Sexy Menopause tackles the taboo of midlife intimacy

NORTHERN Rivers physiotherapist Lisa Fitzpatrick will speak about her forthcoming book Sexy Menopause at a free talk at Byron Bay Library on Thursday 19 March.

Fitzpatrick, who has a clinic in Bangalow and also works from Wahini Health in Ballina, specialises in pelvic and sexual health and education.

She began writing the book a year ago after noticing a growing number of women in their 40s and 50s coming to her clinic feeling confused or concerned about changes in their bodies, including shifts in libido and the impact on their relationships.

“Around the same time I was navigating my own midlife transition after a long relationship ended, and I found myself asking questions many women in midlife wonder about – whether sexuality, love and intimacy are still possible after menopause,” she said.

Fitzpatrick said she chose the title of the book, which will be released in September, because menopause and sexuality are rarely spoken about in the same sentence.

She said many women reach midlife without ever having had menopause properly explained to them.

“Women are also often spooked by the negative and not so hopeful focus on the terrible symptoms of menopause and they are yearning for more hopeful insights,” she said. “The book combines medical knowledge, memoir, clinical experience and real-life examples in a way that is practical, compassionate and hopeful. It has a combination of practical and soulful advice so it will appeal to readers who don’t want just a sterile, clinical explanation for the changes they are experiencing, which they can easily get elsewhere. ”

Fitzpatrick said there is growing recognition that menopause affects half the population and deserves more open discussion.

“Social media, advocacy from women’s health professionals and high-profile public conversations have helped bring the topic out of the shadows,” she said.

“For too long women have been expected to navigate menopause quietly and without much guidance. When we talk openly about it, women realise their experiences are normal and that there are many ways to support health, sexuality and wellbeing through this stage of life. I have lost count of the number of women who tearfully confess in my clinic, that they feel so alone and that they feel like what they might be experiencing is abnormal. It breaks my heart to hear this, and I am so grateful that the conversations are becoming more mainstream.”

Ultimately, Fitzpatrick hopes the book will help women feel less alone during perimenopause, which can last for a decade.

The free talk, which will include an audience Q&A, will take place at Byron Bay Library at 3.30pm on Thursday 19 March.

To complement the event, the library will also host an in-house display of books and resources focused on menopause and women’s health.

Bookings are essential. Visit www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or phone 6685 8540.