The topic of menopause has been talked about a lot in recent years, making its way from the hushed kitchen-table conversations to major news and media publications, where everyone from medical experts to celebrities like Naomi Watts and Halle Berry are sharing their experiences. Breaking the taboos, silence, and shame around this very common medical condition that impacts half the globe is well overdue.
We’re seeing an increase in workplaces feeling the pressure to understand the symptoms of menopause and how it can impact female employees wellbeing and productivity. As the LA Times reports, “A growing number of employers are offering or planning to introduce specific menopause benefits for their staff, keen to shrink the $26.6 billion that the U.S. economy alone sheds each year related to employees managing menopause symptoms, including $1.8 billion due to lost productivity and billions more in health expenses.”
This workplace shift in the menopause conversation has only been made possible due to the may women sharing their stories in public forums, creating more awareness and a society that is able to access empathy around this issue due to the relatable anecdotes that can now be found everywhere on social media and online.
One woman who is part of this movement to break taboos and silence is author Nadine Abou Zahr, who just released a new book called ‘Menopostal: a Brief Guide to Hormonal Sanity’. Nadine’s book skillfully deconstructs each menopausal symptom (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and the insatiable urge to smash something against the wall!) with a blend of sarcasm, humor, and genuine empathy, creating a relatable and comforting narrative for modern women going through menopause.
Of French and Lebanese heritage, Nadine was raised in a family deeply entrenched in journalism and publishing. Her upbringing across France, the UAE, Switzerland, and Egypt enriched her cosmopolitan perspective. With a robust career spanning two decades in journalism, including the successful launch and management of a fashion magazine in the Middle East, Nadine made a pivotal career decision.
Motivated by her passion for empowering women to heal, she transitioned into a specialized role as a life coach, focusing on supporting individuals with eating disorders. Nadine’s personal journey and professional trajectory have deeply shaped her empathy for women’s well-being, encompassing both their mental and physical health.
Nadine’s ultimate aspiration was to leverage her skills in communication, gained through journalism, in order to empower women going through menopause and give them hope when everything feels hopeless.
Currently, she divides her time between Egypt and France, and we had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Nadine during her busy book promotion schedule to learn more about her own menopause experience, and what she wants readers to know and feel after reading ‘Menopostal’.
What prompted you to write a book about Menopause?
It was completely unexpected. I had sent my sister a random piece I’d written about menopause hot flashes- which is in Menopostal now and she called me right after reading it to suggest I turn this little rambling into a book. I actually menopaused 11 years ago, at age 42 and at the time, most my girlfriends were still menstruating and having babies. It was a very isolating experience. I think that with this book I just wanted to tell women, you’re not alone and you’re not crazy!
Can you share some of your own journey through menopause, and the biggest lessons you learned along the way?
My journey through menopause was very complex. The most significant lesson I learned was: if not now, then when? If I don’t confront the obstacles in my life now, then when? If I don’t prioritize my health now, then when? If I don’t give myself the love and respect I deserve, then when? Menopause felt like a final call for the last train.
We are starting to see some increase in conversations about menopause in mainstream media, film and even healthcare. But do you why has it taken this long to talk about an issue that impacts half the world’s population?
To be honest, even today I still wonder why it has taken so long for menopause to be acknowledged and given the spotlight it deserves. Despite the growing momentum there still remains so many elements of unease and shame surrounding it.
Where did you passion for healing and empowering women originate? What was the event or moment in your life that made you want to dedicate your work to this mission?
I struggled with bulimia for many years, and after my recovery, becoming an eating disorder recovery coach felt like a natural progression. This incredible journey deepened my understanding of the complex experiences women face, from their first menstruation through to menopause. Hearing these incredible stories of love and resilience profoundly transformed me. Then instinctively, my coaching expanded to address broader women’s issues and allowed me to support and empower them through their unique journeys.
The way we talk about and access healthcare in the United States is VERY different from the rest of the world. Can you share a little about what it is like in France and Egypt where you have lived and currently divide your time?
Healthcare in France offers universal coverage with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability, and it is supported by a blend of public and private services. Healthcare in Egypt is a mix of public and private services, with the public system aiming to provide broad access but often struggling with resource constraints. The private sector offers higher-quality care but can be costly.
From a societal stand-point, what needs to change in our cultural conversations to better understand issues like Menopause, and not look at women’s health issues as something weird, “other”, or taboo?
Personally, I believe that these changes need to happen from within, on an individual level. A woman who has accepted and embraced menopause unapologetically has more power than she knows. This power is also very contagious.
What are some of the stories we can expect to read about in ‘Menopostal’?
I like to compare Menopostal to a series of written TikToks, each one depicting a menopausal symptom through a brief, humorous message. I tried to blend sarcasm, humor, and heart to create a guide where women may not necessarily find medical advice but will enjoy a much-needed laughing interlude during this challenging chapter of their lives.
You lean heavily on humor and sarcasm in your book, which makes for an engaging read! Why was it important to you to make some of the content light-hearted, and not feel so overwhelming?
I grew up in a family where a good sense of humor was not just appreciated but fundamental. For me, laughter is more than just a release—it’s a vital part of how I navigate life. I deeply believe in the healing power of laughter. And Menopause, I must admit, has certainly provided me with ample material to work with!
What do you think is the cumulative impact when more and more women share their stories and push back on the expectations to stay silent?
As I mentioned earlier, embracing menopause and being open about it can be highly contagious. I don’t think society will ever hand women the right to age gracefully and naturally on a silver platter. We must reclaim it ourselves, and I think that to do so, we first need to accept it and embrace it on an individual level.
What was your weirdest menopause symptom you experienced, and how did you deal with it?
Oh, I was, for many years a crazy hot flash machine! Bathrooms became my favorite places on earth and running my hands under cold water was the closest solution I found to try to restrain these insufferable sweating episodes! And when that wouldn’t work, running back home was often my solid plan B!
For someone just starting their menopause journey or who might be in perimenopause, what do you hope they will gain from reading ‘Menopostal’?
A good laugh! And a heartfelt hug…
Get your copy of ‘Menopostal’ by Nadine Abou Zahr by clicking HERE, and follow Nadine on Instagram.
