18/10/2026
It's not "just a thing!"
It's real and very overwhelming.
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WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY 18/11/2026
Chronic Pain at Midlife — Women Deserve to Be Heard
Today, 18 October, we recognise World Menopause Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness about menopause and improving the health and well-being of women around the world.
This year's theme, “Chronic Pain at Midlife,” highlights an important issue that deserves more attention. The International Menopause Society is encouraging greater recognition, research and evidence-based care for women experiencing pain during and after the menopause transition.
🌸 WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of menstrual periods. It is generally confirmed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period, provided there is no other cause.
The transition leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. During this time, changing hormone levels can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Menopause can also occur earlier than expected because of medical treatment, surgery or other causes.
🌸 WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS?
Every woman's experience is different, but symptoms may include:
🔹 Hot flushes and night sweats
🔹 Difficulty sleeping and fatigue
🔹 Mood changes, anxiety or difficulty concentrating
🔹 Irregular periods during perimenopause
🔹 Vaginal dryness and discomfort during s*x
🔹 Joint aches, muscle pain and other changes in how the body feels
🔹 Changes in s*xual desire
🔹 Urinary symptoms
Some women experience only mild symptoms, while others find that their symptoms significantly affect their work, relationships, sleep and everyday lives.
🌸 WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT CHRONIC PAIN?
Pain that persists should never automatically be dismissed as “just hormones” or simply part of getting older.
Muscle and joint pain can occur around menopause, but persistent or severe pain may have other causes that need investigation. Women deserve to be listened to, properly assessed and offered appropriate treatment.
🌸 WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK HELP?
Speak to a healthcare professional if pain is persistent, worsening or interfering with daily life. Seek urgent medical attention for sudden severe pain or other alarming symptoms.
There are treatment and support options for menopause symptoms, depending on a woman's medical history, symptoms and individual needs. These may include lifestyle changes, psychological support, non-hormonal treatments or menopausal hormone therapy where appropriate.
🌸 LET'S BREAK THE SILENCE.
Menopause is not a weakness. It is not something women should have to suffer through in silence. And no woman should feel embarrassed to ask for help.
To every woman navigating this chapter of life: your experiences matter, your pain deserves attention, and you deserve compassionate care.
At Radio33 Little Soldiers, we believe that awareness begins when we start talking openly about the things people often find difficult to discuss.
💗 Radio33 Little Soldiers — Radio vir mense met siel.
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