What does the experience of menopause mean for a woman's sense of identity and purpose.

The above question can be called an existential question.

The experience of menopause can bring about profound changes in a woman's life, both physically and emotionally. It can raise existential questions about identity and purpose as women navigate this transitional phase. Some possible aspects to consider in addressing this question include:

1. Identity:

Menopause may challenge traditional notions of femininity and fertility, prompting women to reevaluate their self-perception. They may question how much of their identity was tied to their reproductive abilities and explore new facets of their being.

2. Life's Purpose:

Menopause often coincides with a stage where children may have grown up and left home, leading women to reflect on their life's purpose beyond the roles of motherhood. They may ask themselves what they want to pursue and achieve in this new chapter of their lives.

3. Aging and Mortality:

Menopause can serve as a reminder of the natural process of aging and one's mortality. It may prompt contemplation about the passage of time, the significance of one's existence, and how to make the most of the remaining years.

4. Legacy and Impact:

Women may ponder the impact they have made or wish to make in their personal and professional spheres. They may reflect on the contributions they have made throughout their lives and consider how they want to continue leaving a positive mark on the world.

5. Self-Care and Well-being:

Menopause can prompt women to prioritize self-care and overall well-being. They may question what it means to care for themselves holistically, mentally, emotionally, and physically, and how that contributes to their overall sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Existential or existentialism is a word that has become popular in the recent years.

Existentialism is a way of thinking about life and asking big questions about who we are and why we are here. It's like being a curious explorer of life.

Imagine you have a big box of puzzles, and each puzzle piece represents a different part of life. Existentialism is about trying to put all those puzzle pieces together to understand the whole picture.

Sometimes we may wonder about things like:

What makes me unique? What is the meaning of life? Why do we have feelings like happiness, sadness, or curiosity? These questions are part of existentialism.

Existentialism reminds us that we have the power to make choices and decide what we want to do with our lives. It says that we can create our own meaning and purpose in life. It's like being the author of our own story.

Existentialism also encourages us to be true to ourselves and to embrace who we are. It's like having a special fingerprint that makes us different from everyone else. We can discover our passions, follow our dreams, and be proud of our own uniqueness.

Dr Purity Carr is a GP and Menopause Doctor in Harvey, Western Australia