OCtober is Menopause Awareness Month!

And, I am writing about a book about peri thru post menopause and the voice based on my experience as a woman who has gone through and is going through ongoing changes, and as a voice teacher working with singers in this time of life!

As we take on the collective fatigue of this time in history, our collective rage is energized. Both can be true at the same time.

As we become aware and release taboos around peri thru post, we need to keep some things in mind, in my opinion.

The women’s health space is noisy right now. We need to discern what we spend our time on and who we listen to. At the same time, we need to research, ask informed questions, and explore.

What we DO NOT need, is to become holier than thou and dismiss. If a doctor or women’s health specialist is not your cup of tea, but still speaks truth - just share who you are finding information from. As women, we tend to dismiss each other even if it’s unintentional, and we really have to stop doing that. There is something to learn from all these spaces. If you don’t like their advice, then don’t follow it; If you don’t want to buy the supplements, then don’t; if you aren’t for HRT, then deal with it quietly and scroll on by.

Supporting each other as women is CRUCIAL always, but especially now. If someone shares something that has made a difference for them, it’s because she is excited about information and possibility. As a woman, recognize it, and if you don’t agree with the person who provided the informaton, scroll on by. Seriously. We need to lift each other up, not tear down possible resources that could help someone. And if you have found another resource, SHARE IT!

We rail on gatekeeping in our industry, so let’s not gate keep with our health!

Throughout the month of October, I will share some resources that may be helpful or at least give you a starting off point in your understanding, discovery and exploration! As I have said, it’s a noisy space right now - so discern, discuss and explore!

This week is WHAT TO READ. Between books and blogs/substacks there are many women speaking from experience, and doctors who are well-informed!

Here are some of my favorites. Do I agree with everything I read? Absolutely not. Do I feel each one of these books/substacks have value? Absolutely. If your initial reaction is to react and make a negative response, slow your roll my sister. Share your ideas of who you support and we will then learn from each other.

As singers during this time of hormonal life, we may not be fans over every voice we hear, but we can acknowledge the work, the craft and the achievement. Same with the information about menopause.

We are in this together. If we don’t have each other, we are limited and cannot truly explore. A village may raise a child, but a coven raises up a woman through change. Be that woman. Raise up another woman. Listen to her. Hear her. Make her thoughts, emotions, concerns valid - because they are!

These are a few books on my shelf. There are MANY written. Share what has spoken to you!