Menopause Over Martinis*

Menopause/ruahinetanga is a normal and inevitable stage of life. Yet it isn't often seen as taboo.

Approximately 20% of women and people experience severe symptoms and 60% suffer moderate symptoms during perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), menopause (the day someone hasn't had a period for at least 12 months) and post-menopause (the rest of someone's life).

The potential 34+ symptoms from fluctuating hormones can last 1 - 10 years and affect women and people cognitively, physically and emotionally. Being supportive of people going through this stage of life is critical. With the right information, understanding and support, it is an empowering stage of life.

In early 2019, I landed in perimenopause without knowing what that was. It was a worrying and confusing few months but I was lucky to the get the support I needed, in the end.

On World Menopause Day 2020, I launched a grassroots project Menopause Over Martinis*. It started out as a potluck dinner with a difference and has since grown into a movement; an invitation for friends, family and colleagues to talk and learn about perimenopause and menopause at home, work and in the community; an opportunity to inform, understand, support and celebrate people going through this important stage of life; a call for change; and a chance to have some fun.

I started a public Facebook group for people to ask questions, share information and support each other. Since mid-2021, I've facilitated conversations about perimenopause/menopause for people in workplaces all over New Zealand.

I'd love to add more content to the website, organise more community events and keep the public Facebook group going. To make those things happen, I need your help.

* martinis obviously optional