Topic Tuesday// Embracing Menopause // Tuesday 25th July 2023 5:30-7PM AEST

The phases of a woman’s life can be depicted in the following way:

Hang on, before I get into describing this particular way, I would just like to say it is an offering it may or may not resonate with you.

You might have your own words for these phases, or perhaps these phases don't fit your experience - that's ok. It's important to say that different cultures also understand the phases of women's lives differently.

These phases below are ones we sometimes see in Western culture, but even within that there's variation. There's no one way to go through life as a woman. If these ideas don't resonate for you, don't feel you need to take them on.

Perhaps you might like to share the phases you relate to - feel free to share them here!

The journey as an adult begins with the:

Maid – representing youth

Mother – can represent either actual motherhood or the caring role women are expected to play.

Enchantress – no longer tending to small children, experienced, wiser with more time and able step into their power.

It is little wonder physically at this stage many experiences heat in the form of hot flushes and for some rage and anger. A lot of people we have spoken to at this stage and beyond talk about no longer being willing to put up with any BS.

Crone or Wise Woman – The final transition is to the Crone. A Wise Woman who has a lifetime’s worth of learning and experience and a view of the bigger picture.

Like all life transitions, you come out the other side still yourself but changed…an updated version of you.

This year WHT ran some consultations with people experiencing peri-menopause, menopause, or post-menopause. We wanted to hear from them, what they had discovered so far – their insights and story. We also wanted to hear what they wanted to know or wish they had known about menopause,

We did this to help inform us in the creation of a workshop or series of workshops on menopause. While we have presented on this topic, in the past, we are really keen to know what participants are wanting. And how they would like the information presented, how could we make it engaging and fun.

While we have created a workshop and delivered it to some groups (online and in-person), we are still keen to continue to hear what people want to know and what they have learned about menopause. So, please feel free to share with us what insights you might have or what you would like to know.

While I may not be able to answer all your questions here, they are no doubt queries other people will have and we can ensure we discover the answers and address them in future workshops.

WHT is able to provide in-person and online workshops on Menopause. We also offer workshops on Self Care, Periods and Mentors in Violence Prevention. We have a free lending library which includes book on Menopause.

For Tasmanians our counsellors can also offer up to 3 free sessions, in-person, via or online and can provide referrals to other professionals for ongoing counselling or required services. We have a free call Women’s Health Information Line which is answered during our opening hours. The number is 1800 675 028.