Let’s talk about menopause. The word is no stranger to men or women, but what exactly is it and when should women start to expect the symptoms?
Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period. Women experience menopause at different ages and in different ways. The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, moodiness and irritability, pain during sex, or depression. But some, experience little no symptoms at all.
I’ve been living in Beijing for over 8 years now while there are various groups and networks for all sorts of professional and personal needs, there is very rarely one specifically for menopause. Meet Stella Chan Marinaro, from T. Talk With Stella.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My family and I have been living in Beijing for 10 years. As a Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist at Raffles Medical Center, I provide patients with healthy eating and exercise plans. I also work as a Sports Nutritionist and Spin Instructor at the Human in Motion Fitness Studio.
I part of a very special tribe of women known as WWOTW (Wild Women on the Wall), a group of 24 women training together for a three-day 90+ km run and hike on and along the Great Wall in March. Last year we raised over RMB 150,000 to support women and children’s charities through our various WWOTW events, including a Spin-a-thon and fun run. This year we are well on our way to meeting our RMB 200,000 goal. T. Talks, New Beginnings, and Menopause is my WWOTW fundraising initiative.
Tell us a bit about your event T. Talk with Stella. When was it started? Why?
Between the ages of 40 and 55 (for some women even younger), women begin to experience menopause, yet many know little about it. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, migraine headaches, and depression, just to name a few, can range from being annoying to being completely debilitating. The purpose of the workshop is for women to have a place to talk freely and openly with other women experiencing symptoms of menopause.
When my friends JinR and Robbie, the owners of the Green Tea House, encouraged me to give a nutrition talk in their beautiful restaurant, I knew that it would be the perfect setting for an open discussion on this important topic.
Do you think women are more emotionally vulnerable during the beginning of menopause?
During menopause fluctuating hormones often wreak havoc on women physically, mentally and emotionally leaving them feeling exhausted and vulnerable.
Do you think there’s still a negative stigma towards women starting menopause?
There shouldn’t be a negative stigma towards women starting menopause. After all, it’s natural and normal, and something that every woman will experience. That is why women should talk about it openly and with each other, and be supportive so no woman ever feels like she is going through it alone.
Tell us about one of your sessions. What’s it like? What kind of people attend?
The first New Beginnings and Menopause T. Talk, Part 1 took place in November. An international group of menopausal and perimenopausal women gathered around a cozy roaring fireplace before moving to a well-appointed table. Over Chinese high tea, we discussed the symptoms of menopause and solutions to alleviate the unpleasant aspects. We also discussed the positives, and how this can be a time for positive changes, new beginnings, and setting achieving life-long goals.
What do you wish your attendees take away from this experience?
The takeaway message is that menopause is real, the symptoms while unpleasant can be alleviated, and if you are experiencing it you are not alone. Together we can support and help each other.
Do you cover different topics relating to menopause each time?
Yes. Part 1 focused on the signs and symptoms of menopause, which can also be a time for new beginnings, new experiences, and positive changes. Part 2, which will take place later in January will cover nutrition, exercise, and menopause.
What can people expect to discuss in your upcoming T. Talk with Stella?
The T. Talk on January 10 will be a repeat session of Part 1. Part 2 will take place later in the month.
Jan 10 at 2.30pm
Green T. House
318 Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District
朝阳区崔各庄乡合各庄村318号
RMB 288 including afternoon tea. A portion of the proceed will be donated to WWOTW/Roundabout
Photos: Stella Chan Marinaro, unsplash
