The Positive Pause

Navigating Menopause with Humor and Strength

• National Menopause Foundation • Season 1 • Episode 32

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In this episode, Colleen McIntosh, author of Menopause: The Horror, Humility, and Humor of It All joins us to discuss her candid and humorous approach to navigating menopause. She shares insights on how humor, support, and self-care can help women thrive during this challenging life transition.

Colleen’s story is one of humor, resilience, and self-discovery. Having spent years in acting and advertising, Colleen turned to writing to document her personal journey through menopause, a phase she felt was largely ignored or misunderstood in society. Colleen describes the moment that inspired her to write her book, recalling a frustrating encounter at an airport where she realized how invisible she felt as an older woman. It was then that she began writing down her experiences, making humor a central theme in her narrative.

Humor has been Colleen’s lifeline, even in the most difficult moments. She recalls a particularly hilarious monologue about her menopausal journey that had her family in stitches, despite a few moments of shock. Humor allowed her to process her emotions and, ultimately, embrace the changes she was experiencing with a lighter heart.

One of Colleen’s core missions is to normalize conversations about menopause and aging. She encourages women to share their experiences with their families and communities. She believes that this openness is essential for breaking down the stigma surrounding menopause and empowering the next generation of women.

She discussed the importance of:

  • Having a support system during menopause, whether through friends, family, or local communities.  
  • Using humor in helping you to get through menopause
  • Educating and communicating with the men in our lives to understand menopause
  • Prioritizing self-care and being "selfish" in a way that ultimately benefits everyone around you

Colleen’s story is a testament to the power of humor, self-care, and support in navigating the menopausal journey. She reminds women that they are not alone and encourages them to embrace the changes with compassion, humor, and open communication. Menopause, like any life transition, can be a time of growth, learning, and connection.

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