Are there benefits to menopause?

Hot flashes, heavy periods, vaginal dryness ... the menopause transition can be tough. But is it possible that there are upsides to this life change? Listen to one of our favorite episodes, "12. Flipping the script on menopause" to find out!

Episode summary

Many people view menopause with dread — or live in denial that it will ever happen. Author Kirsten Miller and Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Paru David argue that menopause does not have to be a time of gloom and doom. It's not a disease; it's a stage of life, and one that some find empowering.

In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:

• It's time to talk about menopause. Despite the fact that menopause happens to roughly half the population, it's shrouded in secrecy and even shame. That means most people who experience menopause walk into it blind and are surprised by the changes they experience. Dr. David and Kirsten Miller want to change that.
• Menopause isn't the end. Life, careers, interests, relationships — and yes, sex — can extend far beyond middle age. For some women, middle age is a renaissance where they're most comfortable with themselves and thrive in ways they didn't in their 20s or 30s. Kirsten Miller talks about "rebranding" menopause in her book as a time of newfound power.

Questions for discussion:

• Was there anything about experiencing menopause or getting older that came as a relief or even a pleasant surprise?

Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!