It seems life will test us, doesn't it? Hormonal chaos throws us through adolescence and into adulthood. Then, just a few decades later, another hormonal storm tells us, never mind. That's all over. I think part of our reaction to each of these events, especially menopause, is emotional and cultural. Many cultures celebrate the physical changes that come with adolescence. There are rituals to highlight the passage into adulthood. It is a time to rejoice. But menopause is seen as a loss. We take note of it in the doctor's office, perhaps. We see it as the end of something important.

I think we need a menopause ceremony, a ceremony to celebrate freedom and passage to another stage in life. I think if we all greeted menopause as we greet adolescence, there would surely be less depression.

Hope you don't mind my little essay in response to your wonderful article. Of course we need the information you give us. There is so much misinformation floating around that good, solid facts are essential.

Thank you for writing this most interesting article (I was able to get through it without a translator!)