Let’s be real: menopause can be an incredibly lonely, isolating, confusing period — so when people say “HAPPY WORLD MENOPAUSE MONTH!!” you may be wondering…what’s happy about that?

Here at Elektra, we’re big on mindset, or the idea of reframing menopause as something far more positive and purposeful (like a gateway into the next phase of your life). And while we acknowledge that silver linings can be really, really hard to find when you’re in the thick of it, it helps to read stories from women who have been through the transition. 

There is power in vulnerability and relief in knowing that you’re not alone. And no, this isn’t “all in your head.” 

So while we spotlight the voices of badass women navigating menopause all year round, we figured it couldn’t hurt to give ‘em some extra love in October.

1. Antonietta Vicario

Cancer survivor, former professional dancer, and current VP of Training/Talent at P.volve.

“My menopause transition has empowered me to become even more detached from those patriarchal ideas of beauty, and I just move with so much more swagger now!”

2. Cindy Barshop

Star of Bravo TV’s, “The Real Housewives of New York City.”

“I am not a person who is set in their ways as I go through menopause. I adjust everything based on the season, how stressful my life is at that point, and how I need to support my well-being.”

3. Norma Kamali

Fashion icon and author of I Am Invincible, a handbook for women through each decade of their lives.

“Menopause is the most profound and meaningful reinvention of your life. I can personally attest to this. You’re going through a huge transition. Not just a hormonal transition, not just a physical transition: it’s a spiritual transition.”

4. Reshma Saujani

Founder of Girls Who Code and author of Brave, Not Perfect.

“The idea of planning for your own path is often seen as selfish for women. We need a cultural revolution affirming that health should always be our top priority.”

5. Tamsen Fadal

Journalist and news anchor at WPIX

“I am enlightened. I am empowered. I am encouraged by the conversation and determined to make sure no woman who enters this life stage after me ever feels confused again.”

6. Omisade Burney Scott

Creator of The Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause.

“I think menopause is a portal from one iteration of yourself to the next. I immediately think of a portal because menopause is a transformative experience. It’s transformed the way I relate the my body, which transforms my relationships, and my romantic relationships — everything is transformed.”