Our Trustee Kate reflects on her natural menopause, and how this differs surgically induced menopause that BRCA+ people go through. Kate said she asked us all a stupid question at out AGM, no question is silly – it’s SO important that we talk about all these issues and raise awareness about BRCA+ and it’s impacts. Take it away Kate:
“Last month at our Trustee AGM, I asked a really stupid question “What has the menopause got to do with BRCA?”. This was despite my brain knowing that when and whether to have ovary removal is a decision faced by almost all female BRCA carriers.
Having to make that decision and the consequences of it seems so distant from my own experiences as a post-menopausal woman and that of many of my menopausal and peri-menopausal colleagues and friends, that for me the word menopausal failed to resonate. As women we are often told that the menopause is a natural part of ageing. We are not expected to like it, but we are expected to live with it and deal with the consequences as best we can, whether with HRT, red clover tea, mindfulness, or ice packs.
However, even putting the term “surgical” in front does not reflect the reality of having to choose preventative surgery that, whilst it may save your life, will change you, your body, and your identity in so many ways. What other preventative procedure for men or women is there that prematurely ages you?
Recently, the menopause seems to be everywhere. There is a world Menopause Month, a plethora of solutions to relieve symptoms (including anything from gardening, expensive herbal concoctions, flotation tanks and cooling mats); a host of celebrities such as Davina McCall, Lorraine Kelly and Penny Lancaster calling for society to change its approach whether in prescription charges, workplace support or male understanding; and menopause wellbeing therapists, coaches, and retreats. It is great that this once taboo subject is now openly discussed and much better understood.
But too often the message is that the menopause is a natural transition in women’s lives, whilst for the many young, lively, and sexually active women who experience premature menopause or the surgery that causes it, the menopause is not natural and is significantly more life changing in a way it is not for older women. This is especially true when it is young women who are having to make a personal decision to undergo such surgery because of their gene mutations.
On reflection, I feel very insensitive to have even asked that question, but I do wish there was a better word to properly describe the unique experiences of the brave women who are part of BRCA Chat and the BRCA community. Menopause is not enough.”
Thanks so much Kate – no question is a stupid question, and we are here to answer them without judgement. We are so lucky to have you on the Board. If you have any comments or questions pop them in the box below.
