunicate better.
  One evening, aswewatched the sunset, heturned tomewith asmile. “I’m grateful for this. It’s broughtus closer.”

• Myboyfriend recently accused meofcheating becauseI was acting distant and secretive. Heeven thought mydoctor was mylover becauseI was visiting him sooften. Iwas just going through early menopause and didn’t want toworry him with all mysymptoms—hot flashes, night sweats, the works. Iwas trying tohandle itonmyown, but itwas tough. When Ifinally told him, hefelt awful for doubtingme. Wehad agood laugh about him thinkingI was having anaffair with mydoctor, but itwas awake-up call for both ofus. Trust and communication are soimportant. I’m just glad weworked itout and can laugh about itnow!

• Myhusband sat medown, his face tense. “Ihired aprivate investigator. You’ve been acting suspicious, sneaking around, hiding things. Are you cheating onme?” Ifroze. “You hired someone tospy onme?” Henodded. “You’ve been distant. Ihad toknow. ”
  Istared athim, then blurted, “Oh, honey! I’m not cheating! Iam having hot flashes and mood swings. Ithink it’s menopause.” Helooked confused. “Menopause? But you’re too young.”
  Ishook myhead. “No, itcan happen earlier. I’ve been having night sweats and irritability. Ididn’t know how totell you.”
  Hesighed, his skepticism fading. “I’m sorryI doubted you. Ishould have talked toyou.”
  Isqueezed his hand. “It’s okay. Iunderstand. But Ipromise tobemore open.”
  Henodded, then remembered something and chuckled. “Bythe way, Igot the bill from the investigator. Hecharged meafortune for reporting that you were just going tothe grocery store and the gym!”