The Myth of ‘Just Push Through’: Why Menopause Deserves More Than a Shrug

You’re not imagining it. You’re not “just tired.” And no, you don’t need to suck it up.

For generations, women have been quietly suffering through the symptoms of menopause — brushing off night sweats, struggling through exhaustion, swallowing mood swings, and powering through painful sex — all while holding down careers, raising families, and running households.

Why? Because we’ve been taught to just push through. 😣

But it’s time to rewrite that story.

😶 The Legacy of Silence and Shrugging It Off

Let’s face it: most of us weren’t raised with open conversations about menopause. Maybe your mom or grandmother never talked about it — or if they did, it was whispered or brushed aside with humor or discomfort. You might have grown up hearing menopause described as something women just had to “get through.”

Add to that the cultural obsession with youth and productivity, and it’s no surprise so many of us hit our 40s or 50s and feel completely blindsided. We’re taught to ignore our symptoms, smile through the sweat, and be grateful we’re no longer dealing with periods — never mind the emotional and physical rollercoaster happening underneath.

🙋‍♀️ And when we do ask for help? Too many women are still dismissed or told:

• “It’s just part of aging.”
• “You’re probably stressed.”
• “Everyone goes through it — you’ll be fine.”

This normalization of struggle keeps us silent. It makes us doubt ourselves. It makes us think we’re supposed to feel this way.

But no. You are not broken — and you don’t have to just ride it out.

🙆‍♀️ Let’s Be Clear: Menopause Is a Whole-Body Transition

Menopause isn’t a small blip. It’s a profound hormonal shift that affects nearly every system in your body.

• Your brain? Foggy, forgetful, anxious? That’s real.
• Your sleep? Suddenly unpredictable or nonexistent? Yep.
• Your mood? Swings, irritability, or even depression? Common — and chemical.
• Your joints? Achy and stiff in ways you don’t recognize? Another estrogen-related change.
• Your libido and intimacy? Not in your head.

And let’s not forget hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, dryness, and the slow, confusing shifts in how we feel in our own skin.

All of these symptoms can be traced back to changing hormone levels, especially the decline of estrogen, which impacts everything from your temperature regulation and memory to your metabolism and heart health.

🩺 This is real science — not you being “dramatic.”

🔄 Why It’s Time to Break the Cycle

Here’s what I want you to know: You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through this chapter. You don’t have to go it alone. And you definitely don’t have to settle for the message that this is “just the way it is now.”

You deserve:

• A provider who listens and helps you explore all your options — from hormone therapy to pelvic floor support to lifestyle shifts.
• A space to ask questions, vent frustrations, and be reminded that you’re not alone.
• Tools and strategies to help you feel like yourself again (or even a stronger, clearer version of yourself).

☝️ So What Can You Do Instead of Just “Pushing Through”?

Let’s start here:

✔️ Get informed. The more you understand what’s happening in your body, the less scary and confusing it feels. Knowledge is power — and relief.

✔️ Advocate for yourself. If your provider brushes you off, find a new one. You’re not being difficult — you’re being responsible for your health.

✔️ Seek community. One of the biggest reliefs for women inside StrongHER Together is simply hearing, “Oh my gosh, me too.” There’s something deeply healing about being seen and understood — especially in midlife, when so many of us feel invisible.

✔️ Explore your options. Hormone therapy may help. So might strength training, nutrition shifts, mindfulness, pelvic floor work, or cognitive tools. There is no one-size-fits-all solution — but there are options.

💡Bottom Line

This stage of life is hard. But it’s also a chance to slow down, pay attention, and build something stronger. You don’t have to pretend it’s fine. You don’t have to disappear into the fog of symptoms and self-doubt. Let’s stop minimizing menopause — and start giving it the care and respect it deserves. You don’t need to “push through.” You need permission to show up fully — messy, radiant, curious, and human.