Understanding Menopause: A Journey of Change, Not Decline

Menopause is often shrouded in silence, fear, and misunderstanding. Yet, it is one of the most natural and significant transitions in a woman’s life. As Dr. Grace Kanyi, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Tharaka Nithi County, explains, “Menopause is not a disease. It’s a gradual and natural transition marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years.”

On World Menopause Day, whose 2025 theme was “Lifestyle Medicine in Menopausal Health,” Dr. Kanyi reminds women that midlife can be empowering when approached with understanding and care.

What Really Happens During Perimenopause and Menopause

According to the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) 2025 White Paper, menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen levels decline. The years leading up to it — known as perimenopause — can last around four years and are marked by hormonal fluctuations that cause symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

Dr. Kanyi emphasizes that this process is gradual, not sudden. “As long as it’s natural menopause, the transition usually happens over time — beginning with irregular menstrual periods and symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and irritability,” she says. “The key is recognizing what’s happening and seeking the right kind of support.”

Common Misconceptions About Menopause

Many women still believe menopause signals the end of vitality, sexuality, and productivity — myths that Dr. Kanyi hopes to dispel.
“Some tend to think that life and sexuality will come to an end during menopause,” she notes. “But I’m here to let you know that we can actually improve the quality of your sexual life during menopause.”

These misconceptions often arise from lack of open conversation. Dr. Kanyi encourages women to talk about menopause in supportive spaces: “Let us women sit in groups, invite a qualified medical doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN), open up that discussion and ask — as I walk through menopause, what kind of help is there?”

Lifestyle Medicine: A Foundation for Menopausal Health

Beyond medication, the IMS White Paper highlights the power of lifestyle medicine in managing menopausal changes. This approach focuses on six key pillars:

• Healthy eating
• Physical activity
• Mental well-being
• Avoidance of risky substances
• Restorative sleep
• Healthy relationships

Research shows that lifestyle interventions can reduce hot flashes, improve sleep quality, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Adopting balanced diets — like the Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats — along with regular exercise and stress management, can significantly enhance quality of life during midlife and beyond.

Dr. Kanyi agrees that lifestyle changes make a world of difference: “It’s for us to empower women with knowledge and provide them with up-to-date care around menopause,” she says. She also calls for better in-school training so healthcare providers are well-equipped to care for menopausal women.

Menopause in the Workplace

Since many women experience menopause at the peak of their careers, Dr. Kanyi believes employers and HR departments have an important role to play.
“Because most of these women are very robust in their workspaces, we need to integrate menopause awareness into the workforce,” she advises. Simple measures such as creating airy workspaces, installing fans, or allowing flexible dress codes can go a long way in improving comfort and productivity.

Workplace sensitivity, she says, helps normalize conversations around menopause and removes the stigma many women silently endure.

Shifting the Narrative: From Silence to Empowerment

At the heart of Dr. Kanyi’s message is a call for women to reclaim their narratives and celebrate this phase of life. “Let us have women around this age coming out positively with positive messaging around menopause,” she urges.

Menopause does not mean the end of vitality, she insists; it is an opportunity to step into a new chapter with confidence, self-awareness, and health at the center.

As Dr. Kanyi beautifully puts it,

“Menopause is not the end of vitality — it’s the beginning of a new empowered chapter. By replacing silence with knowledge, fear with confidence, and neglect with proactive care, we can support women to thrive during midlife and beyond.”